Anxiety

Articles, Films and practical Guides on anxiety, part of Psyche’s coverage of disorders and difficulties.
A person sitting beside a graphic brain illustration with wave patterns on a green background.
MENTAL HEALTH

Don’t avoid stressors. Learn to navigate the stress spectrum

Video by University of the Netherlands

Close-up photo of a person’s face in profile wearing glasses looking out of a window, with reflections in the lenses.
OCD

Sexual OCD doesn’t fit the stereotypes. That compounds the pain

Video by ABC Science

Abstract painting of hands on a table with a small dish vase and utensils in a stylised kitchen setting.
OCD

Adrift at sea, Nestor struggles to control the chaos within

Directed by João Gonzalez

Woman in historical dress washing her hands with water poured by a child from a jug, with onlookers in an ornate interior setting.
OCD

Forever compelled

In an investigation of compulsions, a book connects our modern understanding of OCD to accounts from previous eras

by Matt Huston

A woman wearing a black gown and veil, and gold and turquoise jewellery raises her harms with eyes closed; musicians wearing headdresses play drums in the background in a dimly lit setting.
ANXIETY

What rituals from the past teach us about panic and anxiety

In the sensory and communal modes of healing that people have used throughout history, there is guidance for today

by Mariem El-Kady

A subway sign with red neon text and large images of eyes on illuminated red panels above.
FEAR AND PHOBIA
1

How to overcome a fear of fear

When you become afraid of your own reaction to perceived threats, it creates a vicious cycle. Here’s how to break free

by Nick Wignall

Illustration of a person with eyes closed, surrounded by colourful waves and geometric shapes on an orange background.
ANXIETY

Stressed about a date or an interview? Video games may offer a surprising salve

Video by the University of California

Photo of a man in profile with glasses, eyes closed, head tilted back under a structure with a grid-like roof.
MIND-BODY INTERACTIONS

How slow breathing calms down your brain

Researchers studied the effect of slow breathing on people’s brain activity while they experienced anticipatory anxiety

by Christian Jarrett

Illustration of a room with a person lounging on a bed, a pink dresser, a table with cups and a plant.
AUTISM
1

A mysterious black orb trails Mo, growing ever harder to ignore

A film by Gil Goletski

A woman on a laptop in a modern café with wall art, a large cactus and pendant lights above.
WORRY AND RUMINATION

What if your worry problem is really a planning problem?

Clinicians have long recognised the link between worry and planning. New research asks what this means for managing anxiety

by Paul B Sharp

A man observing a large, lifelike sculpture of an elderly man with a braid on a white gallery wall.
PSYCHOANALYSIS AND THE UNCONSCIOUS

Men’s anxiety about hair loss can have a deeper meaning

As a psychoanalyst, I’ve seen how reflecting on the emotional symbolism of hair loss can be therapeutic for many men

by Tom Wooldridge

Photo of a beachside blackboard offering a humorous deal near a weathered pier, stating “£100 receipt given for every £10 spent.”
ANXIETY
3

If you think you are ‘just not a math person’ then think again

Understanding how mathematics anxiety takes root points to ways to overcome it, opening up new opportunities and pastimes

by Nathan T T Lau & H Moriah Sokolowski

Traditional Japanese style painting of a white bird on a branch against a gold background.
DIFFICULT EMOTIONS
10

What to do when you’re feeling upset about being disliked

It’s an unavoidable part of life. Here are some tried and tested ways to get more comfortable with someone not liking you

by Ahona Guha

Photo of three people watching a wildfire on a hill at night with fire engines and flashing lights in the foreground.
ANXIETY
8

How to cope with climate anxiety

It’s normal to feel troubled by the climate crisis. These practices can help keep your response manageable and constructive

by Lucia Tecuta

Various ancient Greek and Roman statue fragments, including busts and limbs, playfully arranged in a circular pattern against a light background.
ANXIETY
1

Self-honesty is crucial, life is weird – a tale of wisdom gained via panic attacks

Directed by Samira Mian

Photo of a woman and child talking, seen through glass with reflections of greenery outside.
CHILDREN’S DIFFICULTIES
1

How to help a child who can’t face school

Is your child anxious and reluctant to leave home in the morning? Here’s a compassionate plan to help them get back to school

by Anna Smout, Glenn Melvin & Marie Yap