Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. It can be a typical stress reaction and helpful in some situations. For example, it can make people more alert or help them focus on essential tasks. But anxiety can also be harmful when it’s excessive or long-lasting. It can lead to problems such as difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or being around other people. When someone is living with anxiety, it can be hard for them to manage day-to-day activities. Everyone needs to know how to help a loved one or friend with anxiety. Helping people with anxiety can be very rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Here are some suggestions on how to enable or assist people who struggle with anxiety.
Know how to recognize signs of anxiety
Everyone experiences periods of anxiety and stress throughout life. Still, when the worry feels never-ending and begins to interfere with daily life, that can signify something more extensive. Knowing how to recognize the signs of anxiety is the first step toward helping people who struggle with it. Symptoms like excessive stress, inability to concentrate, changes in behavior or mood, physical symptoms such as low energy or headaches, racing thoughts and worrying about all kinds of situations throughout the day can easily be identified.
Providing Support
One of the most important aspects of offering assistance to those struggling with anxiety is understanding that everyone experiences anxiety differently and requires individualized coping strategies. We can also show support by providing them with professional help. Many anxiety psychologists can provide individuals with the support they need. For instance, anxiety psychologist Brisbane specializes in treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, mindfulness-based interventions and other evidence-based therapeutic modalities to help those suffering from anxiety. With these sources of support, people with anxiety can work on developing new skills and strategies to manage their anxiety symptoms better, obtain relief and lead healthier lives.
Listening without judgment
It is essential to listen without judgment when interacting with someone with anxiety. Listening without judgment involves taking in information that is said and understanding it at face value rather than making assumptions or passing decisions based on what was said. It’s important to understand that individuals with anxiety can often enter a negative thought spiral. Jumping in to try and fix their problems or invalidating how they feel may only make things worse. Instead, offering them a calm space to talk, letting them get the thoughts out of their head, and actively listening are much more effective ways of helping them.
Validating feelings
Validating the feelings of those with anxiety can be incredibly helpful in aiding recovery. It creates a safe platform for conversation and provides relief that whatever they are feeling is normal and ok to express. People suffering from anxiety must know that there is nothing wrong with them, and those around them must be understanding and supportive of providing a safe space for healing. Acknowledging the emotions and experiences of those with anxiety can go a long way toward helping to reduce their stress levels and allow them to cope better with their condition in the long run.
Encouraging them to help themselves.
Anxiety can be paralyzing, often preventing people from proactively addressing the underlying issues. While medication and various therapies can help treat it, individuals should ultimately take ownership of their emotional well-being. Self-care methods such as deep breathing exercises, limiting screen time before bed, and setting time for creative hobbies can be powerful tools to manage anxiety healthily. Small steps such as these may also improve mood and outlook on life. We must spread positivity by encouraging people with anxiety to take the reigns of their mental health and proactively seek out techniques to better battle anxious thoughts and feelings.
Be patient with them.
An important thing we can do when helping someone with anxiety is to be patient and understanding. It can be challenging to manage anxieties, as it can feel like there are too many obstacles getting in the way of progress. To support those struggling, patience is key. It’s not easy feeling helpless or overwhelmed, so listening intently and being compassionate can have a positive effect. Being patient also means being there for them during the good times and trying to encourage them when things seem bleak.
Many people suffer from anxiety daily but don’t take steps to help themselves. It feels like there is nowhere to seek help, and a listening ear can help ease the weight of those intense emotions. By following these simple steps, you can make a big difference for people who struggle with anxiety.
Autobiography
Elizabeth is a renowned leader in the space of Health and Mental Wellness topics. Her work has appeared on more than a dozen influential sites and blogs. Her articles both focus on providing valuable information and an entertaining read that her readers enjoy. More about her work on – ELIZABETHMARKS.me
