Feelings of anxiety can be triggered by many things. Sometimes they can crop up on us before we even know what’s happening. Let’s take a look at what anxiety is, what it looks like, and how it might affect you.
written by mental health expert Kirsty Lilley
Anxiety usually arises in times of uncertainty, ambiguity, or novelty – when something is new and we have no frame of reference for it.
It's natural to worry about things like starting a new job or moving house. But once the event has happened, we should be able to relax and move on.
However, sometimes we find it difficult to control our worries and fears. These constant feelings of anxiety then affect our daily life, work, and relationships.
“If you are feeling anxious, fed up or that others are asking the impossible of you, you should contact caba without delay. For me, it was the first step on the journey to getting better.”
Liam
caba client
We often feel anxious when we’re worried, tense, or afraid. Particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future.
Anxiety is a natural response that happens when we consciously or subconsciously feel we’re under threat. It helps us mobilise our resources to cope with that threat.
We can experience anxiety through our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.
Some of the symptoms of anxiety include:
Most people feel anxious sometimes. It's common to experience some anxiety while coping with stressful events or changes, especially if they could have a big impact on your life.
If those feelings are impacting your day-to-day life, it may be time to seek help.
Sharing how you feel will lessen your burden and may encourage others to speak up.
“The emotional difficulty had really held me back. Seeing a caba counsellor unlocked that for me and I can see changes in every area of my life.”
Ava
caba client
Anxiety can become a mental health problem if it impacts on your ability to live your life as fully as you want to.
If you experience one or more of the following on a regular basis, you may have higher than normal levels of anxiety:
As with any concerns about your mental health and wellbeing, it’s important to talk through your concerns with family and friends, and seek out professional help and support if you need it. It’s also important to do what you can to help yourself manage your anxiety.
We support past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)1, ACA students2, ICAEW staff members3, and the family and carers of members and students4.
You can find out more about our available support both in the UK and around the world on our support we offer page.
If you need financial support, we carry out a means test where we consider income, expenditure, capital and assets.
*Please note none of our other services are means-tested.