Life today can feel overwhelming. Between work demands, family responsibilities, financial pressures, and global uncertainties, it’s no surprise that stress and anxiety are affecting so many people. While occasional worry is a normal part of life, ongoing anxiety can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health. The good news? Anxiety is common, it’s treatable, and counselling can make a real difference.
How Common is Anxiety?
In the United States:
Recent national reports show that nearly 1 in 5 adults experiences an anxiety disorder each year, and symptoms have risen sharply since 2019. Many people — especially young adults and women — report ongoing feelings of nervousness, excessive worry, or even panic attacks.
In the United Kingdom:
The picture is similar. Surveys suggest that millions of UK adults experience high levels of anxiety, with younger people most affected. Referrals to NHS services for anxiety have increased in recent years, reflecting both growing awareness and growing need.
Why Does Anxiety Happen?
Anxiety usually develops from a mix of factors. Some of the most common include:
- Life stressors such as job insecurity, debt, exams, or family strain
- Trauma or loss, whether in childhood or adulthood
- Health challenges, including chronic illness, pain, or poor sleep
- Thinking patterns like catastrophising or constantly expecting the worst
- Social pressures, from loneliness to discrimination
When these factors pile up, the body and mind can become stuck in a cycle of stress and worry.
When Should You Seek Help?
It’s time to reach out if anxiety is:
- Constant and hard to control
- Interfering with work, school, or relationships
- Causing physical symptoms like palpitations, sweating, or poor sleep
- Leading to panic attacks or avoidance of everyday activities
If you ever feel hopeless or have thoughts of harming yourself, please seek help immediately — call 988 in the U.S. or 999 in the UK in an emergency.
Treatment Options
There are many effective ways to manage anxiety:
- Talking therapies (counselling/psychotherapy) – proven to be highly effective
- Medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs, often used alongside therapy
- Digital programmes, including guided online CBT, which are growing in accessibility
- Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, sleep hygiene, and mindfulness
While medication can help some people, research consistently shows that counselling and structured therapies are at the heart of long-term recovery.
Why Counselling Matters
Counselling gives you a safe space to talk openly, understand your thoughts and emotions, and learn new ways to cope. Here are some of the most effective approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is the most widely researched therapy for anxiety. It helps you recognise unhelpful thought patterns, challenge them, and gradually face fears instead of avoiding them. Studies show CBT is highly effective across conditions like generalised anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) & Mindfulness Approaches
These “third-wave” therapies encourage acceptance of anxious thoughts, building resilience, and focusing on living according to your values. They are especially helpful for people who find constant “fighting” with anxiety exhausting.
Person-Centred Counselling
Sometimes what people need most is a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore feelings and find clarity. Person-centred counselling can be especially valuable when anxiety is linked to grief, relationships, or identity.
Group & Online Counselling
Many people benefit from group sessions or guided digital CBT. These options can be more affordable, quicker to access, and equally effective for many.
Getting Help in the USA & UK
In the USA:
- Start with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to therapy or prescribe medication.
- Check your insurance provider for covered therapists or explore teletherapy platforms.
- In crisis, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
In the UK:
- You can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) without needing a GP referral.
- Private therapy is also available through organisations such as the BACP or UKCP.
- In crisis, call 999 or use NHS 111 for urgent support.