The worst things you can do if you're feeling anxious

"The figures come following concerns that an anxiety epidemic is driving people out of the workforce, with many not seeking help until their symptoms become unmanageable in adulthood. And with research by the Mental Health Foundation suggesting around 60 per cent of adults have experienced anxiety that 'interferes with their daily life', it may seem like it's just an inevitable part of modern day life."

"Whilst most people will experience anxiety at some point in their lives, as the body's natural response to danger or threat, generalised anxiety disorder doesn't usually have an obvious cause. Rather, people with anxiety disorders tend to worry about many different things in their everyday life - whether that's social situations, public speaking or work deadlines - that don't pose any real danger, Professor Oliver Robinson, a neuroscientist at University College London, explains."

"There are various evidence-based for treatments that have been found to help manage symptoms - though Prof Robinson says there's no one-size fits all way o approach it. These include talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medication through selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - which are also used to treat depression - and beta-blockers which help ease physical symptoms."

Around 9.4 million people in the UK live with anxiety or another mental health condition. Concerns exist about an anxiety epidemic driving people out of the workforce and many do not seek help until symptoms become unmanageable. Research suggests around 60% of adults have experienced anxiety that interferes with daily life. Generalised anxiety disorder usually lacks an obvious cause and involves chronic worry about everyday situations that pose no real danger. Common symptoms include sleep difficulties, restlessness, stomach issues, palpitations and low mood, and some experience panic attacks or specific phobias. Evidence-based treatments include talking therapies such as CBT, SSRIs and beta-blockers, and many patients benefit from combining approaches.

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