When your loved one is experiencing anxiety, you might be struggling with how to help them.
Dealing with anxiety is very personal, and so is helping a loved one who is anxious.
At the same time, its OK to express concern as you guide your loved one toward getting help.
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Many Types of Anxiety
Anxiety is an overwhelming feeling of fear or worry.
There are several types of anxiety disorder.
For example, someone withsocial anxietymay have trouble leaving the house or engaging with others.
Anxiety affects 18% of the population, and its no ones fault.
Over Text or Call
Supporting someone from afar can be challenging.
Its best to communicate in short, clear sentences.
Helping someone with anxiety by text or phone can look very similar to helping someone in person.
First, validate their experience.
Ask them what they need.
Ensure they are physically safe and not having any thoughts of self-harm.
However, there are additional tools you have since you are physically with your loved one.
Instead, try sharing a caffeine-free cup of tea.
Steps to Help Someone Through a Panic Attack With Anxiety
Apanic attackis an acute bout of anxiety.
It feels awful but youve gotten through this before.
You will this time too.
However, there are common mistakes that it’s possible for you to avoid.
When someone is having anxiety, respond to what theyre feeling, rather than arguing that its an overreaction.
Remember, their feeling is real, even if logically you could see what its an outsized response.
Treatments for anxiety include daily medication, as-needed medication that can be used during panic attacks, and therapy.
Encourage your loved one to see a professional to discuss their anxiety.
Offer to help them make appointments and find providers, but ensure that theyre working toward getting help too.
Its important that they want to get help, and are ready to put in the hard work.
Summary
Helping a loved one with anxiety can be a lot of work.
Remember, its best to validate your loved ones feelings.
During calmer moments, point out how their anxiety is impacting their life.
Encourage them to seek professional help, and give them assistance if they want it.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed.
Washington D.C.
Johns Hopkins.How to help someone with anxiety.
NAMI.How do I help someone experiencing a panic attack?
Penn Medicine.Helping someone during a panic attack.
Harvard Health.Tips for beating anxiety to get a better nights sleep.
