Anxiety is quite a widespread mental health issue nowadays.
The role you play in helping and supporting those who struggle with anxiety can actually make a difference in their lives.
But how do you help a person with anxiety effectively? The most important steps you can take are:
- Acknowledging their condition.
- Offering reassurance.
- Encouraging the right professional help.
This guide is an approach to helping a person with anxiety by understanding them, standing by them, and advising them compassionately.
Anxiety Disorders – Types
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause fear, worry and nervousness.
Let us give an overview of the types.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Excessive worry that often shows up in varying aspects of life constantly, even when things are fine.
- Social Anxiety Disorder – The intense fear of being part of or near some social event or gathering.
- Panic Disorder – One might suddenly get deep anxiety and panic that is sometimes accompanied by physical reactions like heart racing.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – It’s where a person has repetitive thoughts and does a particular action repeatedly to find relief.
The origin of these conditions is different, and people suffer each one differently.
Because of that, the more you understand these differences, the better you can assist.
How Do You Help a Person with Anxiety
If you’re thinking about how to deal with someone, then here’s something you can do for them.
1. Listen to them without any judgment.
Anyone who shares about anxiety should first be treated with the respect and empathy they deserve without regard to the gravity of the issue.
Tell them you feel for them and offer assistance by saying, “I understand you and will support you through this.”
2. Ask them how you can help.
Not everyone with anxiety needs the same kind of support.
Some people might need you to reassure them while others prefer a different approach.
Start by asking, “How can I support you?”
3. Get them to find professional help if needed.
Anxiety happens to be so intense that people cannot cope with it on their own sometimes.
Giving them a suggestion about an anxiety psychiatrist or a therapist may help them find the best cure and treatment.
According to a study, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the therapies that has proved very effective in this respect.
4. Try to be patient and understanding.
If you’ve helped someone with anxiety before, you might already know that progress takes time.
It’s essential to remain patient, even when they struggle to explain their feelings.
5. Help them manage triggers.
Discover the causes that exacerbate their anxiety, for instance, stress-emitting environments or particular social settings.
Educating them about these potential barriers and urging them to overcome them can minimize their stress.
How Long Can Anxiety Disorder Last?
It has no single, uniform answer. The course can go from anxiety that lasts for a few months to those who live with it for years.
The duration results from genetics, environmental factors, and the treatment method.
The promising news is that symptoms can be managed with therapy, medication, and lifestyle shifts.
Next Steps
You should start by extending your support.
Empathy and a listening ear can go a long way—listen actively, express understanding, and, if need be, refer them to a professional such as an anxiety psychiatrist or a mental health counselor.
Get Professional Help – Ruby Reflections Mental Health
Ruby Reflections Mental Health provides support if you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety.
We are an experienced team of experts who handle every patient’s individual needs by offering them expert therapeutic support.
Get help now to regain peace.
FAQs
How to make an anxious person feel better?
- Offer comfort and kindness.
- Show empathy while conversing.
- Remind them to do some deep breathing or grounding exercises.
What are the best ways to help anxiety?
- Encouraging therapy.
- Adopting good and healthy lifestyle habits.
How do you comfort someone with anxiety?
- Speak in a reassuring tone.
- Don’t dismiss their feelings.
- Help them find coping methods that work for them.
How to handle an anxiety attack?
Take slow, deep breaths.
- Focus on the surroundings.
- Remind yourself that the attack will pass.
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