How do I get help for my fear or anxiety?

It may be hard to admit to fears that most other people don’t seem to have, but asking for help is a sign of strength. The first step is usually to see your GP.

Talking about your feelings can be difficult so it’s often helpful to write a few notes about how you have been feeling beforehand. You can take a friend or relative with you to the appointment.

Talking therapies

Talking therapies like counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are very effective for people with anxiety problems, including computerised cognitive behavioural therapy which takes you through a series of self-help exercises on-screen. Visit your GP to find out more.

Find out more about talking therapies

Support groups

You can learn a lot about managing anxiety from asking other people who have experienced it. Local support groups or self-help

groups bring together people with similar experiences so they can hear each other’s stories, share tips and encourage each other to try out new ways of managing their worries.

Your doctor, library or local citizens advice bureau will have details of support groups near you. You can learn a lot about managing anxiety from asking other people who have experienced it. Local support groups or self-help

Medication

Drug treatments are used to provide short-term help, rather than as a cure for anxiety problems. Drugs may be most useful when they are combined with other treatments or support.