How to Help Someone Whose Battling Anxiety
Being a friend to someone that is battling mental health issues is an important but difficult role. Helping someone cope through their pain, even when they may not understand it themselves, can be tough at times. You may not always understand how to support them and be there for them. However, when you encourage them to get the help they need from professionals that offer anxiety therapy in Winter Garden, you are doing the right thing. These are a few tips to support someone that is battling anxiety.
Understand the Signs
Once your friend confides in you that they are battling anxiety, you should take the time to get to know the signs of anxiety. Understanding the signs and symptoms of anxiety will allow you to provide them with assistance when you notice they are going through a tough time. Anxiety can manifest itself in different ways, from panic attacks to trouble sleeping to constant worry and doubt. This can cause people to become withdrawn, isolated, consumed with thoughts, or even just uncomfortable.
Acknowledge Their Anxiety
Talk to them about their symptoms, feelings, and thoughts so that you can understand exactly how they are affected. When they are talking to you, be sure that you are fully engaged and listening to them. Avoid interrupting them and placing judgment. Instead, come from a place of compassion and understanding. By acknowledging that their anxiety is a real thing, you help them take the first steps in truly starting to acknowledge it themselves. It is a difficult thing to admit a mental health struggle, and you should reassure them that you will take it seriously and be there for them. They need the support, and they trust you to help them.
Encourage Them to Reach Out for Help
Even if you are there for them to lean on, you may want to encourage them to get mental health support from a professional. By doing research and providing them with the resources they need to take steps to reach out to a therapist, you are helping them manage their anxiety. Professionals can provide your friend with the knowledge and expertise that they need to learn how to take control of their own anxiety. As they work with their therapist, listen to them and encourage them to keep going so they can see the personal progress.
These are a few ways that you can help someone that is going through a tough time with their anxiety. Anxiety can cause someone to feel withdrawn, overwhelmed, or even isolated at times. Being their friend and encouraging them to reach out to get anxiety therapy in Winter Garden is the best thing you can do for them. Contact us to hear about how we can help you and your friend today.
