Learn about anxiety and how Essex residents can access support

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is raising public awareness of anxiety and how people can access support.

EPUT provides a range of services for adults experiencing mental health difficulties. Its services include Therapy for You (NHS Talking Therapies), which is designed to make it easier for people to access support for common mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Mixed anxiety and depression is the most common mental health disorder in the UK – 7.8% of people meet the criteria for diagnosis of these conditions. Not receiving treatment for anxiety can have a negative impact on your physical and mental wellbeing.

Kerry Coker, Associate Clinical Director for Therapy for You explained:

“We all experience feelings of anxiety from time to time, whether it’s worrying about an upcoming exam, preparing for a job interview or dealing with life’s ups and downs.

“But when anxiety begins to take over our everyday lives it could be a sign we need further support.”

Therapy for You has shared some questions for people to reflect on if they have been feeling anxious a lot recently. These are:

• Are you worrying a lot about things going on in your life?
• Is your worry particularly stressful or upsetting?
• Has your worry reached an uncontrollable level?
• Is worry affecting your daily activities?
• Do you have a tendency to presume the worst in most situations?
• Have you felt worried almost every day for the past several months?

Answering ‘yes’ to several of these may mean you could benefit from seeking further support from a service like Therapy for You.

One Essex resident, who chose to remain anonymous, shared how Therapy for You helped when they were struggling with anxiety. They said:

“I came to therapy when I was at my lowest point, with a lot of insecurities, self-doubt and anxiety about the future.

“My GP recommended Therapy for You. I was initially apprehensive as I had never been to therapy before. I was nervous about what it would involve and what I would be asked.

“But right from the outset, everyone I spoke to was so warm, kind and patient with me. This made me feel so much better and calmed my nerves. Things only got better once I met my therapist.

“My therapist was so patient with me and her approach was very gentle and easy-going. I’m someone who has always struggled with opening up and talking about my problems, but she made me feel safe and comfortable. At no point did I feel judged or worried about sharing my thoughts.

“I am eternally grateful to Therapy for You for helping me through my dark and low points. I know that if it wasn’t for them I would still be struggling. But with their help, I now have the tools to deal with my struggles in a much better way.”

Therapy for You provides free psychological therapies for people across north east and south east Essex. The service, run by EPUT in partnership with mental health charity Mind and online therapy providers ieso, offers confidential support in person and online, by telephone or by video call, as well as group therapy sessions and online courses. It also has a range of easy-to-use self-help tools and resources for people to use at their own speed and convenience, available at www.therapyforyou.co.uk

People aged 18 and over living in south east Essex (Castle Point, Rayleigh, Rochford and Southend-on-Sea) can call 01268 739128 or visit www.therapyforyou.co.uk to book an assessment with Therapy for You.

People aged 16 and over living in north east Essex (Colchester and Tendring) can call 01206 334001 or visit www.therapyforyou.co.uk to book an assessment with Therapy for You.

You can also speak to your GP who may direct you to Therapy for You or another service that can offer support.

Anyone in crisis aged 18 and over who needs urgent mental health support can call EPUT’s mental health crisis phone line at any time by dialling 111 and selecting the option for mental health. Trained staff are available 24 hours a day to provide immediate support.