How to Help Someone With Anxiety
There are several ways to support someone with anxiety, and not just by giving them money. Many people find that they don’t go to as many events and are more isolated due to their condition. If you’re concerned that someone you know is experiencing anxiety, consider offering to help them find a therapist or sitting in the waiting room during their first appointment. When talking to a person with anxiety, be sure to keep the conversation positive and show that you’re not trying to diagnose the problem.
What Are The Signs Of Anxiety
If you suffer from excessive worry, fear, or irritability, you may be suffering from anxiety. Though the signs of anxiety may differ from person to person, they are often similar. These symptoms can affect your daily life and negatively impact your performance at work, at school, and in your social relationships. You may notice changes in your sleep patterns, GI issues, or difficulty concentrating. Nevertheless, if you have any of these symptoms, you should seek help as soon as possible.
The symptoms of anxiety can be easily spotted in writing. You may notice that a person’s attention span is shorter than usual, or that their thoughts are wildly out of proportion to their circumstances. Sometimes, a person may appear focused while actually suffering from racing thoughts and nausea. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to help you deal with these symptoms. Your doctor will also be able to give you tips on what to do if you notice any of these symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of Anxiety
While anxiety is a serious illness, you can take steps to manage it and improve your quality of life. To start, try to get more sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours a night can reduce anxiety. If you can’t get enough sleep, try diffusing essential oils to help you relax before bedtime. Chamomile and lavender are good choices for this purpose. You can also try other activities to relieve the symptoms of anxiety.
You may notice physical signs. If you feel anxious about social situations or certain activities, it might be because you are afraid of how others will react. Other signs may include feeling short of breath or tensed muscles. These are the signs that you’re experiencing an anxiety reaction. Your doctor can give you tips on how to manage your symptoms and provide support to you and your family. You can also visit a specialist if you suspect you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder.
How To Support Somone With Anxiety
While it may seem like a simple task, there are some specific ways you can support a person with anxiety. Whether the person is at home or at work, making accommodations for their anxiety can help them feel comfortable and find the underlying cause of their symptoms. These accommodations should be provided without forcing the conversation or placing undue pressure on them. Instead, make it clear that you are there to listen, understand, and support them.
Understand that everyone experiences anxiety in different ways. Depending on the severity, you may need to provide more hands-on help. For example, if the person with anxiety is in a very severe depression, they might need a lot of support just to get out of bed. If they’re at a more mild stage, it’s best to offer support and advice without taking over the situation. You may also need to limit the time that you spend talking with them. A 20-minute de-stressing conversation is more beneficial than a two-hour marathon discussion.
How to talk to someone about Anxiety
There are several factors to consider when talking to someone about their anxiety. It’s important to know that merely listening to someone’s problem does not cure anxiety. Understanding that the fear is unreasonable is different from firmly believing that it is. As a result, you may not be able to change the underlying cause of their anxiety, but you can help them cope with their condition. Listed below are some suggestions for how to talk to someone about anxiety.
First and foremost, listen. Many people suffering from anxiety go through their symptoms alone. Often, the person feels uncomfortable talking about the problem and would prefer a quiet environment. But, you can show your support and let them talk about their feelings when they are ready. Don’t force the issue or pressure them to talk about their problem. Simply be present and listen without judgment. Your presence may be enough to start a meaningful conversation.
Encouraging the person to get help with their Anxiety
One of the best ways to encourage a person to seek help with their anxiety is to share with them some of the things you are concerned about. Anxiety-related thoughts are extremely common, and most people have some form of them. You may not understand why this person is worried about asking for help or being judged. However, there are many ways to help the person cope with their anxiety. Here are some tips:
If the person is struggling with severe anxiety, sit with them. This can provide support for as long as they need it. Rachel W., a mother of three, has found sitting with her friend has been extremely helpful when she has felt overwhelmed with anxiety. For her, it was comforting to be able to talk with her friend about how she was feeling and how she could help. She has since sought help for her friend, and this solution has helped her deal with her anxiety.