Anxiety disorders – driven by an increasing number of uncertainties in relationships, social events, work, and finances – are becoming more common, meaning more people are suffering from anxiety. It’s crucial to recognize who in our lives is suffering and how we can support them.
Helping someone with anxiety requires a balance of empathy and practical support. Here are some strategies that may be beneficial.
Learn What Anxiety Is
Anxiety is often downplayed as something that is just an occasional worry or can be easily turned off. While that is true in some instances, anxiety disorders go beyond simple stress. They can be persistent and overwhelming to the point of diminishing quality of life.
The first step you can take is to learn as much as you can about anxiety and associated symptoms. These often include both mental and physical symptoms. Mental symptoms can manifest as racing thoughts, nervousness, and perseveration on things out of your immediate control. Physical symptoms commonly include fatigue, headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Be a Listening Ear
People with anxiety worry, internalize stress, and fear being judged, all while their minds are filled with racing thoughts.
As humans, we have a natural tendency to want to fix things for people when they’re struggling. You may find yourself searching for the perfect thing to do and say to make it better.
During periods of high anxiety, just having someone physically there can be comforting in itself. Be present and allow them to talk at their own pace. A listening ear will go a longer way than advice.
Offer Grace and Patience
Anxiety disorders and flare-ups are not uniform, and working through the process isn’t linear. Be patient with them as they problem-solve their anxiety and take steps towards recovery.
If the anxiety is becoming severe, it can lead to withdrawal and isolation. Don’t be overly pushy in a direction you think they should be going. Give them the grace to work through their feelings and situation. If anything gets directed at you, avoid taking it personally.
Provide Validation for Their Feelings
Anxiety is a person-specific disorder. Two people may experience symptoms similarly, or they may manifest on opposite ends of the spectrum.
If you’ve ever experienced anxiety yourself, you know the toll it can take, so you have some basis of understanding for what someone else is going through. If you haven’t, you can still validate their feelings, just with a slightly different spin.
Never minimize what this person is going through. To them, it’s a heavy burden. Offer comments like “I can only imagine why you’re feeling that way” or “This sounds like a tough situation.” Giving some input to understand can help to validate their feelings.
Avoid making statements like “calm down” or “deal with it.” Certain phrases like this can feel dismissive.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Anxiety can stem from a perceived loss of control. Establishing routines can help bring some of that back. Encourage focusing energy on prioritizing health and self-care practices.
Support healthy habits like getting proper sleep, exercising regularly, and eating well-balanced meals. If you have a shared passion for a certain fitness routine, offer to take a class together. If food is more your jam, make plans for a dinner date that promotes healthy eating.
When anxiety is situational, practice a grounding exercise together or suggest going for a walk to get some fresh air.
Discuss Professional Support
Depending on your comfort level with this person, you may want to visit the topic of therapy or counseling services. Offer to help them start the process or volunteer to go with them to their first appointment. Anxiety therapy can be a sensitive subject, so having someone willingly be in your corner is a huge help.
If someone you know or love is struggling with managing anxiety, use our contact information to learn more.