Supporting someone who struggles with anxiety can be challenging. There is a huge difference between be normal stress and anxiety, all of us may experience anxiety anytime we try anything new like the first day on a job or giving a presentation to one hundred of your colleagues. When you are doing something that is outside of your comfort zone, it is normal to experience butterflies in your stomach and to feel terrified.
When someone has an anxiety disorder they continually live with symptoms that make every day functioning very challenging. Sufferers experience extreme worry and fear which can be paralyzing. It makes doing daily things a really difficult and it affects relationships, work life and social life.
Most people find revealing personal things about themselves on their blog pretty terrifying. I know one blogger who suffers from anxiety, she doesn’t feel afraid putting things out there out her blog because what she goes through in her personal life with anxiety is much more frightening. Her anxiety has paralyzed her in personal areas of her life and stopped her doing things we do and take for granted every day.
Here are a few Soothing things to say to help comfort someone with anxiety.
Top ten things to say to someone with anxiety
1. Take life one panic attack at a time.
2. You have the power to say this is not how I will end my story.
3. Interrupt anxiety with gratitude
4. Just do it… even if you suck at it at first.
5. Sometimes it’s OK if the only thing you did today is breathe.
6. It doesn’t matter what others are doing, what matters is what you are doing.
7. You create your calm.
8. You are confined by the walls you create yourself.
9. Don’t stress, do your best, and forget the rest.
10. You can do anything but not everything.
More top ten comeback lists you might like
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Why do people suffer from anxiety
It’s important to remember that each individual’s experience with anxiety is unique, and seeking professional help can provide valuable support and guidance.
Anxiety can arise from a several different of factors, a person’s brain chemistry, stressful experiences, and personality type. When people go through stressful life events, and several things to wrong at once, it can also add to developing anxiety.
Imbalances in a person’ neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, may possibly add to developing anxiety disorders. All of us have a unique experience with anxiety, and seeking professional help can offer support and guidance.
How to support someone with anxiety
When you are supporting someone with anxiety you are going to need patience and empathy. People want to express how they are feeling without being judged by others. Listen to how they are feeling without minimizing their feelings or personal fears.
Reassure the person and validate how they feel, and let them know they are not alone and you are there to support them. Try to encourage mindfulness techniques or doing an activity that they enjoy, to escape continual negative thought loops.
Reinforce their strengths and skills and challenges the they have overcome in the past. Your support and kindness will life their spirits as they try to overcome their anxiety.
John tried to help his college age son deal with anxiety
John’s college-age son, Alex, had always been a bright and cheerful young man, so when he began struggling with anxiety, it came as a shock to the entire family. John noticed that Alex’s once vibrant personality had become overshadowed by worry and fear.
Determined to help his son, John took the time to have open and honest conversations with Alex, creating a safe space for him to express his feelings without judgment. They explored various coping strategies together, from mindfulness exercises to seeking professional support.
As they navigated this challenging journey, John made sure to remind Alex that seeking help was a sign of strength, not weakness. He encouraged his son to prioritize self-care and to reach out to friends and family for support.
Through patience, understanding, and unwavering support, John helped Alex gradually regain his confidence and find healthier ways to manage his anxiety. Together, they discovered that with the right support and resources, it was possible to overcome the grip of anxiety and embrace a brighter future.
The Role of counselling and self care
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When you are dealing with a person who has anxiety and you find it stressful, consider getting support from a professional. Talking to a counselor is a great way to work through a challenging situation, and help you find some strategies to work through the person’s behaviour.
Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home.
Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.
