How To Treat A Person With Anxiety?

Navigating the Waters of Anxiety: Strategies for Support

Anxiety is a complex beast, often leading its host on a tumultuous journey through peaks of irrational fears and valleys of overwhelming dread. Living with anxiety or standing by someone who does requires more than a survival guide; it demands a deep well of understanding, patience, and a handful of strategies crafted with care. If you’re looking to be that pillar of support for someone battling anxiety, buckle up! You’re about to embark on a mission that’s as rewarding as it is challenging.

The ABCs of Assisting Someone with Anxiety

A is for Acknowledge and Accept

First things first, recognizing and validating someone’s anxiety is paramount. Brushing it off with a well-meaning “You’ll be fine” or “It’s all in your head” can do more harm than good. Instead, try:

• “I see you’re feeling anxious right now. Want to talk about it?”
• “It sounds like you’re going through a tough time. I’m here for you.”

This approach not only acknowledges their feelings but also opens up a channel for communication, making them feel seen and heard.

B is for Breathe and Be Present

Sometimes, all it takes is your presence to make someone feel a tad more grounded. In moments of high anxiety, bring them back to the present:

• Encourage deep breathing exercises. A simple “Let’s take a few deep breaths together” can work wonders.
• Practice mindfulness together. It could be as easy as noticing the details of a painting or the sensations of holding a warm mug of tea.

These small acts can help distract from anxiety triggers and anchor them in the present moment.

C is for Compassion, Not Coercion

Trying to push someone out of their comfort zone thinking it’ll “cure” their anxiety is a recipe for disaster. Here’s what you can do instead:

• Exercise patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and overcoming anxiety isn’t any quicker.
• Offer gentle nudges towards professional help if they’re open to it. Sometimes, the best support you can offer is guiding them to someone who specializes in dealing with anxiety.

The Don’ts: Navigating Potential Minefields

While it’s great to know what TO do, understanding what NOT to do is equally, if not more, crucial. Here are a few potential pitfalls to avoid:

• Don’t Overwhelm with Solutions: Sure, a google search can give you a list of anxiety remedies longer than a CVS receipt. But bombarding someone with unsolicited advice can feel overwhelming. Listen first, suggest later (and sparingly at that).

• Don’t Make It About You: Phrases like “I totally get it, once I was so anxious that…” can inadvertently minimize their experience. Keep the focus on them, not your anxiety credentials.

• Don’t Forget About Boundaries: Remember, you’re a support system, not a therapist (unless you actually are, then you do you). Respect their need for space or silence when they request it.

A Little Goes a Long Way

In the grand scheme of things, you might feel like what you’re doing is just a drop in the ocean. But remember, for someone caught in the whirlpool of anxiety, your support can be the lifebuoy they cling to. A listening ear here, a shared moment of mindfulness there—it all adds up, creating ripples of positive impact in their journey towards coping with anxiety. So, while you might not have all the answers (who does, right?), your support, understanding, and compassion can make a world of difference.