How Can You Best Support Someone Dealing with Anxiety?

# Supporting Someone with Anxiety When it comes to supporting a friend or loved one dealing with anxiety, your role is to listen, validate, and encourage them without judgment. Anxiety can feel isolating, so your support can help them feel understood and less alone. ## What Supporters Should Know - **Understanding Anxiety:** It’s important to recognize that anxiety is a real and sometimes debilitating condition. It’s not just about being “worried” or “stressed.” Symptoms can vary widely, from excessive worry to physical symptoms like a racing heart. - **Individual Differences:** Everyone experiences anxiety differently. What works for one person might not work for another. Be open to hearing their unique experiences and preferences. - **Normalize Their Feelings:** Reassure them that it’s okay to feel anxious. Encourage open dialogue about their feelings rather than trying to dismiss or diminish them. ## Helpful vs Unhelpful Responses ### Helpful Responses - **Listen Actively:** Sometimes, just being there and listening can be the best support. Let them talk without interruption. - **Validate Their Feelings:** Phrases like, “That sounds really tough,” or “I can see why you’d feel that way,” can be comforting. - **Encourage Professional Help:** Gently suggest seeking help from a therapist if they’re open to it. Offer to help them find resources if needed. ### Unhelpful Responses - **Minimizing Their Experience:** Avoid phrases like, “Just relax,” or “It’s not a big deal.” These can make someone feel dismissed. - **Offering Unsolicited Solutions:** Sometimes, people just need to vent. Don’t rush to fix their problems unless they ask for advice. - **Comparing Experiences:** Avoid saying things like, “I get anxious too, but...” Everyone’s experience is valid and unique. ## Communication Tips - **Ask Open-Ended Questions:** Instead of assuming what they need, ask, “How can I support you right now?” This empowers them to express their needs. - **Be Patient:** Anxiety can lead to avoidance or withdrawal. Be patient with their responses and don’t take it personally if they need space. - **Use “I” Statements:** When discussing your feelings or concerns, use “I” statements. For example, “I feel worried when I see you struggle” instead of “You need to stop being anxious.” ## Self-Care for Supporters Supporting someone with anxiety can be emotionally taxing, so remember to take care of yourself: - **Set Boundaries:** It’s okay to take a step back if you’re feeling overwhelmed. You can’t pour from an empty cup. - **Seek Support:** Talk to someone you trust about your own feelings. It’s important to have your own support system. - **Engage in Self-Care:** Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s spending time with friends, exercising, or indulging in a favorite hobby. Remember, you’re not alone in this. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety and it feels overwhelming, encourage them to reach out to a mental health professional. For immediate support, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, available 24/7. Your support can make a difference, so keep being the awesome friend or family member that you are!