4 ways to help a loved one dealing with anxiety

Over the last few years, depression and anxiety have become mainstream topics of discussion around the world. A lot has been said about suffering from anxiety and how it impacts one’s daily lives. But even so, too little focus is given on how people close to those experiencing anxiety can help them feel better.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that mental illnesses aren’t always the easiest to spot. They can only be traced via a person’s behaviour. Sometimes, it might be in their body language. Other times, anxiety might be lingering within their silence.

Medication and counseling help of course, especially as far as panic attacks and social anxiety, avoidance behaviour is concerned. But most importantly, anxious people need a listening ear. So, as compiled from Hindustan Times, here are four ways you can help someone battle their anxiety and develop a healthy coping mechanism.

PHOTO: FILE

1. Be empathetic

Anyone coping with a condition doesn’t need sympathy as this can further lower their self-esteem. Therefore, you should try to empathise with what they are going through as closely as you can and help them journey through it accordingly. The sufferer feels bad enough already so let them know that there is nothing wrong with them and that they are not alone.

2. Take them seriously

People are prone to quick judgment and opinion. If you feel that a person’s behaviour is perennially reactionary and odd, don’t deject or avoid them. Try to figure out what is going on with them. Perhaps it is something that has to do with a physical memory or trauma that they are unable to talk about? Tell them it’s okay to feel the way they feel and be there for them.

PHOTO: FILE

3. Talk less, listen more

It’s a good thing to have an opinion about things but the timing and situation has to be in accordance. A listening ear goes a long way and one feels that they are heard and understood. Doing that can be very encouraging for people experiencing anxiety and that can help them face themselves in a better way.

4. Be patient

The key to help someone in any way is to have patience. We all are mortals and have a certain bandwidth to come with situations and issues of our own, as well as the people we care about. There is a certain level of restlessness that you might come across whilst coping with anxiety and avoidance behaviour. So, give them some time to get strong enough to talk about their issues and any traumatic experience that has led to the anxious behavioural pattern.

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