Fear and anxiety are part of the mind and body’s natural response to threats or thoughts that something bad might happen. Usually they last for a short time and then pass. But sometimes they last longer and you can get stuck with them.

Fear and anxiety can take over your life, affecting your ability to:

* eat and sleep
* concentrate
* enjoy life
* travel or leave the house
* go to work or school.

It can be hard to break the cycle, but there are lots of ways to do it.

To find out what help is available, please go to http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-action-week-2009/