Anxiety is a difficult, debilitating condition and it can be exhausting for the one suffering from it and the people around them who love them and don’t want to see them struggling like that.
If you have a loved one struggling with anxiety then you probably feel helpless at times and unable to help them. Here are some things you can do to help them deal with their condition.
1. Check in
When someone you love has anxiety, you should understand that it can be difficult for them to reach out and talk about what’s bothering them because they don’t want to be a burden to you. That’s why you should make sure to check in with them and ask them how they feel.
2. Learn about it
Learning about anxiety, the symptoms of it, and how to help someone who is experiencing an anxiety attack can make you more understanding of the illness and more able to help those fighting it.
3. Be with them
You should understand that a person with anxiety will not be very sociable. In fact, they may not want to leave the house for days or even weeks. Their anxiety stops them for doing things they once enjoyed doing or going to events and meeting with friends. If you want to help them, have an understanding for their condition and just be there with them. Accompany them to social events. Help them to get out of the house by supporting them and not leaving them alone.
4. Offer to help them with practical things
Driving them to appointments, picking up their prescriptions, doing the shopping for them… all of these things can be helpful and give them less things to worry about but of course, they would never ask you to do it. You should do them on your own.
5. Ask them what they need
We are all different and we find different things to be helpful for us. By asking your loved one what they need, even though they have no idea what and if they need anything, you will give them support and the feeling that they are not alone in the world, and that by itself is calming to their anxious heart.
6. Encourage self-care
When the one you love is struggling with anxiety, you should encourage them to do things for them. You could help them to clean their home, prompt them to take a shower, or bring some beautiful things for their house. You could invite them for a walk in the park, anything that will make them get dressed up and go out of the house.
7. Don’t just focus on their anxiety
They are a person with their own personality, things they like and things they don’t like. Their anxiety doesn’t define them. Remind them of that. Remind them of how special and unique they are.
8. Be honest
Be honest about what you can and you can’t do to help them. They understand that their anxiety is not an easy thing for you to deal with, and that’s why they want you to be honest about your limits. They will respect your honesty.
And finally, encourage them to reach out for support when they need it.
Share this post to help others. You never know who might need it to help someone they love.
