Tips From an Anxiety Therapist: How to Help Someone with Anxiety
There is a strong likelihood that you know, live with, or may be asked to help someone with anxiety. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, with 19.1% of adults experiencing distress. You don’t have to be an anxiety therapist to help someone with anxiety but it can be helpful to get tips from one! In this blog, you will learn concrete phrases to say and 10 tips for how to help!
Comforting Words for Someone with Anxiety
Do you struggle to know what to say to someone with anxiety? Sometimes it can be easy to get tongue-tied when a loved one reaches out to you feeling anxious. You have good intentions and want to say the right thing but you just know what to say.
Below is a list of comforting words you can say to help someone with anxiety from us here at Embodied Wellness, PLLC:
"I'm here for you, and I care about what you're going through."
"You're not alone in this. I'm with you every step of the way."
"It's okay to feel anxious sometimes; it's a normal human emotion."
"I believe in your strength and resilience, even when anxiety feels overwhelming."
"I’m glad you are asking for help when you need it. Seeking help is a sign of strength."
"I'm sending you positive thoughts and energy to help you through this."
"Your feelings are valid."
"I'm proud of you for reaching out and sharing your feelings."
"I'm here to listen whenever you want to talk, without judgment."
10 Tips for How to Help Someone from an Anxiety Therapist:
Sometimes words are enough but other times, you want to do other concrete things to help your loved one with anxiety. It’s important to remember even though you have great intentions, forcing anything on someone who has anxiety can create more anxiety.
Stay Calm
Witnessing someone else feel anxious or have a panic attack can be anxiety-producing. Do your best to stay calm and composed. Your calmness can help them feel more safe and secure.
Create a Safe Environment
If your loved one is experiencing an anxiety attack, try to move them to a quiet, safe, and comfortable place. Triggers in their environment might worsen their anxiety.
Encourage Breathing
When someone is anxious, their breath typically becomes fast and shallow. Gently ask them if they would be willing to try to slow down their breath. It can be helpful to do it with them.
Avoid Judgment
No one likes to be judged or criticized, especially when they are feeling anxious. Even if their anxiety does not make sense to you, be empathetic and understanding of their feelings.
Physical Touch
Before touching someone, always ask for permission and respect their preferences. Some people find closeness soothing while other people want space when they are anxious. If someone wants physical touch, you can try putting your hand on their leg or arm, holding hands, putting your arm around them, or sitting side to side.
Keep Conversation Minimal
When someone feels anxious, it might be hard for them to talk or process information. Try to keep conversations light and simple. Avoid asking too many questions or offering solutions unless they ask for them.
Offer Water
Without forcing them to drink, offer them a glass of water to drink. Dehydration can actually make anxiety worse!
Follow Up
After your loved one shares their anxiety, check in with how they're feeling and offer ongoing support. Let them know you care and are available to talk.
Check-in on Yourself
Supporting someone with anxiety requires patience, understanding, and time. Although it can be rewarding, it can also be exhausting. As “helpers” it can be common to lose track of your own sense of health and well-being and only focus on the needs of others. How is your mood? Are you sleeping well? Are you eating nutritious meals?
Anxiety Treatment
If your loved one frequently experiences anxiety or anxiety attacks, it might be helpful to talk to them about the benefits of meeting with an anxiety therapist. You could also offer to assist them in finding a mental health professional. If you notice that you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed from being a helper, you can also meet with a therapist or get mental health counseling! The healthier you are, the more you can help your loved one.
Begin Anxiety Treatment in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and throughout Michigan
Helping someone with anxiety is not always easy, which is why it is important to make sure your loved one can get assistance from a trained anxiety therapist. Here at Embodied Wellness PLLC, our mental health professionals can provide support and guidance to you or a loved one’s anxiety. Follow the steps below to get started with anxiety treatment in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and throughout Michigan:
Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation.
Talk with an experienced anxiety therapist.
Help a loved one overcome their anxiety.
Other Therapy Services Offered at Embodied Wellness in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and throughout Michigan
At Embodied Wellness, PLLC, we offer more than just anxiety treatment. Our devoted and caring therapists offer various services and specialties. We offer Online therapy, Empath therapy, and therapy in Spanish. Our specialties include trauma therapy and PTSD treatment, Somatic therapy, OCD treatment and ERP therapy, DBT, and depression treatment. Help you or someone you love live a happier and more fulfilling life today.