Anxiety Disorder: How to Support Someone You Love Through Anxiety

Dealing with anxiety disorder, whether it's your own battle or you're watching a loved one struggle, is really tough. It can make you feel alone and unsure about what to do next. But remember, you're not alone.

At The Forge Recovery Center, we care deeply about helping you through this. We offer kind, understanding care that's just right for you or your loved one. This guide is here to show you there's hope and practical ways to face addiction together. You've got support every step of the way.

Understanding Anxiety Disorder

An anxiety disorder is like having an alarm system in your body that goes off when there’s no real danger. It can make you feel worried, scared, or panicky, even over everyday things. It’s pretty common and totally okay to feel this way, but it can be tough to deal with on your own.

Remember, it's something many of us face, and reaching out for help or supporting each other can make a big difference.

Understanding anxiety disorder means recognizing its many forms, each affecting people in unique ways. Let’s quickly dive into the most common types of anxiety disorders, showing just how varied this condition can be:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Worries about everyday things.

• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Fear of social situations, with some suffering symptoms for 10+ years before seeking help.

• Panic Disorder: Characterized by sudden, intense panic attacks.

• Phobias: Extreme, irrational fears of specific things or situations.

• Agoraphobia: Fear of places or situations that feel trapping.

• Separation Anxiety: Anxiety from being away from home or loved ones.

• Selective Mutism: Not being able to speak in certain social settings.

• Illness Anxiety Disorder: Worry over having a serious illness.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety following traumatic events, more prevalent in women.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Anxiety from unwanted, recurring thoughts.

These disorders share common threads like fear, tension, and avoidance, but each has its unique challenges. It's important to approach those suffering with kindness and understanding, as the path to managing anxiety is deeply personal.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Dealing with anxiety can feel like you're carrying a heavy weight around, making everyday tasks and interactions feel daunting. It's a deeply personal experience, with symptoms that can vary widely from person to person.

Recognizing these signs is the first step towards understanding and supporting each other through these tough times:

• Worry that won't quit: Constant, overwhelming concern about everyday things.

• On edge: A restless, uneasy feeling that's hard to shake off.

• Worn out: Feeling tired all the time, even without physical exertion.

• Quick to snap: Irritability over small things.

• Tense muscles: A constant feeling of physical tension.

• Sleep struggles: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

• Sweating: More sweating than usual, often without physical exertion.

• Shakiness: Experiencing trembling or twitching unexpectedly.

• Headaches and nausea: Frequent, unexplained headaches and a feeling of nausea.

• Dizziness and more: Feeling light-headed and needing the bathroom more often.

• Heat waves and heart flutters: Experiencing sudden hot flashes or a racing heart.

• Breathless: Shortness of breath or chest tightness.

• Stuck in a loop: Repeatedly dwelling on the same worrisome thoughts.

• Focus fades: Difficulty concentrating on tasks at hand.

• Avoidance: Steering clear of places or situations that spike anxiety.

• Panic spikes: Sudden, intense episodes of panic or compulsive behaviors.

Every sign points to the tough personal challenges you may face with anxiety. Recognizing them means you’re moving toward understanding and support, and it’s a reminder that you’re not alone in this.

At The Forge Recovery Center, we're here to hold your hand and offer a shoulder to lean on, helping you navigate through the fog of anxiety with care and understanding.

How to Help Someone with Anxiety Disorder?

Supporting a loved one with anxiety can make a huge difference. Here's how you can help in a caring and understanding way:

• Listen Without Judgment: Spend quality time, letting them share their worries and fears without dismissing their feelings.

• Learn About Anxiety: Educate yourself on anxiety disorders to better understand and support them.

• Encourage Professional Help: Support their choice to seek therapy or medication, showing it's a step of courage, not weakness.

• Offer to Attend Appointments: Accompanying them can provide comfort and encouragement.

• Promote Self-Care: Encourage daily relaxation and joyful activities to help manage stress.

• Create a Calm Environment: Help them make their living space soothing, with things like soft lighting and minimal noise.

• Teach Relaxation Techniques: Explore deep breathing, muscle relaxation, or meditation together to find what helps.

• Support a Healthy Lifestyle: Motivate them to maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep.

• Set Goals Together: Help them set and achieve manageable goals for anxiety management.

• Be Aware of Triggers: Know what worsens their anxiety and how to avoid or face these triggers gently.

• Respect Boundaries: Understand their preferred level of communication and support, avoiding overstepping.

• Distract During High Anxiety: Engage them in activities that divert attention from anxiety.

• Avoid Clichés: Use empathetic and understanding language instead of minimizing their feelings.

• Offer Hope and Reassurance: Remind them of their progress and the positive aspects of life.

• Celebrate Every Step: Acknowledge and celebrate all their achievements, big or small.

• Know Crisis Resources: Be prepared with information on hotlines or intervention services for emergencies.

• Take Care of Yourself: Ensure your own well-being to be an effective supporter.

Your patience, understanding, and support can play a crucial role in their journey toward managing anxiety and finding peace.

Together Towards a Brighter Tomorrow

Remember, anxiety is something many people deal with, and your support really matters in helping your loved one face its challenges. While there's no perfect way to help, the advice we've shared is a great starting point for offering meaningful support. Together, you can aim for a happier, more peaceful future.

If anxiety ever feels too big to handle on your own, it might be time to consider professional help. The Forge Recovery Center is here for you, offering a warm and understanding space where individuals learn to manage anxiety. We offer counseling, lifestyle advice, and medical support to empower our clients, alongside resources for families to keep the support going at home.

Reach out to The Forge Recovery Center to learn more.

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

March 15, 2024