If you know a person with anxiety, you will know that it can leave them feeling exhausted and powerless.A lot can be done to help people deal with anxiety.
Step 1: You can learn about the causes of anxiety.
Read about the causes of anxiety.This will help you understand the other person's perspective and give you some idea of when to help.If there's anything to talk about, you might ask about a difficult past or a medical condition.Although the exact cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood, certain factors such as painful or traumatic life experiences and certain genetic traits increase the likelihood of having anxiety.Other times, anxious individuals have an underlying medical condition such as heart disease, asthma, and premenstrual syndrome.
Step 2: You can learn about different types of anxiety.
There are different kinds of anxiety disorders.Agoraphobia is anxiety about being in places where you could become trapped or lose control.There is anxiety caused by an underlying medical condition.If you can help with treatment for the underlying medical condition, you might be able to reduce the anxiety.It is a generalized anxiety disorder.Individuals who are excessively anxious about the day-to-day events in life are described as this type of anxiety.Substance abuse or withdrawal can cause anxiety.If you want to get clean or manage withdrawal symptoms, suggest a visit to a medical professional.There are very intense feelings of anxiety and fear that last up to several minutes.Difficult breathing, heart fluttering, and a sense of danger are some of the things that can be involved in these.Social anxiety disorder is a fear of social interactions.A person who is anxious may be self-conscious, embarrassed, or afraid of social situations.
Step 3: What does anxiety feel like?
It is not fun to be anxious.Understanding what the anxious person is going through will allow you to provide comfort in specific ways.There are anxiety symptoms.I feel powerless.There is a sense of danger.I feel weak.I feel tired.Difficult to concentrate.
Step 4: Listen carefully.
Different people need different kinds of aid.Asking is the best way to find out how you can help.Keeping your expressions neutral is one of the things you can do to be a good listener.Say things like "I see" or "uh huh".The emotional tone of the conversation can be matched with your expressions.If your friend is upset, try to make your "I see" sound comforting rather than emotional, as both of these will contrast with the other person's mood.There are a lot of open-ended questions.If you want to find out more about how you can help, don't ask if you are anxious.Use an open-ended question like "what kinds of things or situations generally make you anxious?"Keeping track of the other person's thoughts and feelings is the best way to clear your mind of your own worries.
Step 5: Practice being compassionate.
It is possible to sense others' emotions and imagine what they are thinking.If you pay attention to the anxious person, you'll be able to empathise with them.There are shared human values and experiences.It is easier to understand another perspective when we all have the same pains, fears, and worries.Temporarily stop making judgments of your own.Share experiences that are relevant but don't take over the conversation.You need to show that you can relate to the anxious person.
Step 6: The anxious individual should be observed.
You can get a sense of when they are anxious by looking for outward signs.In times of distress, this allows you to provide help or comfort.There are signs of anxiety.Rapid breathing.Sweating.It was twinning.
Step 7: Keep costs and benefits in mind.
If you don't get much benefit out of an activity but it causes your friend or partner significant anxiety, it may be best to stop.As it provides little incentive to change, avoid over-accommodating the anxious person's anxiety.
Step 8: Positive reinforcement of healthy behaviors.
If your partner is socially anxious, compliment them if they attend a party.Let them know that they were the life of the party.It is possible to thrive in social interactions if you engage with others socially.
Step 9: Don't criticize unhealthy, anxiety-driven behaviors.
This could cause more anxiety if you rebuke someone for anxiety related behaviors.This is not what you want to do.Once you have calmed down, try leaving the room and entering again.If the behavior changes, focus on the positives that could come from it.Imagine all the networking opportunities there will be at that party tonight, instead of getting upset at a friend for avoiding social situations.I've made a few friends from these events.
Step 10: Suggestions for treatment.
Encourage someone with anxiety to seek treatment.Let them know that a combination of therapy and medication can help with anxiety.The kind of treatment you suggest may depend on the cause of the anxiety.Drug abuse can cause anxiety.Social anxiety can be treated by a mental health professional.
Step 11: Prepare for panic attacks.
Panic attacks can be caused by some kinds of anxiety.The anxious individual may think they are having a heart attack when they experience a panic attack.If you aren't prepared for a panic attack, it can be very frightening.The person will not have the energy to move, respond, or have normal thoughts during a panic attack.Provide reassurance and tell them that it will soon pass.If you suspect that the symptoms are not the result of a panic attack, you should call the emergency services.
Step 12: Relax from time to time.
Enjoy a nice, quiet, relaxing evening with the two of you.If public spaces become more anxious, spend it at home.In a way that makes the other person feel comfortable, make it clear that you don't mind spending time.Understanding and flexibility is the biggest way to help an anxious person.