Voices is the Dorset Echo's weekly youth page - written for young people by young people.

This week Billy urges members of the public to donate to mental health charities.

Social anxiety is sweeping the nation with more than 10 million people affected every day.

We are all affected by anxiety but it can become a problem when it begins to take over everyday life.

People suffering from anxiety may feel extreme stress, panic, and worry. It had been described as ‘like a spotlight in your mind shining on your deepest fears or worries at all times.’

This can lead to people becoming isolated and the worst hit can be left needing therapy or medication to recover.

Social media dominates teenager’s live into trends, relationships and other things we feel compelled to do – when really, we do not need to.

These can accerbate anxiety and the things we fear can be switched by the easy push of a button. We don’t realise that the delete button exists for a reason.

There are lots of ways to get support for anxiety - the main way is one to one therapy available, on the NHS.

However, dwindling NHS resources mean this help is not always available and for many going private is not an option.

But fear not - charities such as Mind are here to help those in need. They work with everyone in all stages of life. At some point we may all need to use them.

They are brilliant charities but they do not have as much support as they should. This weekend I urge everyone to ask their friends and family to donate some spare change because it can really help those in need.

By Billy Sullivan