Anxiety Statistics UK: 2026 Facts, Data & Key Insights

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the UK, affecting millions of people across all age groups and demographics. Recent data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey and NHS England reveals that anxiety disorders are significantly more common than many realise, with rates continuing to rise, particularly among young adults. Understanding the scale and scope of anxiety in the UK is essential for recognising the need for support, early intervention, and comprehensive treatment options. Understanding the patterns of anxiety — by age, gender, workplace, and specific groups — helps us identify who is most vulnerable and where targeted mental health support is needed most.

Key Facts: Anxiety Statistics at a Glance

  • 6 in 100 people are diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in any given week in England
  • 22.6% of adults aged 16-64 have a common mental health condition, with anxiety representing a large proportion of cases
  • The UK anxiety disorder rate stands at approximately 5.6%, higher than the global average of 4.4%
  • Women report significantly higher anxiety levels than men: 37.1% of women versus 29.9% of men (ONS 2022/23)
  • Approximately 1 in 4 women (24%) experience a common mental health problem weekly, compared to 1 in 7 men (15%)
  • Young adults aged 16-24 experienced a dramatic increase from 17.5% in 2007 to 25.8% in 2023/24
  • Over 204,526 new referrals were made for anxiety in young people aged 17 or under in 2023/24 — double the pre-pandemic rate
  • Only approximately 27.6% of people with an anxiety disorder receive any treatment
  • NHS Talking Therapies received 1.76 million referrals in 2022/23 for talking therapies
  • NHS England spent £217.5 million on antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication in 2023
  • The HSE reported 964,000 workers experiencing work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2024/25 — a 24% increase year-on-year
  • LGBTQ+ people are 1.5 times more likely to develop anxiety, with 61% experiencing anxiety in the past year
  • 55% of adults with moderate-severe depressive symptoms report feeling lonely often or always, highlighting the connection between anxiety and social isolation

How Common Is Anxiety in the UK?

Anxiety is remarkably prevalent across the UK. According to the latest Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) 2023/24, 22.6% of adults aged 16-64 have a common mental health condition, and anxiety disorders form a substantial portion of this figure. The NHS defines generalised anxiety disorder as persistent, excessive worry about everyday matters, and recent data shows that 6 in 100 people are diagnosed with GAD in any given week in England alone.

The prevalence of anxiety in the UK is higher than global averages, with UK rates standing at approximately 5.6% compared to the worldwide average of 4.4%. This suggests that anxiety is particularly impactful in the British population. Mind reports that anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems, yet many people experience anxiety without ever receiving a formal diagnosis or treatment. The gap between those who experience anxiety and those who receive support remains a critical public health challenge.

Contributing factors to anxiety prevalence include economic uncertainty, social pressures, workplace stress, and the lasting psychological impacts of recent global events. The workplace environment in particular has become a significant source of anxiety, with increasing pressures on employees across multiple sectors.

Anxiety by Age and Gender

Anxiety does not affect age groups and genders equally. The ONS April 2025 data reveals stark gender differences: 37.1% of women reported high anxiety compared to 29.9% of men. This pattern is consistent across multiple surveys and represents a persistent mental health inequality. Women experience common mental health problems weekly at a rate of approximately 24%, compared to 15% for men. The reasons for this gender disparity are complex and multifaceted, including biological factors, social pressures, gender-based discrimination, and caregiving responsibilities.

Young adults present the most concerning trend. The APMS data shows that anxiety rates among those aged 16-24 increased dramatically from 17.5% in 2007 to 25.8% in 2023/24. This represents a generation growing up with significantly higher anxiety levels than their predecessors. The 204,526 new referrals for anxiety in young people aged 17 or under in 2023/24 — double the pre-pandemic figure — demonstrates how urgently young people are seeking help. Factors contributing to youth anxiety include social media pressure, academic stress, economic uncertainty, and climate anxiety.

Middle-aged adults also experience significant anxiety, often related to work pressures and family responsibilities. Older adults may experience anxiety differently, sometimes manifesting as health anxiety or generalised worry about mortality and independence. Tailored support for each age group is essential, as anxiety presentations vary significantly across the lifespan.

Anxiety in the Workplace

The workplace has become an increasingly significant source of anxiety. The HSE 2024/25 report identifies 964,000 workers with work-related stress, depression, or anxiety — a concerning 24% increase from the previous year. Public administration, health and social work, and education sectors show above-average risk levels. These sectors are characterised by high emotional labour, insufficient staffing, and challenging working conditions.

Work-related anxiety stems from multiple sources: workload pressures, lack of control, poor line management, inadequate support, organisational changes, and conflict with colleagues. The transition to hybrid and remote working has created new anxieties around communication, isolation, and work – life boundaries. Organisations investing in mental health support through employee assistance programmes, mental health training, and workplace Mental Health First Aid courses see better outcomes for both employees and productivity.

The financial impact of workplace anxiety is substantial. Absenteeism, presenteeism (attending work while unwell), and reduced productivity cost organisations millions annually. Employers recognising anxiety as a serious occupational health issue are implementing proactive interventions, from line manager training to mental health peer support networks.

Treatment Gaps and Support Access

Despite widespread anxiety, treatment access remains limited. Only approximately 27.6% of people with an anxiety disorder receive any treatment whatsoever. This substantial treatment gap means over 70% of people with diagnosed anxiety are not accessing formal support, whether through medication, talking therapies, or other interventions. Barriers include stigma, lack of awareness about treatment options, long NHS waiting lists, cost of private therapy, and concerns about taking medication.

NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) made 1.76 million referrals in 2022/23, and NHS England spent £217.5 million on antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication. However, waiting times remain long in many areas, with some patients waiting months for psychological therapies. The NHS Talking Therapies annual reports show an increasing demand that outpaces service capacity. Access to treatment often depends on geography, with rural areas and some urban regions having significantly longer waiting times.

Increasing availability of talking therapies, reducing stigma around treatment-seeking, and training more Mental Health First Aiders can help bridge the treatment gap. Mental Health First Aid training equips individuals to recognise anxiety early and provide initial support, while also helping those experiencing anxiety feel less isolated.

Anxiety in Specific Groups

Certain populations experience anxiety at elevated rates. LGBTQ+ individuals are 1.5 times more likely to develop anxiety disorders, with 61% experiencing anxiety in the past year according to Stonewall research. This elevated anxiety is driven by experiences of discrimination, family rejection, healthcare stigma, and social exclusion. Creating affirming, inclusive environments and culturally competent mental health services is essential for supporting LGBTQ+ mental health.

Loneliness is a powerful anxiety amplifier. Recent ONS data shows that 55% of adults with moderate-severe depressive symptoms feel lonely often or always, suggesting a bidirectional relationship between anxiety and social isolation. People from ethnic minorities, those with chronic health conditions, parents and carers, and young adults also experience disproportionately high anxiety rates. Tailored interventions addressing the specific needs of these groups — including culturally sensitive therapies, peer support networks, and targeted prevention programmes — are necessary.

Intersectionality matters: individuals with multiple marginalised identities often face compounded anxiety risks. A young LGBTQ+ person of colour in a precarious job may face layered stressors that require holistic, trauma-informed support approaches.

Understanding Anxiety: Types and Manifestations

Anxiety manifests in multiple forms. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves persistent, uncontrollable worry about various life domains. Social anxiety centres on fear of social situations and negative evaluation. Panic disorder involves sudden, intense fear episodes. Phobias are specific, intense fears of objects or situations. Health anxiety involves excessive worry about physical health. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after trauma exposure. Each type requires tailored assessment and intervention, though cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective across many anxiety types.

Physical symptoms of anxiety are very real: racing heartbeat, breathlessness, sweating, trembling, dizziness, and gastrointestinal distress. Because these symptoms mimic serious medical conditions, people with anxiety often seek medical help, sometimes multiple times before receiving appropriate mental health assessment. Healthcare professionals trained in Mental Health First Aid can help patients understand the anxiety – physical symptom connection and encourage appropriate mental health support.

The good news is that anxiety is highly treatable. Talking therapies like CBT, mindfulness-based approaches, and medication can significantly improve symptoms. Self-help strategies, lifestyle modifications (exercise, sleep, reduced caffeine), social connection, and professional support together create effective treatment pathways.

Mental Health First Aid for Anxiety

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training teaches you how to recognise signs of anxiety, have supportive conversations, and guide people toward professional help. MHFA Instructors provide evidence-based training on recognising anxiety symptoms, understanding anxiety triggers, and responding with empathy and competence. The training covers myths about anxiety, how to ask direct questions about worry and physical symptoms, how to listen without judgment, and practical steps for supporting someone seeking treatment. MHFA-trained individuals become valuable assets in workplaces, schools, communities, and families, helping reduce the stigma and isolation that often accompanies anxiety. With over 70% of people with anxiety not receiving treatment, having more MHFA-trained supporters could help bridge the treatment gap and improve early intervention rates.

Sources and Further Reading

Written By

This post was written by the Mental Health First Aid Course team, drawing on the latest UK mental health statistics and research. Our mission is to increase awareness of mental health conditions and promote the importance of early intervention and support. All content is evidence-based and sourced from official government statistics, NHS data, and leading mental health charities. If you would like to learn more about recognising and supporting people with anxiety, please explore our Mental Health First Aid courses.