How to Help Someone with Anxiety

Have you noticed that a loved one seems a bit more on edge than normal? Maybe they’ve expressed unusually frequent feelings of panic, or they seem to be struggling in certain social situations. Depending on your loved one’s symptoms, they may have anxiety. Anxiety disorders are incredibly common, affecting around 40 million American adults ages 18 or older. But while anxiety is common, it can be hard to know how to help someone with anxiety. Below are some tips to help you support your loved one with anxiety.

How to Help Someone with Anxiety

Understanding Anxiety

First: what, exactly, is anxiety? It can be easy to confuse anxiety with general nervousness or fear – but, in reality, anxiety represents a set of symptoms all its own. Per the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves excessive worry that dominates the patient’s thoughts, emotions, and actions for at least six months. Anxiety disorders can also go hand-in-hand with panic disorders. The NIMH explains that panic disorders involve recurring panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense anxiety that typically manifest in physical symptoms like sweating or shaking. Regardless of the type of anxiety your loved one has, rest assured that there are plenty of ways to offer support.

Help by Recognizing Anxiety Symptoms

Before you can support your loved one with anxiety, it helps to be able to recognize their symptoms when they happen. Per the NIMH, anxiety often involves the following signs and symptoms, although this list is by no means comprehensive:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Sleep problems
• Shortness of breath
• Headache and nausea
• Overwhelming feelings of panic, fear, or nervousness
• A feeling of impending doom
• Trouble concentrating

If you notice your loved one struggling with these symptoms, there are several things you can do to help.

Don’t Ignore the Issue

When you’re deciding how best to help someone with anxiety, you might want to sweep the issue under the rug. “They’ll be embarrassed if I bring it up,” you might think. However, it’s typically best to let your loved one know that you’re concerned. This can help them feel supported and understood in their journey to treat their anxiety. For example, if your loved one has been withdrawing from social activities because of their anxiety symptoms, you could approach them in a loving way. Try saying, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been avoiding social gatherings. I’m worried about you – do you want to talk about what caused the change?” By starting a dialogue, you can help your loved one identify and seek support for their anxiety.

Help Them Find Outside Support

If your loved one’s anxiety is negatively impacting their life – taking a toll on school, work, or friendships, for example – you should encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to help them find a mental health provider who specializes in anxiety and can help them develop a treatment plan. Individuals with anxiety may also struggle with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, walking the dog, or making appointments over the phone. As you help your loved one find outside support, be sure to keep an eye out for everyday tasks you can take over while they’re on the road to recovery.

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It can be hard to know how to help someone with anxiety. However, in most situations, a listening ear and hands-on help can both go a long way.

Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness, which can often contribute to anxiety. Our talented team members can design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.