JAMES Griggs wears a number of hats in Harlow. He is a Netteswell councillor, chair of Harlow Playhouse Trust and a founder member of Harlow and West Essex LGBTQ.

We asked James for a few words on Mental Health Awareness Week.

James said: “This years Mental Health Awareness Week is focussing on anxiety.

The stigma of mental health issues continues to be a blight on our society but the situation is improving.

More and more people are understanding that we all have mental health, for some it’s good for others it’s very poor. There are huge numbers of people who are frequently somewhere between good and poor. It is normal.

Anxiety is a natural response to challenging situations and can affect anyone at any time. Like all other mental health matters, anxiety comes in a range of forms and severity. 

Symptoms of anxiety may be that you might notice your heart rate increasing, headaches, loss of appetite, breathlessness or chest pain. 

Be it the cost of living crisis, work, family problems, housing issues or anything else, help and support is available and I urge anyone who is anxious to reach out for it. 

You are not alone, please use the links below to find more information and to seek assistance.

Mental Health Foundation – https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk

MIND – https://www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org/

Contact NHS 111 or your GP