This week (15th – 21st May) is Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, an annual event to promote issues surrounding mental health. Promoted by the Mental Health Foundation, the theme of this year is anxiety, highlighting some of the issues that may cause anxiety but also looking at strategies people can use to help control it.

Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

There are many things that can lead to feelings of anxiety such as exam pressures, relationships, dealing with money and bills. Everyone can experience anxiety at some stage in their life but it is something that can be managed.

Focusing on anxiety for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people's awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

"Anxiety can affect anyone and can come on quite quickly. There are so many triggers, and each could be personal to you but it’s important to realise that it is a normal emotion that everyone can feel.

“Weeks like this are great for raising people’s awareness and understanding of an issue. Mental Health Awareness Week occurs every year, with a different focus, trying to increase the public’s understanding of mental health issues.

“It’s also important to know that help is available. As well as medical support, there are online resources – including some excellent information from the Mental Health Foundation – which can help you to tackle any anxiety that you may feel.”

NOTES

For further information on coping with anxiety: https://bit.ly/MentalHealthAnxiety