How to help someone with anxiety – 5 tips

What is anxiety?

If we were to give a clear definition for the most common psychiatric disorders, we would say that:

Depression is suffering from things in the past, stress from things in the present, and anxiety from things in the future.

The main characteristic of anxiety disorder is excessive thinking and worrying about a situation that is yet to happen.

Certainly, anxiety is part of our routine and some people are able to control this feeling better than others.

However, when these emotions get out of control and become constant, disrupting the person's life and leading to other conditions, especially physical ones, it is time to seek professional help.

Before finding out how to help someone with anxiety, find out what the main symptoms of this disorder are.

What are the main symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are a group of psychiatric illnesses with different stages and models, where the main characteristic is the excessive and continuous concern that something bad or negative will happen.

However, there are other underlying symptoms and conditions depending on the anxiety disorder, stage, and person.

Therefore, among the main symptoms of anxiety, we find, for example:

Sweating;
Cardiac arrhythmia;
Lack of concentration;
Tiredness;
Excessive fear;
Insomnia;
Shortness of breathe;
Tachycardia.

Now, see below how to help someone in this situation.

1. How to help someone with anxiety – Be careful with your words

In a situation like this, what the person hears can help or make the situation worse.

Sometimes, even without intending to, we end up using phrases that should be avoided.

A person with an anxiety disorder is not in that condition because they want to be or because they do not have enough willpower to get out.

So, avoid phrases like:

Everything will be fine;
It will pass;
Don't think about it;
Nothing bad will happen;
I am also anxious;
It was something I did.

In this case, it is important to put words aside and focus more on actions.

For example, help the person focus on their breathing, invite them to go for a walk to distract themselves somewhere that makes them feel better.

Also, show that you are present and let her know that you will be there for whatever she needs and whatever happens.

2. Learn to listen more

The second form of how to help someone with anxiety It is just a complement to the first one.

It is essential to learn to listen and talk less. Remember, it is not about you, do not turn the attention to yourself and your problems.

If the idea is to help someone, then focus on that. Listen more, if you don't know what to say, just offer your ears, your hand and your friendly shoulder.

3. How to help someone with anxiety – Don’t be aggressive. Be patient

Offer support, but don't pressure them. Trying to make the person feel better in a hurry will only make things worse.

She will feel worse and her self-esteem may suffer.

4. Have control and balance over the situation

Show genuine concern, but avoid over-concern. The person should feel welcomed and loved.

However, excessive worry can make a person feel suffocated and trapped, which can worsen a crisis or trigger it.

5. Advise seeking professional help

In a friendly and cordial conversation, offer professional help. Before starting this dialogue, search for a trusted professional and see the best way to approach.

Of course, there are other ways to how to help someone with anxiety, but pay attention to the options we mention here.

Your help will certainly be useful, but you need to know the correct way to do it.

Finally, be sure to check out the 4 recipes that cannot be missed in your Christmas dinner.

Nara December 20, 2021