Nearly 6 in 10 people in the South East delay seeking help for anxiety‑related mental health conditions because they worry their symptoms ‘aren’t serious enough’, new NHS survey data shows. Almost one in five (19%) do not seek help at all. 

To encourage more people to come forward, NHS England South East is supporting a new national campaign raising awareness of NHS Talking Therapies — free, confidential treatment available across the region. 

The campaign aims to help people recognise the signs of common anxiety conditions such as obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and phobias, and understand that effective help is available. 

With the Talking Therapies service, treatment is delivered by trained professionals and can take place in person, over the phone or online, depending on what works best for the individual. 

Dr Christopher Tibbs, Medical Director for NHS England South East, said: “A lot of people live with anxiety‑related conditions without realising that the NHS can help. Talking Therapies give people practical tools that can make everyday life feel easier. You don’t need to see a GP first — you can refer yourself, and the support is free, confidential and designed around what works for you. For many people, it’s the best place to start if you’re not sure where to turn or what help you might need.” 

Across the region, people are benefitting from the Talking Therapies service and sharing their own experiences to encourage others to seek support. 

Louise, 56, from Banstead in Surrey, turned to NHS Talking Therapies when she was struggling with low mood, negative thoughts and anxiety. She says having time and space to talk with a counsellor made a profound difference. 

“I was really impressed with the service and the support that I received. I reached out to Talking Therapies and found it was really straightforward to arrange my sessions without a long wait. 

The impact it has had on me has been hugely positive. I felt comfortable with my counsellor straight away and I actually looked forward to going, as I felt so supported and listened to. I thought that it was an amazing service and didn’t realise that it would be as easy to access while going through something I was finding really difficult and upsetting. 

I would encourage anyone who is thinking that they may need to reach out for some talking therapy to consider using this service — you have nothing to lose and it will hopefully prove hugely beneficial, as it was for me.” 

Andrea, from Redhill in Surrey, also found Talking Therapies transformative after experiencing depression and low mood following a relationship breakdown. 

“It was absolutely brilliant for me. By the second session I really started to feel a breakthrough and was able to let go of some really negative feelings. 

I had homework which helped keep me focused week to week and really invest in the programme. I still use all the techniques now when I am feeling low. 

It really was a lifesaver for me — I was at breaking point, and it was worth its weight in gold. I recommend it to anyone who is feeling low and in need of some support and help.” 

Amanda, from East Surrey, used the service when she struggled with low mood, anxiety and PTSD symptoms for a prolonged period. 

“I was struggling with anxiety and memories from my childhood which were making me feel restricted, so I reached out to my GP for help and ended up going down the route of Talking Therapies. 

When speaking to the counsellor, it was the first time I’d had my feelings validated and things began to make more sense for me. I felt lighter and not as restricted. It’s had a really positive impact on my mental health and wellbeing and helped me make healthy, positive decisions about my life now.” 

NHS Talking Therapies offers free, confidential treatment that helps people develop practical skills to manage anxiety‑related conditions and get back to everyday life.