How can you support someone with anxiety?
Offering support to those suffering from anxiety is fundamental to their well-being and recovery. However, often family and friends don’t know how to act, or end up unintentionally reinforcing behaviors that fuel the disorder.
Therefore, it is important to adopt an empathetic, respectful, and informed approach, contributing positively to coping with anxiety. Furthermore, understanding the person’s limits and needs is essential to providing appropriate support.
Why is emotional support so important?
When someone experiences anxiety, they may feel misunderstood, alone, and even guilty about their symptoms. Therefore, support from loved ones is essential to:
✅ Reduce feelings of isolation.
✅ Strengthen self-esteem and confidence.
✅ Encourage seeking professional help.
For example, a friend who demonstrates understanding and patience can help an anxious person feel more secure in participating in social activities. In this way, emotional support becomes a determining factor in overcoming the disorder.
How to support someone with anxiety: practical approaches
Below, we list some effective strategies for offering support. It’s important to remember that each person is unique, and therefore, support should be tailored to their needs and limitations.
1️⃣ Listen with empathy, without judgment.
Active listening is one of the most important attitudes. Avoid minimizing the person’s feelings with phrases like, “That’s nonsense” or “You’re exaggerating.” Instead, show understanding by saying, for example, “I understand that this is difficult for you.”
Furthermore, acknowledge emotions, even if you don’t fully understand them. This strengthens trust and demonstrates respect.
2️⃣ Encourage seeking professional help
Anxiety is a disorder that often requires specialized psychological support. Therefore, encourage the person to seek a psychologist or psychiatrist, showing that seeking help is an act of courage and self-care.
If the person feels insecure, offer to help them find professionals or to accompany them to the first appointments, if they wish. In this way, you will be actively contributing to the start of treatment.
3️⃣ Respect the person’s boundaries.
Avoid pressuring or forcing the person to face situations for which they do not yet feel prepared. Respecting each individual’s pace is essential in the process of overcoming anxiety.
For example, if someone has social anxiety, don’t force them to participate in crowded events. Instead, suggest more comfortable alternatives and progress gradually. In this way, coping will occur in a healthy and safe manner.
4️⃣ Learn about the disorder
Learning more about anxiety and its manifestations helps to better understand what the person is experiencing. Furthermore, it avoids misinterpretations and promotes more effective support.
You can, for example, read articles, attend lectures, or consult professionals in the field. This way, you will be better prepared to offer appropriate and effective support.
5️⃣ Offer companionship and enjoyable activities
Suggesting relaxing activities, such as walks, watching a movie, or exercising, can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, leisure time strengthens bonds and promotes well-being.
For example, inviting someone for a walk in the park can provide a pleasant and beneficial experience. However, always respect the person’s preferences and comfort, avoiding imposing activities that may cause discomfort.
What should you avoid when supporting someone with anxiety?
For support to be truly effective, it’s important to avoid certain behaviors that could harm the person. Here’s what not to do:
❌ Criticizing or downplaying the symptoms.
❌ Offering simplistic solutions, such as “relax” or “don’t think about it.”
❌ Showing impatience or irritation.
❌ Forcing the person to confront their fears without preparation.
These actions, besides being ineffective, can increase suffering and feelings of being misunderstood.
When should support be increased?
If a person presents severe symptoms, such as frequent panic attacks, extreme isolation, or self-destructive thoughts, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help urgently.
Furthermore, in emergencies, contact the appropriate health services, ensuring the person’s safety. In this way, you will be offering responsible and sensitive support.
Conclusion
Supporting someone with anxiety requires patience, empathy, and information. Your support can make a big difference in the process of overcoming it and strengthening that person’s mental health.
Remember that emotional support does not replace professional help, but it is an essential complement on the road to recovery. Therefore, be present, stay informed, and offer support whenever possible.
