Anxiety

How do I support others with anxiety?

It's not always easy to know how to help someone who suffers from anxiety. It can be hard to know what to say or do. However, your genuine concern is the perfect starting place!

Begin by listening :

Often, when a person wants to talk, they're not seeking advice, but just want to share their concerns. It is important to understand how they are feeling and thinking, so give them your full attention, listen carefully and ask sensitive questions. Open questions such as "what's troubling you?"or "how have you been feeling lately?"or "what specifically have you been feeling in your body and mind when you've been uncomfortable?"can be useful. Acknowledge what they say without judgement, and save any suggestions or advice for later.

Be supportive :

Just knowing that you understand and care can help a loved one who suffers from anxiety. So do what you can to show your love and concern. The type and amount of support that families and friends can provide depends on the relationship with the person experiencing the anxiety. Helping someone who doesn't recognise that they need assistance may be very difficult, but some of the following suggestions are appropriate even in that situation.

  • Keep in touch, spend time together and encourage others to do the same
  • Encourage them to learn and use the Quick Tips
  • Be available to listen and talk in a non-judgemental way
  • Encourage them to look after themselves, in regard to diet, sleep, recreation and exercise
  • Encourage and support them to get professional help. InSync offers support in a format to suit everyone; individual coaching, The Freedom from Anxiety Program.

Persons with anxiety may be nervous or overwhelmed at the thought of getting help. They may feel more comfortable if a trusted companion makes the arrangements (with their consent) and attends a coaching session or course with them.

Unhelpful actions :

When interacting with someone who suffers from anxiety, do not:

  • Pressure them to 'just relax' or 'calm down'
  • Avoid or disengage from them
  • Encourage them to manage their feelings with drugs or alcohol
  • Assume that a persistent pattern of anxiety will just go away.

Helping someone while they are feeling anxious :

One of the most helpful things that you can do is to stay calm and reassure your companion. He or she may react in unexpected ways, and may even get angry. Don't take such emotions personally; it's probably just the anxiety talking.

Talk your companion through the following Quick Tips, which will ease anxiety within a short time. The techniques will be most effective if you both do them together.

To understand more about anxiety view our Freedom from Anxiety Program™

Find out more about anxiety here:

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