Resource list from HIID Edinburgh for managing anxiety
Dr Andrew Harrison (Director/Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist) CMS Ltd. May 2022
Treatment approaches
- Psychological therapy (e.g., CBT; mindfulness; counselling; ACT) – Can be accessed via GP or privately, list of accredited practitioners can be accessed via www.bps.org.uk
- Pharmacological therapy (e.g., SSRI’s; benzodiazepines) – Can be accessed via GHP and local community mental health team
- Complementary medicine/approaches (e.g., homeopathy; acupuncture; yoga; reiki; hypnotherapy) – Some treatments can be accessed via GP, others accessed privately.
- Self-help/lifestyle management (e.g., physical exercise; diet; sleep hygiene; meditation; relaxation; controlled breathing) – Empowering approach to improve personal control and self-efficacy, focused on making small changes which can have potentially wide-ranging positive impact on lifestyle and mental health. Plethora of information and resources available – variable quality and sometimes costs attached, ultimately personal preference.
Books
- ‘Why has nobody told me this before?’ By Dr Julie Smith (Publisher: Michael Joseph, 2022) – Tips, insights and approaches drawn from the author’s experience as a therapist
- ‘Overcoming anxiety’ by Helen Kennedy (Publisher: Robinson, 2014) – Good practical book drawing on a cognitive behavioural treatment approach
Apps – Via Apple Store / Play Store
- Headspace – Good for mindfulness mediation and relaxation approaches
- Calm – Good for mindfulness mediation and relaxation approaches
- Anxiety Solution – Good source of practical information, strategies and approaches
Podcasts – Via Spotify or other platforms
• ‘The Anxiety Guy’ – Ex professional sportsman who suffered from severe anxiety, provides lots of anecdotal experiences, tips, strategies etc.
Websites
• www.nhs.uk ‘Mental Well-being Audio Guides’ including – free short guides dealing with anxiety control, sleep, low confidence, unhelpful thinking etc.
• www.getselfhelp.co.uk - Plenty of information, materials and resources on managing stress and anxiety as well as other mental health issues.