Introduction:
In this blog, we will discuss some useful statistics about anxiety and also how to help someone with anxiety.
In today’s world, anxiety is extremely common. in fact, in 2022/23, an average of 37.1% of women and 29.9% of men reported high levels of anxiety according to research.
Frequently, individuals grappling with anxiety find themselves facing this struggle in solitude. Why does this happen? Various factors contribute, including a lack of appropriate support, a reluctance to be perceived as a “burden,” or a simple unwillingness to open up to others.
It’s crucial that we create an environment where people feel empowered to discuss their anxiety on their own terms. Providing support and the necessary space for individuals to share their experiences is essential.
What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?
According to Mind UK, the telltale symptoms of someone with anxiety are some of the following:
Issues sleeping
Frequent panic attacks
Nausea
Sweating
Fast breathing and/or heartbeat
Feeling lightheaded
Symptoms of anxiety can range from obvious signs such as panic attacks and stress, to symptoms that you may not be able to see, therefore, you must talk to those who you may suspect to be suffering from anxiety.
The Do’s and The Don’ts of Helping Someone With Anxiety
DON’T put pressure on the person
Ensuring their comfort is paramount. Often, individuals experiencing anxiety may not fully comprehend the reasons behind their struggles or how to address them. Placing excessive pressure on them can exacerbate their condition and may even trigger anxiety symptoms. It’s crucial to provide them with the space to express their thoughts freely and refrain from coercing them into discussing topics they may not be comfortable with.
DON’T put pressure on yourself
Ensure that you are okay in yourself before and during the process of helping someone with anxiety. By giving yourself too much responsibility you are leaving yourself open to pressure and stress, not only will this negatively affect you, but this could also impact the person you are trying to help
DON’T dismiss it as “just a phase”
Although it might not feel like it at the time – anxiety is COMPLETELY normal and we all experience it at some point in our lives. Let them know that anxiety is okay, and to think of it as a temporary feeling that comes and goes that you simply accept – like a grey cloud in the sky.
DO listen
Sometimes the best help can be someone who is willing to sit and listen and try to understand. Let them speak freely about how they feel and allow them to feel comfortable in opening up. For many, it takes a lot to speak about problems with their mental health so giving them your undivided attention is key.
DO try to understand where the anxiety is coming from
Is the anxiety coming from something specific, maybe past trauma, problems at school/college or work? Do they struggle in social settings or maybe lack confidence? There are hundreds of reasons someone could be suffering with anxiety and it’s never one size fits all. For some people, there may not be a root cause, but if there is then tackling this problem head-on can be an effective long-term solution.
DO see if they do anything already that helps with their anxiety
If they already have things that help them, then great! This gives the opportunity to build on it. Maybe it’s a hobby , or exercising or simply having some downtime to do whatever they like! Understanding what helps already and doing this more frequently can be key to reducing those symptoms of anxiety.
DO speak to them calmly and sensitively
When speaking to someone about their anxiety always be calm, soothing and comforting. Although logic and reasoning can be helpful in finding the root cause of the issue, ensure that you aren’t lecturing them and show that you are there to support them and help them with their anxiety.
DO look at getting them help if they need it
Anxiety isn’t always a passing feeling – it can be something worse that may require medical intervention, such as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). According to NHS.UK the symptoms of this can be as follows:
Your worry is uncontrollable and causes distress
Your worrying affects your daily life including your school, your job and your social life
You cannot let go of your worries
You worry about all sorts of things, such as your job or health, and minor concerns such as minor chores
Things To Help With Anxiety
1. Journaling Your Thoughts:
Journaling involves writing down your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly. This practice can help with anxiety by providing a way to express emotions, track day-to-day experiences, and identify triggers. It also serves as a tool for self-reflection and mindfulness, which can lead to more self-awareness and a reduction in anxiety symptoms.
Learn More On Journaling: How to Journal for Mental Health – A Complete Guide
2. Goal Setting for Things to Focus on:
Setting personal goals provides direction in life, boosts motivation, and builds self-confidence. By focusing on achievable objectives, individuals with anxiety can create a sense of purpose and control, which helps reduce feelings of uncertainty and stress.
Learn More On Goal Setting: Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Goal Setting for Self-Improvement
3. Mindful Meditation:
Mindfulness meditation asks individuals to suspend judgment and approach experiences with warmth and curiosity. This practice can help manage anxiety by encouraging a focus on the present moment, reducing the tendency to ruminate on past or future worries, thereby alleviating stress and anxiety.
4. Cold Water Therapy (Cold Showers & Ice Baths):
Cold water therapy, such as taking cold showers or ice baths, can help with anxiety by triggering the body’s natural response to stress. This exposure to controlled stress can enhance resilience over time, teaching the body and mind to cope better with anxiety-inducing situations.
5. Exercising:
Regular exercise is a powerful tool for managing anxiety. Physical activity releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Exercise also helps regulate the body’s stress response systems, improving mood and inducing a natural state of relaxation post-exercise.
How Can Our Products Help Someone With Anxiety?
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Our Tip for Coping With Anxiety:
The sensation of anxiety traces its roots back to our ancestors who grappled with life-threatening situations. It served as a trigger for our fight or flight response, a crucial survival mechanism (like when they went hunting for food!).
When anxiety creeps in for me, I have a go-to method to soothe my nerves. I distance myself from my thoughts by envisioning putting them in a jar. With a mind now completely empty, I reflect: “Am I currently facing any real danger? Am I safe?” This process helps me calm down and realise that the source of my unease lies solely in my thoughts, not in any tangible threat. The clarity in my head enables me to view my concerns from an outsider’s perspective and find logical solutions, often discovering that many of them aren’t actual problems in need of solving!
Thank you for reading our article on how to help someone with anxiety.
The Improvement Artist
