By Samantha Morton
An interview with Emily Bowman, a long term anxiety sufferer.
Anxiety is a problem that 1 in 6 Young people in the UK suffer from, a recent study by Anxiety UK has shown that it most commonly affects those aged under 25.
Emily Bowman, 21, from Otterburn, Northumberland, has suffered from anxiety since a young age.
At 16, with the pressure from her GCSE exams, Emily began suffering from anxiety attacks. The attacks would leave her shaken, suffering from tension headaches, dizzy and sometimes with the inability to move as pins and needles would control her body.
As the years have gone on she has seeked medical advice and was prescribed Citalopram, but chooses not to take her medication as she believes she can control her condition herself.
'I'd worry about silly things like the bus breaking down or being in an accident'
Alternatively to her medication, Emily seeks relaxation through scented candles, listening to calming music but most importantly sharing her concerns with those around her 'I find support from my friends and family, plus my fiancé. If I don't have anyone through the day with me, my two dogs always help, they cheer me up and taking them on walks in very therapeutic'.
It's important to remember that anxiety is something that can constantly change someone's life, someone who suffers from anxiety can never tell when they will suffer an attack, but precautions can be taken. For Emily, these precautions include avoiding situations that she knows will cause her to worry.
Emily describes how the things many of us take for granted and see as a simple task can cause her to have an attack. She cannot eat out at a restaurant, go to the cinema with her fiancé or even catch public transport without the fear of people watching her, a fear which sends her into turmoil; 'I over analyse every situation, like getting public transport, I'd worry about silly things like the bus breaking down or being in an accident'.
'Living with someone with anxiety is tough'
Even though, Emily has suffered from anxiety for many years she doesn't let it control her life, she's figured out ways that work for her to help control her anxiety attacks and offers a few words of wisdom to other sufferers. 'Anxiety can get you feeling so down that you start to think why me? But it can get better. You're not alone, whether it's friends or an Internet forum, there's hundreds of people out there you can talk to and it's important to get things off your chest'.
Anxiety doesn't just affect the person who is suffering, but also those around them. As Emily struggles in public places, it means the things she can do with her fiancé is limited in comparison to what other couples can do. 'Even though living with someone with anxiety is tough, we can't do a lot of things normal couples do, like holidays, go for meals out, or go to the cinema, but he never holds any of it against me. He's really supportive'.
There's a lot of helplines and support groups out there so find what works best for you and as Emily said 'Anxiety doesn't control you, you control it'.
Know where to turn:
- Anxiety UK is just one of many online resources for those who suffer from anxiety.
- They offer help and advice on numerous platforms, including phone services and online live chat forums.
- 'Anxiety UK is a national registered charity formed 40 years ago for those affected by anxiety disorders. Today we are still a user-led organisation, run by sufferers and ex-sufferers of anxiety disorders, supported by a high-profile medical advisory panel.
- Anxiety UK works to relieve and support those living with anxiety disorders by providing information, support and understanding via an extensive range of services'.
- For more information on Anxiety UK please visit www.anxietyuk.org.uk or contact their helpline on 08444 775 774