Anxiety UK, Britain’s leading anxiety disorders charity supporting over 20,000 anxiety sufferers each year, has today welcomed the government funding to deal with anxiety problems caused by the recession, but has recommended that longer interventions and more choice are necessary to make a real difference to the anxiety epidemic caused by the credit crunch.
“We are thrilled that the government is putting money towards the treatment of anxiety, not least because it shows they are taking the potentially disabling nature of anxiety disorders seriously. It is also fantastic that frontline workers in the DWP and the Benefits Agency are to receive training in awareness of mental health problems,” says Nicky Lidbetter, Chief Executive of Anxiety UK. “However, we urge the government to offer truly effective interventions to people struggling with anxiety. Choice is vital when offering anxiety treatments, and people often need therapy over a longer period of time than is offered through the current Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) model, which basically mean six sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and you’re out. At Anxiety UK we offer fast access to a range of reduced cost treatments and therapies, available for as long as they are needed.”
Anxiety UK has seen an enormous rise in calls and emails from people seeking help for their anxiety in the January/ February 2009 period. Calls to the telephone helpline have doubled and emails requesting support are up 400%. Call levels have been gradually increasing since the credit crunch began to loom large in public consciousness, but January/ February has seen a dramatic leap in this trend. A significant number of these calls relate to financial worries.
“We have seen a worrying increase in call levels to our telephone helpline service, and are concerned that a mental ill health epidemic is looming due to the financial worries currently facing the population,” says Nicky Lidbetter. “Many people are experiencing anxiety for the first time because of the current financial climate, but for those who already suffer with anxiety these times are extremely hard and the worry can be unbearable.”
One of the most difficult things to deal with when suffering with anxiety is the stigma and isolation that people often feel. “Joining Anxiety UK gives you access to a support network of anxiety sufferers throughout the country,” continues Nicky Lidbetter. “We are a user-led charity run by sufferers and ex-sufferers of anxiety, so we really do know how it feels. We can put you in touch with self-help groups, which play a vital role in breaking isolation. This genuine understanding of their experiences is particularly valued by our members.”
Anxiety UK offer information, advice and support to those struggling with anxiety, through their telephone helpline 08444 775 774. They also provide a range of online services through the website www.anxietyuk.org.uk as well as fast access to reduced cost therapy sessions.
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