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What are some of the findings from the research?
Day-to-day anxiety is the persistent feeling of unease that many people experience from everyday pressures – work, home life, finances or responsibilities – often without one clear cause.
Even when anxiety is mild, this research reveals that it can have a real impact on people’s lives. Nearly three in 10 UK adults (29 per cent) have taken time off work, school or caregiving because of anxiety, which adds up to millions of working days lost each year.
The research shows that day-to-day anxiety isn’t felt equally across the population. Women and younger adults appear to be most affected. Almost one in four women (23 per cent) feel anxious at least once a day, compared with around one in six men (16 per cent). Younger adults aged 18 to 24 also report higher levels of overthinking, sleep disturbances and impacts on motivation and self-esteem than other age groups.
Can you tell us more about the symptoms of day-to-day anxiety?
Day-to-day anxiety often presents as daily worry and feelings of unease, along with restlessness and physical symptoms such as a racing heart, muscle tension and fatigue. Patients frequently describe feeling constantly ‘on edge’, with trouble concentrating, increased irritability and changes in sleep or appetite that can begin to interfere with everyday life.
These symptoms may fluctuate. Pharmacy teams can support individuals in recognising early warning signs, recommending lifestyle changes and self-care strategies, and referring them on where appropriate.
In what ways do you hope community pharmacy team members can provide support?
Encouraging simple daily habits such as winding down, reducing caffeine and screen time or taking short movement breaks may support wellbeing. Mindfulness techniques can also help calm racing thoughts.
This research shows that nearly four in 10 UK adults (38 per cent) seek help from their pharmacist for symptoms associated with anxiety, including sleeplessness. This presents an opportunity for pharmacy teams to advise on over-the-counter support options. For example, lavender oil preparations are traditionally used for the temporary relief of symptoms of mild anxiety. These products are based on traditional use only.
Any option should complement healthy lifestyle habits and, where appropriate, wider support.
Pharmacy teams can guide patients on early support options, but persistent or severe symptoms must be referred to a GP or mental health professional.
How can community pharmacies find out more?
For more information, visit the Kalms website: kalmsrange.com.
Please note: Thorrun Govind provides professional commentary for educational purposes and does not endorse any products.
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