Anxiety disorder is a very common mental health condition in the U.S., and it’s believed to affect as much as 18 percent of the population, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics).
With that figure in mind, folks, it’s very likely you know and care for someone who struggles with this condition. While you can’t cure someone of anxiety as much as you wish you could, you can help them in the following ways.
Know what anxiety looks like
People with anxiety will have varying symptoms, but knowing what they could be so you can recognize the condition when it is making itself known is helpful. Generally, you can break down the symptoms into three categories: physical, behavioral and thoughts.
Physical signs of anxiety include shortness of breath, stomach upset, lightheadedness and restlessness. You may notice your loved one tires easily, too. As far as thoughts go, an anxious person may believe the worst will always happen, worry constantly or overgeneralize, which is making a lot of assumptions based on one event.
What you may notice the most is the behaviors that stem from anxiety. Your loved one may constantly second-guess themselves, avoid situations or events they are worried about, seek reassurance from others often, become frustrated or irritable in situations they fear, and perform compulsive actions, such as frequent hand washing.
What you can do
One of the most important things you can for someone with anxiety is validate their feelings and offer your support. Telling them they are making a big deal out of nothing is not going to help at all. In fact, you are only belittling their very real emotional experience.
Don’t attempt to ignore your loved one’s struggles with anxiety or hide your concern. Instead, approach them and ask them about it in a non-accusatory way. If, for example, you notice a loved one withdrawing, you can mention you noticed this and simply ask them what prompted the change. Depending on their answers, you can offer support or more help. The intent here is simply to get them to talk about what is bothering them so that steps can be taken to provide some assistance.
If you notice your loved one is really struggling with anxiety, encourage them to seek professional help. No matter how well-intentioned you are, there are some situations that will call for experienced and trained mental health care providers.
