Anxiety is used to describe feelings of unease, worry and fear.

This includes physical sensations we might experience when we are struggling with anxiety. It’s normal to feel tense and fearful at the prospect of big event or decision you’re facing, especially if it is going to have a big influence on your future; for example sitting an exam, attending an interview, starting a new job, having a baby or deciding to get married. Anxiety is part of our normal biological reaction to feeling threatened.

Anxiety becomes a problem when the symptoms intensify and last for a long period of time. For example, you might find that you are worrying about normal everyday activities that you would usually cope with well. You might find yourself avoiding simple tasks out of fear and worry, and retreating in to yourself/cutting off your support networks. You could be having unrealistic worries about scenarios that will never occur, or worrying about worrying (and worrying about worrying about worrying!) Along with this you might experience regular panic attacks.

If you find that anxiety is hindering your ability to live day-to-day, it is important to look for ways to help yourself. Primarily this would involve seeking a diagnosis, as depending on the nature of your anxiety you could be diagnosed with a specific type of disorder, such as obsessive compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. Treatment options include talking therapies, which can help you understand the source of your anxiety and evaluate/change your thought patterns in order to cope better when you find yourself in situations that trigger anxiety. Certain types of medication are also available where needed.

Although a natural response to anxiety is avoiding what triggers fear, facing up to what makes you anxious can be a helpful first step in breaking the cycle of insecurity. Day-to-day it is important to make sure you’re helping yourself cope as much as possible. For example by talking to people you trust about what you’re going through, joining a support network, getting regular exercise or trying breathing and mental exercise that can help you shift your point of view and focus on the current moment.

If you feel anxiety is becoming an issue for you, there is also the option to self-refer to counselling. You could do this by seeing if self-referral NHS services are available in your area by looking at the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme website. Further information on anxiety, and details about where to seek help, can be found here.

If you feel like you have a problem that can’t be solved, you don’t need to suffer in silence. The College of Animal Welfare offers free counselling services to their students on an on-going basis as needed. Appointments are available face-to-face as well as by video conference, FaceTime or similar. For more information on how to book an appointment please visit our website.

Depression is an incredibly common mental health problem, affecting around 1 in 10 people at some point during their lifetime.*

Depression goes much further than simply feeling fed up now and again. Everyone experiences periods of unhappiness occasionally, however often low mood will improve after a short period of time. Depression is characterised when feelings of sadness and hopelessness become persistent, and continue for weeks, months or even years.

It is important to seek help and advice if you feel you might be experiencing depression. The illness affects people in different ways depending on how severe it is. The most common symptoms include prolonged feelings of stress, unhappiness or anxiety, feeling tired constantly, losing interest in activities you used to enjoy, feeling tearful, losing appetite or sex drive, and experiencing various aches and pains.

The good news is that, with the right help and support, many people living with depression can make a full recovery. You might benefit from talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy if you are experiencing mild-moderate depression. Antidepressants can also be prescribed where necessary. Lifestyle changes such as doing more exercise, cutting down alcohol intake or eating more healthily can help people suffering with depression to cope better on a day-to-day basis.

For further information on depression, and details about where to seek help, can be found at www.mind.org.uk

If you feel like you have a problem that can’t be solved, you don’t need to suffer in silence. The College of Animal Welfare offers free counselling services to their students on an on-going basis as needed. Appointments are available face-to-face as well as by video conference, FaceTime or similar. For more information on how to book an appointment please visit our website.

This month’s prize competition topic is Mental Health Awareness Week – enter and be in with a chance to win a £20 amazon voucher!

Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 8-14 May 2017. This year’s theme is ‘Surviving or Thriving?’ which aims to look at mental health from a new angle. Rather than ask why so many people are living with mental health problems, the theme seeks to uncover why too few of us are thriving with good mental health. This includes exploring the difference between surviving or thriving, why some communities are under strain and what government can to do support them, and what steps we can take to look after our mental health and build resilience to cope with the demands of life.

In order to be in with a chance of winning a £20 amazon voucher, you simply need to submit an effort you have made to engage with and/or raise awareness of the topic Mental Health Awareness Week to marketing@caw.ac.uk by Thursday 25 May 2017.

What you choose to submit is open to your interpretation. This means you can enter anything you feel is relevant. This could be anything from artwork and videos, to personal stories, blogs, fundraising efforts or poems.

If you’re struggling to think of ideas, you could send us…

• Personal stories – Just as people are not defined by their physical injuries and disabilities, mental illness is not a character flaw and is not a sign of personal weakness. Sharing a personal story is a great way to open up an honest discussion and break down stigma.
• News reports – Mental health problems are incredibly common. It is estimated that 1 in 6 people in the past week have experienced a common mental health problem. You could research what is being done in your area to prioritise mental health and report back.
• Blogs – Blogging is one of the most accessible ways to share your ideas with others. There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can write about. This could include how we can better manage our mental health, how we can support people we know when they’re struggling, or how we can improve mental wellbeing in the workplace!

These are just a few ideas. Remember – we will consider whatever you choose to submit, provided it fits the theme!

Good luck!

This competition is open to all students, staff and clinical coaches working with The College of Animal Welfare. Entries should be sent to marketing@caw.ac.uk, or handed in to College, by Thursday 25 May 2017.