Andy Horner, also known as Anxious Andy in the uk has gone all out and created a unique website for people needing urgent support or those who just need general help with distractions or to find information about mental health conditions. The website called Anxious Andy is also available as an app which Andy says is easy to navigate.
The main page consists of tabs to press which directs people who are in a crisis. People can get through to the “Samaritans” or use a text service called “shout.” The rest of the website consists of useful phone numbers, distraction games and pages so people can understand a little bit more about their condition.
Andy launched the website last year and says it’s been a huge success and encourages people to use it as it may be a lifeline for people who are really struggling. Everything on the website is free to use, no subscriptions and no annoying ads.
Andy says he gets many messages from his followers thanking him for making such an easy website to use.
People struggling with poor mental health don’t need anymore stress adding to how they are already feeling and Andy has added other pages to his website over time and has now introduced a “relaxing sounds” page where people can listen to a fire crackling, birds tweeting or the sound of waves in the wind. A truly relaxing experience to help people sleep. The “Distraction games” page has simple but effective puzzle games designed to distract people who are feeling anxious or just need some time out for a while. Andy says that he is improving and updating the website all the time and will always be free for people to use.
As well as creating a website, Andy is continuing his campaigning for mental health improvements and often shares his personal struggles on his social media platform.
Andy reaches a very large audience which has grown throughout the years. Andy’s main audience is on Facebook, but his Instagram page is growing daily, people relate to Andy’s struggles and interact daily with what he posts, which is raising awareness and campaigning. The NHS in the uk is struggling with the demand from people who are struggling mentally. The cost of living hasn’t helped people’s mental health. Andy wants people to know that they are not alone and that it’s okay for people to reach out if they are struggling and not to isolate themselves from friends or family.