Anxiety is normal. But when it stops getting better with the usual support, or starts taking over daily life, it's time to ask for more help. Asking early makes things easier, not harder.
Signs it is time to seek extra help
Consider professional support if anxiety:
- Stops school attendance
- Affects sleep regularly
- Affects eating
- Causes frequent panic attacks
- Causes constant distress
- Leads to avoidance of normal life
- Affects friendships
- Causes physical symptoms often
- Causes self-harm thoughts or behaviours
- Makes daily routines unmanageable
- Is overwhelming family life
- Has not improved despite support at home and school
You don't need to wait for things to be "bad enough". Early help is good help.
Who can help
- GP — first stop for assessment, talking-therapy referrals, or medication if needed
- School SENCO — coordinates school-based support
- School nurse
- Health visitor (for under-5s)
- CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) — referral usually via GP or school
- NHS Talking Therapies — adults can self-refer in most areas (no GP needed); search "NHS Talking Therapies" + your area
- Paediatrician or educational psychologist
- Counsellor or therapist (private or via charities)
- Local NHS mental health services
Useful UK helplines and services
- Samaritans — 116 123, free, 24/7
- Shout — text 85258 for free, 24/7 text support
- Childline — 0800 1111, free, for under-19s
- YoungMinds Parents Helpline — 0808 802 5544
- Mind — 0300 123 3393 (information and signposting)
- NHS 111 — for urgent (non-emergency) mental health advice; many areas now have a mental health option
In a crisis
If someone is in a mental health crisis, in immediate danger, or has seriously harmed themselves:
- Call 999, or go to A&E
- Or call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option
NHS guidance is clear: in a mental health emergency, seek urgent expert help. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
What to say at the GP
It can help to write down beforehand:
- What you (or your child) are experiencing
- How long it has been going on
- How it is affecting school, work, sleep, eating, friendships
- What you've tried already
- What you're worried about
- What kind of support you'd like to ask about
You can ask: "Can you refer us to talking therapy?", "Is CAMHS appropriate?", "Are there local services or charities you'd recommend?"
You are not failing
Asking for help is not a sign that you've done something wrong. It's a sign that you've noticed something matters — and you're acting on it.
Anxiety is treatable. With the right support, things can get better.