New data has highlighted the scale of the anxiety challenge facing the UK, as health experts warn that common “safety behaviours” used to cope with social situations may actually be making the condition worse.
According to the Office for National Statistics, 33% of adults in Great Britain reported high levels of anxiety in February 2026. For those specifically struggling with social anxiety, the tendency to use hidden “habits” to survive social interactions is often what prevents long-term recovery.
Clinical guidance identifies these habits as “safety behaviours.” While they are intended to reduce distress in the moment, they reinforce the anxiety cycle by preventing the brain from learning that a social situation is safe. Common examples include avoiding eye contact, rehearsing speech before talking, or using alcohol to feel more comfortable in a group.
The ‘Safety’ Trap
Psychologists suggest that when someone uses a safety behaviour—such as staying near an exit or constantly checking their phone to look busy—they attribute their “survival” of the event to that specific action. This means the underlying fear of being judged or embarrassed is never truly tested or disproved.
Breaking these habits involves gradually facing social situations without these “crutches.”
The demand for these services remains high. Figures from the House of Commons Library show that the median waiting time for adult community mental health services in England was 37 days for the quarter ending May 2026.
Accessing Support in Chichester
For residents in the Chichester area, professional help for social anxiety is available through the NHS West Sussex Talking Therapies service. This service provides free, confidential treatment specifically designed for adults experiencing social phobia and other anxiety disorders.
A key feature of the local provision is that Chichester residents can self-refer to the service. This means there is no requirement to book a GP appointment to begin the process. To be eligible for this local support, individuals must be aged 18 or over and registered with a West Sussex GP.
The service, managed by the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, offers various forms of support, including guided self-help and one-to-one therapy sessions. Residents can start the referral process online or via telephone, allowing for direct access to mental health professionals who can assess the specific safety behaviours keeping them trapped in the anxiety cycle.
