HEALTH leaders in Wyre Forest are aiming to raise awareness of anxiety as part of a mental health campaign.

Staff at NHS Wyre Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCP) are supporting mental health awareness week - which runs until Sunday. Each year, it aims to promote a topic such as loneliness, anger or fear in a bid to reduce stigma and raise awareness - this year's theme is anxiety.

The awareness week asks people whether they are "anxiety aware" and aims to help people spot the signs of anxiety in themselves or a friend or family member. The campaign also aims to provide people information that can help them understand and live with the condition.

Dr Simon Rumley, chairman and clinical lead for the Wyre Forest CCG, said: "Although it is normal for people to experience some anxiety in their everyday lives, persistent and excessive anxiety can cause more serious mental health problems.

"Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in the UK and in some cases it can take over people's lives. One in four people experience mental health problems throughout their lives but don't always know where to turn. If you feel you are suffering from anxiety that is significantly affecting your quality of life, visit your GP, who will be able to offer you the help you need."

The CCG is in charge of spending Wyre Forest's £127 million NHS healthcare budget and was launched in April last year. It serves a population of 112,000 patients and is accountable to the district's 12 GP practices.

For more information on anxiety, visit mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/mentalhealthawarenessweek