How to Help Your Loved One with Anxiety
Anxiety disorder is a mental disorder that makes you nervous, worried, or in a state of fear that it gets in the way of your everyday activities. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the US where over 4 million Americans have it. When you know a friend or a relative with anxiety, it is important to be understanding to what they are going through and to let them know that you are there for them.
You can educate yourself on anxiety by going to your local library and researching what anxiety disorder is such as the triggers, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that they go through so you will know how to handle it. If your loved one is exhibiting avoidance behavior such as being afraid to make a phone call, getting started on something that you do not want to do like cleaning the house, or making requests or suggestions, help identify those levels of behavior. Communicate with your loved one of what it is that they are afraid of and to help be there for them to get the task done.
It is also important to let your loved one know that you do not think negative thoughts of their disorder. That you do not think that their disorder is a character flaw, a weakness, or as an annoyance as you know that they cannot help their symptoms. Even people without the diagnosis of anxiety have their own worries and fears so it is critical to tell your loved one what you worry and are scared of on a daily basis so that person knows they are not alone.
You can help your loved by finding a support group that the two of you can go to, a good therapist, and even go to the therapy sessions with them to address any struggles that you and your loved one are going through and how to better handle it. You can let your loved one know that you are interested in their progress and will do anything to make things easier. If your loved one is having a panic attack, guide them through slow, deep breathing to calm them down. The best thing you can do as a friend or a relative is to be there for the person no matter how strong their anxiety symptoms can get.