Supporting Someone with Anxiety: What to Know

Anxiety is an overwhelming, often persistent feeling of dread or apprehension about everyday situations. While everyone experiences anxiety at times, those with anxiety disorders may find their fears consuming and challenging to control. Anxiety can manifest physically, emotionally, and behaviorally, significantly impacting daily life.

Anxiety affects everyone at some point, but it becomes a disorder when it interferes with daily functioning. Approximately one-third of Americans experience anxiety disorders in their lifetime, with 12-25% receiving diagnoses. These disorders manifest differently across age groups, from separation anxiety in children to social anxiety in teens and obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults.

Understanding Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions. Recognizing anxiety symptoms in loved ones can be crucial. These symptoms, which vary among individuals, generally fall into three categories: physical, emotional, and behavioral. Understanding these signs can help you provide timely support and encourage professional help when needed.

Physical Symptoms

Anxiety often manifests through physical reactions. You may experience rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath. Digestive issues like nausea or stomach discomfort are common. Muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders, can lead to headaches. Fatigue and sleep disturbances may also occur.

Emotional Symptoms

Anxiety often manifests through intense feelings of worry, fear, and unease. You may experience restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These overwhelming emotions can lead to a sense of impending doom or panic. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for managing anxiety effectively and seeking appropriate support when needed.

Tips and Tricks on How to Help

When supporting someone with anxiety, avoid dismissing their feelings or offering quick fixes. Refrain from saying "just relax" or "it's all in your head." Instead, listen attentively and validate their experiences. Avoid comparing their situation to others or pressuring them to face fears before they're ready. Here are more tips to help you.

Show Concern

Don't hide your concern when you notice a loved one withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed. Approach them warmly and positively. While you can't shorten or significantly reduce the intensity of an anxiety attack, your supportive presence can make a difference. Acknowledge their struggle and offer understanding without judgment.

Avoid Enabling

While it's natural to want to shield loved ones from anxiety-inducing situations, constantly accommodating their fears can inadvertently reinforce anxious behaviors. By modifying your environment or actions to alleviate their concerns, you may unintentionally enable the anxiety to persist and grow. Instead, encourage gradual exposure to challenging situations, fostering resilience and coping skills.

Avoid Confrontation

While supporting someone with anxiety is crucial, forcing them to face their fears can be counterproductive. Pushing an unprepared individual may strain relationships and exacerbate anxiety. Instead, encourage seeking professional help. A therapist can provide a safe environment and effective strategies for gradually overcoming deep-seated apprehensions fostering long-term growth and healing.

Avoid Social Situations

Anxiety often leads to avoiding social interactions, which can perpetuate the cycle of fear and isolation. While it may provide temporary relief, this avoidance behavior can ultimately intensify anxiety and limit personal growth. Gradually exposing someone to social situations, with professional support, can help build confidence and reduce anxiety over time.

Self-Medication

While tempting, self-medicating anxiety with alcohol or drugs can worsen symptoms and lead to dependency. Instead, consider healthier coping mechanisms, like exercise, meditation, or talking to a therapist. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact a healthcare professional for guidance on safe, effective treatment options.

By understanding the nature of anxiety and implementing healthy coping strategies, you and your loved ones can lead a fulfilling life. If your loved one's anxiety starting to interfere with their daily life, if they're struggling to enjoy activities, maintain relationships, or function at work or school, encourage them to schedule an appointment with us today.