Brexit Anxiety Is A Very Real Issue Right Now: ‘It’s Causing People To Snap’

Brown, a BACP-registered counsellor, says every year she witnesses a peak in enquiries after Christmas but this year she has seen “a record number” – especially from people seeking help for anxiety.

“Even if it’s not specifically brought into the room, I have no doubt that Brexit is impacting on the mental wellbeing of my clients,” she explains, noting that millennials seem to be greatly impacted. “There is often a feeling of hopelessness. Now, with Brexit, it may feel even less possible to get a job that you want that reflects your skills and qualifications, or to buy your own home. So it can feel like there will never be an end to the kind of limbo where you’re supposed to be an adult but the usual rites of passage are out of your reach.”

Anxiety can have a ‘drip by drip’ effect, like water in a glass, according to Brown – if you don’t empty the glass regularly, it will overflow into panic. It’s estimated that 80% of people experiencing anxiety don’t seek any help.

There is no one-stop solution. However at times like this, says Ward, a sense of community can be really important – he advises connecting with others, chatting with your neighbours and seeing your friends. He also says it’s important to focus on the things you do have immediate control over.

Brown advises daily exercise, including walking outdoors, and doing regular breathing exercises like 7-11 breathing, where you breathe in for a count of seven and out to a count of 11 for a minute. Mindfulness and meditation can also be beneficial. 

Some people are choosing to avoid the  topic altogether – muting keywords on social media, avoiding politically-charged conversations and the news – all for the sake of their mental health. Brown advises against keeping on top of Brexit updates 24/7. “Limit your exposure to news sites if it is making you anxious,” she says. “If you listen, watch or read the news first thing, think about how that sets the tone for your day. If you do some yoga, meditation or just eat breakfast listening to music instead, you might feel generally calmer and happier for the rest of the day.”

If you feel completely overwhelmed, it’s important to speak to your GP who might refer you for therapy, says Professor Sarah Niblock, chief executive of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). You can also find trusted therapists on websites like the Counselling Directory. Pregnant women who are particularly stressed about what the future holds should speak to their midwife or GP. NCT groups might also help so you can talk to people in a similar position.

Whatever you do, don’t bottle it up. Prof Niblock says: “Left unchecked, there is plenty of evidence that anxiety can damage our health, our relationships and even our careers.”

Useful websites and helplines:

• Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
• Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
• The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
• Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.