How Can I Support a Friend Dealing with Anxiety?

# Supporting a Friend with Anxiety ## What Supporters Should Know Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects many people in different ways. It can manifest as excessive worry, restlessness, or physical symptoms like a racing heart. Understanding that anxiety isn’t just ‘nerves’ but a real challenge for your friend is key. They might not always be able to articulate what they're feeling, and that’s okay. Your patience and empathy can help create a safe space for them. ## Helpful vs Unhelpful Responses ### Helpful Responses - **Listen Actively**: Sometimes, just being there and listening without judgment is the best support. Let them express their feelings. - **Validate Their Feelings**: Acknowledge what they’re experiencing. You can say, “It’s completely okay to feel this way.” - **Encourage Professional Help**: If they’re open to it, suggest seeking help from a therapist or counselor. ### Unhelpful Responses - **Minimizing Their Feelings**: Phrases like “It’s not a big deal” or “Just relax” can make them feel worse. - **Offering Unsolicited Advice**: Telling them what they should do without understanding their unique experience can come off as dismissive. - **Pushing Them to Change**: Pressuring them to just ‘get over it’ or ‘snap out of it’ is not helpful and can create further distress. ## Communication Tips - **Use Open-Ended Questions**: Try asking them how they’re feeling without putting pressure on them to explain everything. - **Be Patient**: They might not want to talk or might take time to open up. Respect their pace. - **Avoid Clichés**: Instead of saying, “Don’t worry about it,” try, “I’m here for you, and we’ll get through this together.” ## Self-Care for Supporters Supporting someone with anxiety can be draining, so it’s super important to take care of yourself too. Here are some self-care tips: - **Set Boundaries**: It’s okay to take breaks and set limits on how much emotional energy you’re putting into your support role. - **Talk to Someone**: Reach out to friends or a therapist to share your feelings and experiences. - **Engage in Activities You Enjoy**: Make time for hobbies or relaxation to recharge your own mental health. Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers. Just being a supportive friend can provide immense comfort to someone dealing with anxiety. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for immediate support.