I was an introvert with a grey life – until I learned to let go on stage

The more I stayed in, the more scared I became of going out. Signing up for improv classes helped my shyness to melt away

How becoming a Samaritan helped me beat middle-aged angst

Listening to people in need has enabled me to process my own emotions and appreciate the complexity of life

‘I mentally rehearse what to do’: the truth about sexual performance anxiety

It’s not just about erections – from body confidence to chronic pain, people worry about sex for many reasons

How much does poor body image affect mental health?

Having concerns about how you look is not in itself a mental illness, but can trigger a range of problems

Feel better now? The rise and rise of the anxiety economy

From squishy toys to colouring books to blankets, the anxiety business is worth billions. But is it all just making us even more anxious? Eva Wiseman reports

Mentally ill people pay higher bills – and banks are partly to blame

Bad debt and mental health problems can be a vicious circle. Only by forcing banks to provide more help can this be addressed, says author Emily Reynolds

Heart racing, palms sweaty – what does stress do to the body?

Extreme stress is linked to heart disease, diabetes and depression. But small doses are crucial for developing resilience

Seven ways to cope with social anxiety this party season

There are many steps you can take to get through this party season, from cutting out alcohol to preparing for events

Seven ways to manage a panic attack

Try cutting out your morning coffee, learning deep-breathing exercises and plugging into an audio app

Night terrors: what do anxiety dreams mean?

These are anxious times – but how does this affect our sleep, and what can we learn from the exam crises and missed trains that haunt the small hours