How To Help Your Family Member Dealing With Anxiety

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults in the U.S. every year. That’s 18% of the population. And since not everyone who suffers from anxiety disorders seeks treatment these numbers may be even higher.

Anxiety comes in many forms: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can manifest as physical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a racing heart; or it can show up as emotional symptoms like feelings of dread or intense worry.

If you live with someone who suffers from anxiety, you know how difficult it can be to watch them go through the ups and downs of this often debilitating condition. And while you may not be able to cure their anxiety, there are things you can do to help them manage it and ease their symptoms. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

Help Your Family Member Dealing With Anxiety

Encourage Them to Seek Professional Help

Many people are hesitant to seek help for their anxiety because they feel like they should be able to handle it on their own. However,  this is often not the case. Anxiety disorders are complex conditions that require professional treatment. If your loved one is struggling to manage their anxiety, encourage them to seek help from a therapist or counselor. Don’t try to force them into getting help if they’re not ready, but let them know that you think it would be beneficial and offer to go with them to their first appointment.

If you are located in Denver, keep in mind that even though there are many treatment options available, not every type of treatment will work for every person. So when looking for the best Denver anxiety therapist the most important thing is to make sure your family member feels comfortable with the person they will be meeting. So, set up a consultation first if possible, and see if they “click” with the therapist.

Educate Yourself About Anxiety

If you have a family member who is struggling with anxiety, it’s important to educate yourself about the condition. This will help you understand what your loved one is going through and how best to support them. There are many great resources available online so there’s no excuse for not educating yourself on this topic. You can even take a simple online anxiety test, to see if you too exhibit some common traits.

Anxiety disorders can be very complex, and each person uniquely experiences them. It’s important to learn as much as you can about all of the different types of anxiety disorders, as well as the symptoms they entail. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to help your loved one manage their condition.

Avoid Trying to Fix Their Anxiety

One of the most important things to remember when supporting someone with anxiety is that you cannot “fix” their condition. It’s not something that can be cured with a magic pill or a few words of wisdom. And while it’s natural to want to help your loved one feel better, try to avoid fixating on their anxiety. This will only make them feel more anxious and stressed. Instead, focus on providing support and understanding.

Let them know that you’re there for them, no matter what and that you accept them just the way they are. Just letting them know you don’t expect them to be perfect can be a huge relief for someone with anxiety. Even if you don’t completely understand what they’re going through, just showing patience and compassion can go a long way.

Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

A big part of managing anxiety is feeling safe and supported. So, one of the best things you can do for your loved one is to create a safe and supportive environment at home. This might mean being understanding and patient when they’re having a bad day, or providing a listening ear when they need to talk. It could also involve avoiding triggering topics or situations that you know will make their anxiety worse. If you’re not sure what will trigger their anxiety, just ask them.

They’ll be the best judge of what they can and can’t handle. Not only will this make them feel better in the moment, but it will also help them feel more comfortable opening up to you about their anxiety in the future.

Help Them Develop a Coping Strategy

Anxiety can be very overwhelming, and it’s often hard to know what to do when symptoms strike. That’s why it’s important to help your loved ones develop a coping strategy that they can use when they’re feeling anxious. This could involve deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques, or anything else that helps them relax and feel in control. It’s also important to have a plan in place for when anxiety symptoms are severe. This might involve going to a safe place, such as a friend’s house or a quiet room at home, or calling someone who can provide support and understanding. Whatever the coping strategy is, make sure your loved one knows that they can always come to you for help.

As you can see,  there are many things you can do to help your family member dealing with anxiety. Just remember to be patient, understanding, and supportive. Creating a safe and supportive environment at home will go a long way in helping your loved one feel better. And if their anxiety is severe, encourage them to seek professional help. With your love and support, they’ll be able to manage their anxiety and live happy and healthy lives.