Everybody experiences anxiety at some point: it is a common feeling that causes increased alertness, fear, and physical sigs such as a rapid heart rate. Because it is so common, it’s important to know how to help someone with anxiety.
Anxiety can vary in severity from mild uneasiness to a terrifying panic attack. Although everyday anxiety can be unpleasant, it can also be quite useful in helping a person avoid dangerous situations and motivating them to solve everyday problems.
Sometimes, however, someone may experience more than just everyday anxiety. Approximately 18% of adults between the ages of 18 to 54 in the United States report having an anxiety disorder in any given year (Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental, Jul 2018). An anxiety disorder differs in the following ways:
- It is more severe.
- It is more persistent.
- It interferes with the person’s activities, studies, and family and social relationships.
- If not treated, it continues to cause real pain and distress, and can lead to poor academic or work performance, impaired social functioning and other negative outcomes.
It is important to remember that as friends, loved ones and Mental Health First Aiders, we do not diagnose anxiety disorders for ourselves or others — that’s a job for a mental health professional.
When your loved one is struggling, you want to do everything you can to help them. And sometimes, you don’t know what that is. Here are five ways to help someone with anxiety:
Listen nonjudgmentally
Each person’s situation and needs are unique. Respect their independence and simply listen to what they’re experiencing before offering solutions or responding.
Provide practical help
People struggling with anxiety may feel overwhelmed: offering practical help with tasks like getting groceries, cleaning or household tasks — but be careful not to take over or encourage dependency.
Respect their boundaries
Anxiety can make social situations or certain tasks feel overwhelming. Listen to their needs and boundaries, and don’t pressure them into something they aren’t ready for.
Encourage self-care
Suggest simple activities for your loved one to healthily cope with their anxiety, like breathing deeply, taking a walk outside and drinking water.
Help them find support
Ask your loved one if they would like information about anxiety. If their anxiety is persistent or severe, encourage them to talk with a mental health professional or help them make an appointment.
Anxiety can be a block to our everyday mental wellbeing, but support from friends and loved ones can ease the burden.
Learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge is the first step in supporting loved ones in getting the help they need. Mental Health First Aid is a training that teaches you the skills you need to help someone with anxiety.
