Hidden Disabilities card, with the wording 'I have anxiety'

Hidden Disabilities card, with the wording 'I have anxiety' and 'I may be nervous or overwhelmed and find it difficult to communicate. I may have physical symptoms such as trouble breathing, dizziness or sickness. Please be patient, talk calmly and ask how you can help me', designed by Tabbers Limited, part of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, 2021

When people's feelings of anxiety are constant or overwhelming it can affect their daily life. It can affect people physically - feeling dizzy or shaky, an irregular heartbeat or feeling sick, or change their behaviour avoiding situations or repeatedly seeking reassurance. They may also feel tense and feel like they cannot stop worrying.

Launched at Gatwick airport in 2016, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a symbol that people can choose to wear if they want to let people that they have a disability and/or health condition that may not be visible. This may signal that they may need additional time or assistance. Partners in the scheme include supermarkets, travel hubs, and the NHS. The sunflower was chosen as a distinctive and easily recognisable sign. The Scheme’s website states “we chose a sunflower as it suggests happiness, positivity, strength as well as growth and confidence. It is a universally known flower as well as being gender-neutral.” Wearing the sunflower symbol is an individual choice.