What is anxiety?
Anxiety is when you feel scared, worried or panicky about something. It’s a normal, human feeling and your body’s natural response to stress or danger. Anyone can experience anxiety, regardless of age, gender, race, culture or faith.
We all feel anxious from time to time. But the feeling usually passes once we feel safe or solve the problem that was causing the anxiety.
When is anxiety a problem?
Anxiety becomes a problem when it stops you from doing the things you want or need to do in life. If this sounds like you, it might be time to get some help. A good place to start is by making an appointment with your GP. If your anxiety is having a major impact on your life, they might diagnose you with an anxiety disorder. But your anxiety doesn’t have to be severe for you to get help.
Young people have told us that their anxiety has sometimes been dismissed as perfectionism or the normal ups and downs of being a teenager. But if it’s impacting your life, you deserve help. If someone dismisses your experience, remember that it doesn’t mean what you’re feeling isn’t valid.
What causes anxiety?
All sorts of things can cause anxiety. There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ reason to feel anxious. Sometimes it has a clear trigger, but other times it can feel like it comes out of nowhere. Some people might feel it in specific situations. Others might feel it more generally. The cause of your anxiety can also change over time.
Below are some real stories from young people about what caused their anxiety.

Anxiety about the news and world events
Sometimes what we see in the news and everything that’s going on in the world can lead to feelings of anxiety. It’s normal to feel like this when you’re faced with difficult events.
If you need support coping with distressing events you're seeing in the news and around the world, our guide has tips that can help.
Symptoms of anxiety
Types of anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders often come after a conversation with a GP. Below are some of the common ways it can show up and what these types of disorders are called:
It’s also common to experience anxiety alongside other mental health conditions, such as depression or PTSD. We have lots of information and advice on different mental health conditions to help you find the right support.
Treating anxiety disorders
If you’re struggling to manage your anxiety, help is available. The best place to start is by making an appointment to see your GP. Even though it might feel like they’re removed from what’s going on in your life, your GP is there to support you with practical options.
Below are some of the treatment options available. The treatment you get offered will depend on your age and what’s causing your anxiety . The important thing is to find what works best for you.
If making appointments and going to the doctor causes you anxiety, let your GP know. They will be able to make arrangements to help. For example, they could arrange phone calls or home visits. You could take someone with you to appointments or ask someone to call the GP for you. It’s okay to tell your GP if you’re struggling and need to make adjustments – they are there to help, not judge.
Ways to look after yourself if you have anxiety
If anxiety is taking over your life, it’s important to get professional help. But there are also things you can do to look after yourself and feel better. Below are some coping techniques that you can try.
How to support a friend with anxiety
It can be hard to know how to help a friend or someone close to you struggling with anxiety. It’s normal to feel worried about saying or doing the wrong thing. But remember that it’s not your responsibility to fix anything. Sometimes just listening to how they’re feeling can be a really big help.
If a friend opens up to you about struggling with anxiety, here are some things you can do to support them.
Where to get help
If anxiety is taking over, you are not alone. Here are some services that can help you get through this.
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Anxiety UK
Provides information, support and advice for anyone struggling with anxiety. Please note that this organisation offers paid-for services, including therapy and an advice line.
- Opening times:
- 10.30am-4.30pm, Monday-Friday
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No Panic
Supports people struggling with panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and other anxiety-related issues - and provides support and information for their carers.
Call 01952 680835 for a recorded breathing exercise to help you through a panic attack (available 24/7).
- Opening times:
- 10am - 10pm, 365 days a year
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Childline
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.
Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.
Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.
- Opening times:
- 24/7
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Muslim Youth Helpline
Provides faith and culturally sensitive support for young Muslims.
Online chat service available during opening hours.
- Opening times:
- 4pm - 10pm, 365 days a year

This page was reviewed in June 2023.
It was co-created by young people with lived experience of anxiety.
We will next review the page in 2026.
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