Supporting a Loved One: Effective Ways to Help Someone with Anxiety

It’s hard watching someone you love become withdrawn or nervous due to anxiety. On top of this, it’s difficult to know what that person needs to manage and overcome their mental illness. How can we help someone with anxiety without being intrusive or pushy?

Medmate understands your need to support a loved one experiencing anxiety. Here, we’ve outlined effective ways to help someone going through it – including getting in touch with us for professional treatment:

Know that everyone’s anxiety is different

Understanding the different ways that anxiety manifests is key to supporting someone suffering from it. While an anxious person may typically seem stressed, nervous or withdrawn, they may also be fatigued, or snappy and irritable. Understand that they don’t mean to be abrasive or withdrawn and that it’s the anxiety that’s making them act that way.

Make it known that you’re there for them – on their terms

Not all of us are comfortable talking about our feelings, and we should never force our loved one to open up if they don’t want to. Instead of pressuring someone into talking about their anxiety, it’s best to let them know that you are there for them when they’re ready to talk about it on their terms and at their own pace. That offer of support can greatly help someone with anxiety and they’ll likely remember it when they are ready to talk to someone.

Be a listener

Listening is the most important aspect of supporting a loved one with anxiety. Focus on being there to hear the person out, seriously consider their thoughts and feelings, and refrain from offering advice unless they ask for it. Remember that you’re there to listen, and that advice might come across as dismissive if it’s not called for.

Ask how you can help

Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and everyone needs help in different ways. Asking the person what you can do to help them lets them know that you’re there for them, and gives you a chance to help in a practical way. Sometimes being there for support is enough on its own, and other times it can mean something bigger, like helping them find the help they need or accompanying them to an appointment.

Remind them that they’re not alone

Regardless of whether you’ve had experience with anxiety in the past, it can be helpful to remind your loved one that they’re not alone. Anxiety makes people feel isolated, yet 1 in 4 Australians will experience the illness at some stage in their lives. Give the person hope that they can overcome it too, and that you’ll be there to help them.

Medmate is here to help your loved one who’s going through a tough time. We’re a team of telehealth professionals specialising in mental health care, and are committed to helping your friend or family member feel better. We provide personalised care from the comfort of the home, making it simple and convenient to get treated. Take the first step towards overcoming anxiety and book in for a consultation today.