6 Ways to Help Someone with Anxiety

If someone you know frequently finds themselves tossing and turning at night, feeling perpetually uneasy, or becoming overwhelmed by the smallest of tasks, they might be experiencing anxiety. It's a common challenge that can leave one feeling trapped in their thoughts. Recognizing these signs is the first step in offering meaningful support and understanding to those who may be struggling.

Anxiety is more than fleeting worry; it's a persistent feeling of unease. Imagine your mind is a radio stuck on a static frequency, constantly buzzing with what-ifs. This mental noise can affect anyone and often leads to physical symptoms, such as a racing heart or sweaty palms. Understanding these struggles is key to offering genuine support.

Ways to Provide Support: 6 Practical Tips to Help Someone with Anxiety

Here are some practical ways to help someone struggling with anxiety.

1. Know Their Anxiety Triggers

Anxiety can flare up in all sorts of situations, being in a crowded place like a shopping mall, going to a party or other social event, or even just heading into the office. For folks dealing with social anxiety, there's this constant worry about being judged or embarrassed by others. They'll fret about these kinds of scenarios before they happen, while they're in the middle of them, and even after the fact. Once you can pinpoint what triggers those anxious feelings, it's easier to provide more specific reassurance and support.

2. Be Their Anchor of Support

Social settings can be daunting for someone grappling with anxiety. They may feel overwhelmed in crowded places or fear visible symptoms such as sweating and shaking. Offer reassurance by being a calm presence. Encourage gradual exposure to social situations, starting with smaller gatherings. Remind them they're not alone, and it's okay to step out if needed.

3. Consider Your Ideal Support

Sometimes, our loved ones struggle with anxiety, and they may not be able to articulate the root cause. Ask them directly what helps when they feel anxious. Their insights will ensure you're providing the support they truly need, respecting their individual coping mechanisms and needs. Don't sweat it if they can't quite put their finger on what's troubling them.

4. Understand Their Needs

We all experience anxiety at times, and it can make even the smallest things feel overwhelming. If your friend or family member is dealing with anxiety, an easy way to support them is by offering a hand with day-to-day tasks. You could say something like, "Hey, I know you've been feeling pretty stressed lately. May I help you set up that doctor's appointment? Or would you prefer if I went with you to the clinic?" The key is listening to what they need in that moment and meeting them there with compassion and zero judgment.

5. Listen Without Fixing

Sometimes, the best help you can offer is simply being there. When someone opens up about their anxiety, resist the temptation to jump in with solutions. Instead, focus on truly listening. This means making eye contact, nodding, and acknowledging their feelings. Your role isn't to fix them — it's to allow them to feel heard and understood.

6. Be Patient and Understanding

Anxiety can be unpredictable and challenging, showing up at the most unexpected times. It's important to remember that what seems trivial to one person can be overwhelming to another. Take a deep breath and allow room for patience. It's key to maintaining a supportive environment, offering reassurance that you are there for them no matter how long it takes.

Dealing with anxiety can be really tough. Your friend or loved one isn't choosing to feel that way; anxiety is something that happens, not a choice. The best thing you can do is encourage them to talk to a therapist. I can help them manage anxiety in a healthy way. Let your friend know that getting help shows how strong they are, not weak. And make sure they understand you'll stick by their side through it all. Book a consultation today to learn more.