Supporting a Loved One with Anxiety

1. Supporting a Loved One with Anxiety Anxiety is a disorder characterised by worrying thoughts that make one feel tense and uneasy. While having a certain amount of anxiety can keep you alert and prepared to deal with challenges, when it becomes excessive, it can result in a number of issues, some of which can have major mental and physical consequences. Being conscious of your feelings and taking prompt, healthy action to alleviate your distress will help you prevent the same. Anyone you know who might be going through a lot of anxiety can relate. In truth, there are many things you can do to support a friend or relative who is dealing with anxiety. Take a look at some of our recommendations. Be aware Knowing enough about anxiety and its symptoms is the first step in helping someone. This can help you spot warning indications of worry in a close relative. Learning more about yourself also increases your empathy for your loved one, which in turn will make them feel better. Knowing what to say or do when your loved one is frightened is just as crucial as knowing what not to say or do. Research the topic of anxiety from reliable sources. Be supportive You might think little of a circumstance that alarms your friend or relative. Try to keep in mind, though, that everyone experiences anxiety differently and that various people may see a scenario in somewhat different ways. Asking a loved one to put aside concerns that don't matter to you can make them feel misunderstood and distant. It's crucial that you don't discount what they're going through and instead accept that it's true. This might lessen their anxiety and give them a sense of support. Listen Sometimes, all someone who is feeling worried wants is for you to listen to them. Additionally, you might not even be able to do anything other than listen to your loved one in many situations. Allow them to express their feelings, and encourage them by saying something like "huh" or "I see" to show that you are paying listening. Ask them if they want your advise or suggestions, and if not, just be there to listen.

2. Be sensitive Try to protect your friend from distressing situations or persons if you know they will cause them unusual upset until they are better equipped. This does not imply that you should nudge them away from their anxieties. To assist them feel more at ease, try walking them through it instead. Plan activities An individual can combat anxiety by engaging in activities such as physical activity, yoga, conversation, listening to music, and others. Making time for enjoyable pursuits might increase happiness by causing the brain's feel-good chemicals to be released. Find out what your loved one enjoys doing and what makes them feel joyful. Motivate them to begin engaging in these activities. Join them while you're at it if necessary. Use grounding You might try "grounding" a loved one if you notice them to be in discomfort. As the name suggests, grounding entails utilising your senses to concentrate on the here and now. To get their attention away from whatever is overpowering them, ask them to concentrate on your voice and hands (the latter if they can see you), and make them respond to simple, amusing questions. Asking children to take note of what they can see, hear, feel, and smell in their environment can even motivate them to do this on their own. Encourage them to seek support Getting help for mental health, unfortunately, is not a widely accepted idea. If you notice that your loved one’s anxiety is stopping them from living fully, is becoming increasingly frequent, or is in any other way becoming a cause of concern, you can encourage them to seek support from a professional who can help them manage their worry better. Reaching out to a professional can be a very hard experience - so be patient and celebrate each small step that they take towards their betterment. Amidst the lockdown, face-to-face therapy might be hard to access - online platforms can serve as a better alternative. Take care of yourself The stress of caring for someone who worries excessively might negatively impact your mental and emotional health. Making ensuring that your personal needs are met is therefore crucial. You can achieve this by developing your own network of

3. friends, establishing clear boundaries, and frequently allowing yourself to take time for yourself. Conclusion If you are experiencing symptoms of Anxiety, it is important to speak with a psychiatrist in dombivli for support and guidance. They can help you understand the cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan.