Anxiety: symptoms, causes, treatment & support

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Anxiety is one of the most common mental-health challenges in the UK. It can affect how you think, feel and act - and when symptoms become persistent, it can significantly impact daily life. If you work in the automotive industry, you may face pressures unique to your role.

This guide explains the symptoms of anxiety, common causes, treatment options and practical ways to manage it. Our charity is here to support you.

Anxiety in the automotive industry

Recent research shows that 43% of people working in the automotive sector reported struggling with feelings of anxiety in the past year.

In the wider UK population, more than one in 10 live with an anxiety disorder at any given time. These numbers show how common anxiety is — and how important it is to recognise it early.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety affects everyone differently. You may notice signs in your body, emotions and behaviour.

Category	Common symptoms
Physical	Shaking sweating pounding heart difficulty breathing rapid breathing muscle pain or tension headaches nausea feeling restless
Emotional	A feeling of impending doom loss of control sense of dread feeling ‘on edge’ seeking lots of reassurance irritability difficulty concentrating
Impacts on daily life	Trouble concentrating at work sleep disruption avoiding social situations feeling detached or disconnected from things you normally enjoy

If you experience several of these over a period, particularly if they interfere with work, home or relationships, it’s worth seeking support.

What causes anxiety?

There is rarely one single cause — anxiety usually develops from a combination of influences:

Past experiences (for example trauma or difficult teenage years)
Stressful life events (such as losing a job, financial concerns, a relationship breakdown)
Physical or mental health conditions (for example a chronic illness or depression)
Substance use or medication side-effects
Family history and genetic predisposition

Recognising the factors that apply to you helps tailor support and treatment.

Treatment and support options

Anxiety is highly treatable — often with a combination of approaches.

SilverCloud: Approaches like SilverCloud and face-to-face therapy help you challenge anxious thoughts and develop coping behaviours.
Talking therapies: Psychological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are often called talking therapies and you don’t need a GP referral to be able to access these. Here’s how you can refer yourself: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/. You could also be offered applied relaxation therapy to help relax your muscles in stressful situations.
Medication: In some cases, your GP may recommend medications such as antidepressants or beta-blockers. These can help reduce symptoms, but are most effective alongside therapy.
Self-care and lifestyle changes:

Breathing exercises (for example box-breathing) to calm your nervous system.
Nutrition: balanced diet, moderating caffeine, alcohol and sugar. Read more about the link between anxiety and diet.
Sleep hygiene: good rest can break the cycle of anxiety and insomnia. Find out more at The Sleep Foundation.
Physical activity: regular movement releases endorphins and can reduce anxiety.

Peer support and community: Join a support group such as those organised by Anxiety UK or Triumph Over Phobia or join the forum and community chat at No More Panic to meet people experiencing the same condition as you and support each other.

How to manage anxiety day to day

Here are some practical tools you can try:

Box breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold, breathe out for 4-6 seconds. Use a object frame (window, door) as a guide.
Grounding technique: Notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste.
Task breakdown: On busy days, split jobs into manageable parts rather than trying to do everything at once.
Movement breaks: Even short walks outside can help reset your mood and energy.
Wind-down routine: Especially after a shift, use time to unwind — switch off tools, avoid screens, maybe use headphones and quiet music.

When to seek urgent help

If you notice any of the following, seek help immediately:

Persistent panic attacks
Anxiety interfering with your job, home or relationships
Thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness
Symptoms mimicking serious physical conditions (e.g., chest pain) — always check with your GP to rule out medical causes.

We’re here for you

If you want someone to talk to about your mental health, talk to us. We’re here to help. You can call us on 08081 311 333 or chat with us online. We can support you in a number of ways, including assessing you and providing you with advice and treatments tailored to your specific needs.

We are here for anyone who works, or had worked in UK Automotive, and their family dependants. If you’re not sure if or how Ben can support you, please get in touch. Our friendly helpline team will be able to chat through your options and support you in a way that works best for you so you can stop feeling anxious and live your life fully, in the way you want to.