Everyone gets anxious from time to time. After all, anxiety is a normal response to a threat, challenge or otherwise dangerous situation. And while everyone experiences anxiety, many people don’t ever get much of a break from it. Anxiety disorders are common in the United States, affecting 40 million adults–about 18 percent of the adult population. With those numbers, it’s likely you’ve got at least one chronically anxious person in your life. So how do you support the anxious person or people in your life?

First, let’s be sure we understand: anxiety disorders are miserable. They run the gamut from moderately distressing to absolutely devastating. They prohibit people from living a fulfilling life and can result in people becoming virtual shut-ins.

  • Believe their anxiety is real. An anxiety attack or panic attack isn’t faked and it’s not an exaggeration. A person with an anxiety disorder can’t “just pull themselves together.”
  • Listen and learn. You don’t have to try to cure or solve anyone’s anxieties, but do ask your loved one how you can help them. Often, just being there for the person is enough.
  • Respect. Don’t try to minimize the disorder itself. Always emphasize your loved one’s worth and your willingness to be supportive. Don’t try to minimize their experience, as well. Respect their need for autonomy in doing things on their own, but be ready to assist if necessary.
  • Help them the way they want to be helped. Some people want practical assistance, like helping accomplishing a task that’s difficult for them. Helping them run errands might be exactly what they need. Being a test audience while they practice a business proposal is another small example of how people might need practical help. Others may need emotional support more than anything else. In keeping with listening and learning, matching the help you have to give with the needs of your loved one relies on being in tune with their needs.
  • Acknowledge: When a person suffering from an attack tells you that they want to move forward or try activities despite their attack, acknowledge it and support them in this success for trying. If they had a hard time with the activity due to an attack, support them and help them try again at another time when they feel ready.
  • Get therapy for yourself. If you have a loved one who suffers from anxiety disorders, getting into therapy yourself can help you learn new ways to help them and yourself. Some types of anxiety disorders, like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, require a lot of education and support for family members.

Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.