Statistics show that close to 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. Experts regard it as the most predominant mental illness in the United States and other parts of the world. When you are anxious, your stress hormones send signals to the crucial parts of your body and their reaction leads to the condition. Although it is a treatable illness, only a third of those diagnosed receive anxiety treatment. In this article, we provide you with five ways to help an individual cope with anxiety.
- Listen and facilitate a plan:
If you know someone who has anxiety and the condition is a struggle, it is best to listen to them. Just paying attention to what the person has to say showcases your support. Consider asking how you can assist if you are unsure of how to approach their situation.
Additionally, inform them that they can reach out to you if they feel anxious. To ensure this works out, you can generate a plan such as forming a meeting point, connecting via an online platform, or talking on the phone. You can also recommend that the person engages in an activity that keeps the mind away from being anxious such as taking a walk, exercising, watching a movie, or going to a restaurant.
- Seek assistance through therapy:
If you feel that they would benefit from therapy, encourage them to seek assistance from a therapist. Professional help can go a long way to help them cope with anxiety. You can offer to take them to the therapist, remind them of their appointment dates and be there for them through the process.
- Identity what works:
Walk with the person experiencing anxiety to establish what works for them. For instance, you can engage them in the following activities and approaches at home.
Practice physical activity- Encourage them to participate in physical activities that keep them relaxed.
Mindful Meditation-They can take time to meditate and concentrate on positive energy.
Sleep -Taking enough rest can help them to manage anxiety.
Keep off alcohol and caffeine as they can trigger the condition.
- Set Limitations:
You can offer to assist an individual struggling with anxiety, but you cannot force them to seek treatment or do something different to manage the condition. Knowing your limitation can help you to avoid being stressed about the situation. Consider asking advice from a mental health expert on helping a loved one cope with anxiety when they do not want to seek assistance and how you can manage your emotions.
- Share Resources:
Your friend or a loved one may avoid seeking assistance from a professional for several reasons. However, that does not limit you from seeking ways to assist them. One vital way is by sharing resources on anxiety-like books, pamphlets, and online sites that speak about how to cope with anxiety. By reading through the material, they may discover suitable ways to deal with the mental condition.
Anxiety is a silent killer disease that anyone can manage through therapy, but there are other ways you can show your support. The consequences of prolonged bouts of anxiety are dire, and they can lead to several adverse reactions. These include the following:
- a) Heart disease
- b) High blood pressure
- c) Rapid heart rate
- d) Chest pains
- e) Palpitations
among others.
The long-term effects of anxiety may lead to isolation and extreme negative complications. The methods mentioned above are some of the ways you can help someone struggling with anxiety. Use them, and they will be instrumental in assisting anyone with the condition.
