• Schedule a FREE Consultation Cool Tools and Resources

    395 Taylor Blvd, Suite 220 | Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
    925-322-1681 | katherine@timetothrivetherapy.com

  • Time to Thrive Therapy

    • Home
    • About Me
    • Services
      • Counseling
        • Counseling for Depression
        • Counseling for Anxiety
        • Counseling for Women
        • Counseling for Teens
        • Counseling for Couples
      • Groups
        • Women’s Divorce Support Circle
        • Teen Life Support Group
        • Kick-Butt Strategies for Handling Life for Teen Young Women
        • Support and Education Group for MFT and LPC Trainees
      • EMDR
      • Neurofeedback
    • Getting Started
      • Fees and Insurance
      • New Client Documents-Adult
      • New Client Documents-Child/Teen
      • New Client Documents for Couples
    • Tools and Resources
      • Tools
      • Resources
      • Videos
    • The Comfy Couch Blog
    • Client Login
    • Contact Me

    How to Help Manage a Loved One’s Anxiety

    August 1, 2018

    When a friend or loved one suffers from anxiety, it can be intimidating or frustrating trying to help them cope. Panic and anxiety attacks can leave the anxiety sufferer feeling any number of symptoms, and you may feel helpless and unable to support them. Here are some tips to help you manage a loved one’s anxiety.

    Listen

    Let your loved one know that you’re there to listen. Hold back judgment or unwanted advice, and simply be an ear. It will help them to know that they can speak to you openly, and that it’s okay to be repetitive with fears or thoughts. Let them know that they can call or text you any time to talk.

    Don’t Bring It Up Too Often

    It might seem counter-intuitive to avoid the topic of anxiety with your loved one, but simply talking about anxiety or panic attacks may trigger an episode for someone who suffers with this disorder. It’s fine to ask how they’re doing or discuss their anxiety if they want to, but make sure that they bring the topic up to you.

    Spend Time

    Spending time with a close friend or loved one can be very beneficial for the anxiety sufferer. Exercise and outdoor activities are especially helpful; sunlight and exercise are well-documented mood boosters. If you’re both being entertained, are out having fun, or just hanging out talking over coffee, this meaningful distraction keeps their mind off of their anxiety and on the activity.

    Be Patient

    You may struggle to empathize with your friend or loved one, or you may have difficulty comprehending what it means to suffer with anxiety. Anxiety disorders are not just psychological, they’re also chemical. Your loved one may understand that it’s not logical for them to feel fear or anxiety about something, but you can’t expect them to control their anxiety with that same knowledge. It will take time and a concerted effort on their part, but anxiety is a treatable condition.

    Recognize Accomplishments

    Make an effort to express pride in your loved one when you notice improvements. Acknowledgement of positive change after they have put in some hard work will be both beneficial and encouraging to their recovery.

    If you or a loved one is suffering with anxiety or panic disorder and needs professional guidance from a licensed therapist, please contact my office today so we can set up an appointment.

    Share this:

    • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
    • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

    Related

    Filed Under: Anxiety

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ENTER YOUR EMAIL HERE, AND I'LL SEND YOU PERIODIC TIPS, INFORMATION, AND REALLY COOL TOOLS.
    By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

    Recent Blogs

    Benefits of Therapy Dogs

    Types of Anxiety Disorders

    What is Gender Dysphoria?

    Recent Videos

    The Teenage Brain

    I Have OCD

    What is Anxiety?

    Katherine Jewett, MA LMFT #83521
    395 Taylor Blvd, Suite 220
    Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

    925-322-1681
    katherine@timetothrivetherapy.com

    Katherine Jewett
    katherine@timetothrivetherapy.com | 925-322-1681

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    A Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy