This week we recognised Mental Health Awareness Week by thinking about anxiety, this year’s theme. Everyone feels anxious sometimes and anxiety about particular aspects or events in our life is perfectly normal and it a way of dealing with the everyday stresses of life. This could be doing something for the first time, having a test or an exam, or performing in front of other people. When we feel anxious it is helpful to answer these four questions and act on them:

1. Will anything change if I worry about it?
2. What can I control?
3. How have I successfully dealt with situations like this in the past?
4. Who might be able to help me?

These can help you to put things into perspective, distract you, and reflect on what makes you feel better. These can help you in the future when you are feeling the same way. You should feel comfortable speaking about your anxieties – they are nothing to be embarrassed about and often you may find that those around you are experiencing something similar and you can share your worries and tips.

When should you worry about anxiety? Sometimes anxiety can affect people more persistently and you should seek support if:

• it comes out of nowhere and is impossible to control
• is over seemingly small issues or is disproportionate to the situation
• it starts to affect your daily life
• you have physical symptoms such as sweating, light-headedness and trembling

How to cope with anxiety
Looking after yourself by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Try to practice gratitude regularly and even keep a journal where you can record your achievements and reflect on the all the good things in your life. It is easy to lose track of the positives, especially if we are busy and moments of gratitude can help us hold on to the good things even in the chaos of life. Try these 5 rituals:

1. Write down 3 things you are grateful for
2. Tell someone 3 things you appreciate about them
3. Be or service or volunteer
4. Focus on nature
5. Spend 5 minutes breathing slowly

For more information about managing anxiety visit Young Minds or speak to an adult at school who can point you in the right direction.