How to Help Someone With Anxiety
When talking to a loved one with anxiety, it can be helpful to be prepared with the most common signs and symptoms. However, it can be counterproductive to make accommodations for anxiety. These actions will only increase your own workload and diminish your ability to be a useful resource in the social circle. Rather, it is helpful to understand what is causing the anxiety and how to best support your loved one. Here are some ideas on how to talk to someone about their anxiety.
What Are The Signs Of Anxiety
There are several signs of anxiety. Some people exhibit these symptoms more than others. Some may experience excessive worry or restlessness, while others may have physical complaints, change in sleeping patterns, or other symptoms not previously noticed. Anxiety affects all age groups and should be treated as such, if it is affecting your quality of life. Listed below are some of the most common signs of anxiety. The signs of anxiety include:
Distraction: Anxiety symptoms may be difficult to identify, but distraction can help. Try going through your photo album or doing the laundry. Distracting yourself from what causes you to worry can help break the cycle of anxiety. As you feel better, move on to something else, such as exercise. This will give you some time to refocus on something else. Oftentimes, a distraction will help relieve anxiety.
What Are The Symptoms Of Anxiety
If you suspect that you are experiencing the signs of anxiety, you should see a healthcare provider right away. Most healthcare providers will begin by asking about your health history and performing a physical examination. Although lab tests cannot diagnose anxiety, they can help rule out other physical conditions. Your healthcare provider will also ask about the intensity of your symptoms and whether they interfere with your everyday life. Your healthcare provider will also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
It’s important to find social connections to prevent isolation from becoming a problem. Social connections are vital to our health and well-being, and people with close friends and relatives have lower rates of social anxiety. When you’re having trouble finding people to talk to, try joining a support group or self-help group. The support you receive will help you cope better with your symptoms and be more likely to seek treatment. Try to avoid smoking and alcohol as much as possible. Nicotine is addictive and can make anxiety worse.
How To Support Somone With Anxiety
There are many ways to support a loved one with anxiety. Whether the person is asking for emotional support, distraction, or just someone to talk to, you can provide that. Offer to help with household chores, laundry, gas, or cleaning services, or simply take them on a walk. Be sure to keep communication open and offer to learn as much as you can about the person’s anxiety. The most important thing is to make them feel like they are valued and loved.
If possible, arrange to spend time together once a week with the person who is asking for support. If possible, set up regular one-on-one time where the two of you can talk about the person’s anxiety. Offer to sit with them during their first appointment, and remember that anxiety is not a sign of weakness, but of vulnerability. Try to understand their frustration, fear, and fatigue, and find ways to support them through their feelings.
How to talk to someone about Anxiety
There are a few different ways to approach a person suffering from anxiety. While you might initially feel uncomfortable, the fact is that talking about your struggles will not only ease the burden on yourself but will also help the other person understand your feelings. In addition to letting them know that you are not alone, talking to someone about anxiety will also give them the opportunity to offer emotional support, which is an invaluable asset in times of anxiety.
While supporting a loved one with anxiety may seem easy, it’s crucial to keep the situation in perspective. It’s easy to feel guilty and helpless if the other person is dealing with anxiety. Try to maintain your perspective by putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and ensuring that you remain sympathetic to their situation. In addition, remember to wear your oxygen mask first. Remember that anxiety can be crippling for both parties.
Encouraging the person to get help with their Anxiety
While you might be tempted to make an appointment for the person to see a therapist for their anxiety, don’t do so. Although the therapist might be a valuable resource for the person with anxiety, they will likely be hesitant to discuss certain topics. Rather, encourage them to seek help with their condition from a clinical psychologist. It is important to let them have agency over their treatment, and you should be supportive and understanding.
Identify what makes them anxious. If the person has no idea what’s causing their anxiety, they may be tempted to search online to see what symptoms they have. While this may seem like a useful exercise, it can become a compulsion and fuel the person’s anxiety further. For example, if they are anxious about an illness, they might spend too much time researching the symptoms and start to form their own beliefs. These misconceptions can only increase their level of anxiety and stress.
