General anxiety
According to the NHS, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a long-term condition that causes an individual to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues rather than one specific event (for example taking an exam).
The NHS state that the symptoms of GAD can vary between people but can include things like:
- Feeling restless or worried
- Having trouble concentrating or sleeping
- Dizziness or heart palpitations
The NHS advice that you may have GAD if:
- your worrying significantly affects your daily life, including your job and social life
- your worries are extremely stressful and upsetting
- you worry about all sorts of things and tend to think the worst
- your worrying is uncontrollable
- you have felt worried nearly every day for at least 6 months
For more information about GAD take a look at the NHS Website.
How can the University support you?
If anxiety is affecting your everyday life you can contact the University through the Online Mental Wellbeing Referral Form.
We also offer several different support groups which you can access. Our schedule is available here.
You can also access support through the Tellmi app. Tellmi provides free digital mental health support, 365 days a year (on Android, IOS, and the web) to anyone aged 11+ across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Tellmi enables people to help themselves by helping each other. The community is anonymous and age-banded. Tellmi offers 1-2-1 text-based, solution-focused therapy with a qualified therapist. This therapeutic model is designed to help individuals think positively about their future and identify existing skills and strengths.
What to do next?
Contact the Samaritans
If you feel unable to cope and you need to speak with someone urgently please contact the Samaritans. They are available 24/7 and can be contacted on 116 123.
Contact your GP
If you have been experiencing anxiety for 6 months or more, you could arrange an appointment with your GP.
Online Referral Form
If you want to seek support internally through the University, you should complete the online Mental Wellbeing Referral Form.
What should I do if I am worried about somebody else?
It can be difficult to help someone who is struggling with anxiety or panic attacks. Please know that you are not obligated or expected to help someone. If you feel like you are unable to help someone you can instead signpost them to get help from others, such as the Mental Health and Wellbeing team.
If you feel that you want to help someone with anxiety, there are things that you can do to help. Mind offers a variety of helpful tips for supporting friends and family members who may be experiencing Anxiety.
If you feel able to you can help them to seek support, this could be through their GP or by contacting the University Mental Wellbeing team through the Online Referral Form.
It's important to make sure to look after yourself as well so if you need mental health and wellbeing support you can request this using the Online Referral Form.
More Resources
Last Updated: 8th October 2024