Mental Health Awareness Week 2014 takes place from 12-18 May. This year's theme is Anxiety.

Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives, whether it's preparing for a job interview or bringing up a child. It is normal to experience anxiety in everyday situations, however persistent and excessive anxiety can cause more serious mental health problems.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in nearly every country in the world and, while a low level of anxiety can be a useful motivating force, in some cases it can take over your life. That's why we're raising awareness of anxiety and how to live with the condition this Mental Health Awareness Week.

The success of Mental Health Awareness Week is largely down to the generous support from organisations and individuals throughout the UK who get involved by publicising the week, organising activities and events, and hopefully having some fun as well.

Problems with anxiety are really common. According to the charity Anxiety UK, as many as 1 in 6 young people will experience an anxiety problem at some point in their lives.

Most people feel anxious, panicky or fearful about situations in life, such as money problems or exams but often once the difficult situation is over, you feel better and calmer. Sometimes the feelings of fear or anxiety continue after the difficult situation or sometimes you may feel a stronger sense of fear than other people and this is when anxiety becomes a problem and can affect you doing every day things.

Mental Health Awareness Week is working to raise awareness of anxiety and how to live with the condition.

Find out more about how you can get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week.    

See our pages on anxiety at http://www.asknormen.co.uk/anxiety/