What are comforting words for someone with anxiety? When someone you love struggles with anxiety, it can be difficult to know what to say. Fortunately, mental health experts have some helpful words you can use to help someone who’s feeling anxious. These comforting words for someone with anxiety can be uses whenever you need them.
“Remind them they are loved”
This is one of the most common things to say, and it’s an effective way to let your friend or family member know you care about how they feel. It also shows they don’t have to face their anxiety alone, which can be a comforting thought for them.
“Remind them that they will be better”
When a person who has anxiety feels like they have no hope, it can be very comforting to hear that their symptoms will pass. This is especially true when they’re in the midst of an attack. These comforting words for someone with anxiety don’t have to be very long.
“Remind them that they can get help”
Finally, reminding your friend or family member that they have a doctor they can talk to is a wonderful thing to do. It gives them the opportunity to discuss their concerns with a trained professional, who can then recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
The key here is to be sensitive about what you say and how you say it. You don’t want to inadvertently dismiss the person’s struggle or make them feel judged, explains Caroline Leaf, Ph.D.
Other statements that you should avoid are calm down and it’s not that bad. These invalidating and dismissive statements can often lead to an atmosphere of gaslighting, a type of mental illness that’s associated with people with anxiety
What is anxiety disorder?
People with anxiety disorders have excessive, irrational and persistent worry that interferes with their daily life. Their worries often have a physical component, such as trembling, twitching, muscle tension or fatigue. They may also experience irritability, poor concentration, depression, headaches, light-headedness, breathlessness or hot flashes.
Who is at risk for anxiety disorders?
Genetics, environment, stress level, brain changes and trauma all contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. Symptoms are common in children and adolescents, but they can also occur in adults.
Who is at risk for anxiety and fear?
Kids and teens who are exposed to stressful or traumatic life events are at a greater risk for developing anxiety and fear. These can include losing a loved one, serious illness, death, violence or abuse. They can also learn to feel anxious or fearful by watching others who are fearful or anxious.
How can a doctor diagnose an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed by a mental health professional who uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to identify which disorder is causing symptoms. The provider will take your medical history, and ask questions about how you think, feel and behave.
What are the treatment options?
Medication and talk therapy are the main ways that a doctor treats an anxiety disorder. These therapies aim to reduce symptoms of the disorder and make it easier to live a normal, healthy life.
Choosing the right medication, dose and treatment plan is a difficult and complicated process. It is important to work closely with your doctor to choose the best option for you. Other treatments may include meditation, yoga and other complementary health techniques.
What to do when someone is having a panic attack
When someone you love is having a panic attack, it can be hard to know what to do. But understanding the symptoms and how to support them can help your friend or loved one.
A panic attack is a sudden and intense episode of fear that occurs without warning and lasts from five to 10 minutes. It’s not dangerous, but it can be a distressing experience for those who are having them.
The most important thing to remember is to stay calm.
Reassure your friend that they are safe and that the symptoms will go away soon. If the symptoms persist, call for help.
Use grounding techniques to distract them from their anxiety:
Focus on their surroundings, using all of their senses, instead of thinking about their anxiety. This can be done through things like calling attention to sound, touch or smells that are nearby.
Give reassurance and information about what is happening to them:
Let your friend know that a panic attack is nothing to worry about and that they are not in danger.
Be patient:
Try to remain with your friend for the whole time that they are having their panic attack, as this can be helpful and comforting for them.
Say a coping statement:
The first coping statement to use when you’re with someone who is having a panic attack is. It will pass. This lets them know that the feelings are temporary and will subside as quickly as possible.
Treatment for anxiety disorder
Treatment for anxiety disorder focuses on changing negative thinking patterns, reducing stress, and learning new ways to cope with anxious feelings. It may include psychotherapy (counseling), medications, or both.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most commonly used form of psychological treatment for anxiety disorders. In this approach, psychologists help patients learn to identify and change the thoughts that cause symptoms of anxiety, which often originate in a person’s childhood.
Exposure response prevention is another form of psychotherapy that is effective for phobias and social anxiety. The approach involves exposing the patient to the situation or thing they fear in an attempt to reduce the symptoms of anxiety over time.
Self-help strategies are also important for managing anxiety. For example, exercise can burn up the stress chemicals in your body and promote relaxation. Getting enough sleep and eating healthy foods are other useful ways to manage anxiety symptoms.
Herbal and dietary supplements can also be useful. It’s essential to make sure the herbs and supplements you take are safe, though, so be careful about the ones you buy.
A doctor can diagnose anxiety by taking a thorough medical history and conducting a physical exam, mental health tests, and psychological questionnaires. They’ll also ask questions about what’s causing the symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
If you have a severe anxiety disorder, you may need to see a psychiatrist. They can prescribe antianxiety drugs that will help relieve your symptoms and allow you to lead a normal, fulfilling life.
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