One simple technique for dealing with anxiety

According to campaign group Mind, one in four people in the UK will suffer from some sort of mental health issue during their lifetime.

A recent YouGov poll highlighted that over a quarter of students surveyed admitted to having a mental health problem in the past year, and with cuts to NHS mental health services, these people might find it difficult to cope.

However, new research into anxiety shows that there are ways to combat the symptoms, and it can be as simple as closing your eyes.

Forcing yourself to visualise the event you are anxious about may actually provide you with enough relief to alleviate those feelings, it has been suggested.

Anxiety, in its most basic form, is difficulty in controlling ones’ worries and fears, often of the unknown.

However mental rehearsal allows you to go through every worst case scenario by identifying all of your fears and worries. The idea is, if you’re prepared for what's causing the fear to begin with, it’s no longer a surprise when it happens.

This takes away the ‘unknown’ side of the equation and gives you a measure of control.

And it’s not just for anxiety. Sportspeople are trained to use visualisation techniques prior to a competition to help them perform.

H/T: Business Insider

Whether you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines can offer expert advice:

Anxiety UK - Charity providing support if you've been diagnosed with an anxiety condition

CALM - The Campaign Against Living Miserably for men aged 15-35

Depression Alliance - Charity for sufferers of depression. Has a network of help groups

Mind - Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems

More: Six little known signs of stress

More: This satisfying gif is helping people deal with anxiety