5 Ways to Help a Loved One Cope with Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be difficult to deal with and can impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. If someone you love is dealing with anxiety, you might be wondering how to support them effectively. Here are five ways to help a loved one cope with anxiety:
1. Learn the Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety is a complicated mental health issue that can vary from person to person. When you take the time to understand how anxiety manifests itself, you’re showing your loved one that you care. You’ll be better able to see when they feel anxious and stressed. They may repeatedly feel nervous or panicky, have a fast heartbeat, sweat, experience chest pains, feel restless, get nauseous, or have trouble sleeping. They may even have symptoms that don’t seem obvious or typical.
2. Validate Their Feelings
Anxiety can make a person feel like they are losing control or that something terrible is about to happen. These feelings are often irrational, but they are real to the person experiencing them. It’s essential to let them know that their feelings are valid and that you understand how they are feeling. Practice active listening. When listening to your loved one, it’s important to be present and fully engaged in the conversation. Try asking open-ended questions to encourage them to talk more and share their thoughts and feelings. Put away distractions like your phone or computer and focus on what they say.
3. Teach Them Grounding Techniques
When you’ve educated yourself on mindfulness and other effective coping skills, you’re better able to help someone else try them too. Suggest practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques together; this can be an especially effective way to help your loved one cope with their anxiety. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and allowing your thoughts to pass you by without judging them. It’s proven to help reduce anxiety by helping someone focus on the present instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation can also help reduce anxiety symptoms. Encourage them to try these with you if they feel uncomfortable starting out themselves. You can even attend a yoga class or meditation session together.
4. Set Your Own Boundaries
While it’s important to help your loved one, try not to give them all your emotional energy. Supporting someone through mental health issues can be draining and taxing in its own right. It’s okay to let them know when you don’t have the answer or can’t be the help they need in that moment. You have your own limitations, and that’s totally normal.
5. Encourage Them to Seek Help
While you want to be there to support your loved one, it’s also important to encourage them to seek professional help. Anxiety can be a debilitating condition, and a mental health professional can provide the necessary tools and support to manage it effectively. As someone important to them, you can’t have all the answers. Support your loved one as they decide to talk to their doctor or seek therapy if they haven’t already.
There are many different approaches to therapy available, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or exposure therapy. A mental health professional can help your loved one determine which type of therapy is best for them. You can also help them find a therapist who specializes in anxiety.
To find out more about how therapy can help loved ones cope with anxiety, please reach out to us.
