It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes – but if worry, panic or racing thoughts are starting to take over, you don’t have to cope alone. Help is available in Leeds, and many services can be contacted directly without going through your GP.
If you’re autistic, have ADHD or think you might be neurodivergent, see our section on anxiety and neurodivergence for specialist support and adjustments.
NHS Talking Therapies in Leeds
You can refer yourself to Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) – the NHS Talking Therapies service for adults (17+) in Leeds.
LMWS offers support for anxiety, stress, low mood and other common mental health problems. Depending on what you need, this could include:
- guided self-help
- Omnitherapy – online video courses and CBT-based programmes you can access directly
- online group classes and workshops focused on anxiety and wellbeing
- one-to-one therapy (in person, by phone or online)
- mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
You can complete a self-referral form online without seeing your GP first.
Refer yourself to Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service
If you are registered with a GP, your practice can also refer you to the Primary Care Mental Health (PCMH) team within LMWS. This service offers short-term support, advice and help accessing appropriate services.
LMWS also provides employment advice if anxiety is affecting your work or you are returning to employment.
Practical and social support
Sometimes anxiety is closely linked to life pressures – such as money worries, work stress, housing issues or feeling lonely. If that’s the case, practical help can make a big difference.
Linking Leeds
Linking Leeds can connect you with practical and community-based support, including:
- community groups and activities
- volunteering opportunities
- social support
- advice on practical issues affecting wellbeing
Refer yourself to Linking Leeds
Live Well Leeds
Live Well Leeds provides community mental health support for adults with mild to moderate mental health needs. They offer practical help, group activities and one-to-one support.
Leeds Recovery College
Leeds Recovery College runs free courses and workshops to help you understand mental health and build wellbeing skills. You can enrol yourself on many courses without needing a referral.
Leeds Mind
Leeds Mind is a local charity offering a range of support including peer groups, counselling, wellbeing activities and employment support. Connecting with others who understand anxiety can make a real difference.
Speak to your GP
Your GP can:
- check for physical health causes
- talk with you about treatment options
- offer medication if appropriate
- refer you to other NHS services
- support you if anxiety is part of another health condition
If you need urgent help
If anxiety becomes overwhelming or you feel unable to keep yourself safe:
- Call 999 in an emergency
- Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for advice.
- Visit our Need urgent help page for 24-hour crisis support in Leeds
Other ways to find support
There are many different routes into support, and different things work for different people.
- Join a class or course – online and in-person wellbeing sessions run regularly across Leeds.
- Try peer or support groups – connecting with others who understand can make a big difference.
- Explore practical strategies for managing anxiety – find coping tools for anxiety, panic and sleep problems across MindWell.
- Try grounding techniques – our sensory comfort kit can help calm anxious feelings.
- Use apps and online resources – explore trusted tools, communities and self-help resources for anxiety and wellbeing.
- Browse our directory – explore support under Anxiety, Courses, Loneliness, Mindfulness
Remember
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There’s no wrong way to start – whether it’s a chat with your GP, a call to a helpline, or filling in a short referral form online, support is here for you in Leeds.
Last updated: February 2026