Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can significantly impact a person’s daily life and relationships. As a friend, you can play a crucial role in supporting someone with anxiety. It can be a heavy burden to bear, so it’s important to go about it the right way. Let’s explore how you can support a friend with anxiety while protecting your own mental health.
Anxiety is characterized by persistent feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness that can interfere with daily activities. Common symptoms include:
Understanding these symptoms and the challenges your friend faces can help you provide empathetic and effective support.
Active listening is one of the most valuable ways to support a friend with anxiety. Let your friend express their feelings without interruption and validate their experiences without judgment. Phrases like, “I understand that this is really hard for you,” or “It’s okay to feel this way,” can make a big difference. Validation helps them feel heard and understood, which can be incredibly comforting.
Practical support can alleviate some of the daily stresses your friend may face. This can include helping with tasks, providing a calming presence, or offering to accompany them to appointments or social events. Simple acts of kindness, like cooking a meal or running an errand, can show that you care and are there for them.
While your support is important, professional help is crucial for managing anxiety effectively. Encourage your friend to seek help from a therapist or counselor. You can gently suggest this by saying, “Have you thought about talking to a professional? They can offer tools and strategies that might help.” Providing information about resources and support groups can also be helpful.
Suggesting healthy coping mechanisms can empower your friend to manage their anxiety. Share techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, journaling, and relaxation exercises. Encourage them to try different strategies to see what works best for them. Sharing what has worked for you or others can provide practical options for them to explore.
Supporting a friend with anxiety requires patience. Progress can be slow and non-linear, with setbacks along the way. Offer consistent support without pushing them too hard. Understand that setbacks are a part of the process and reassure them that you are there for the long haul.
When supporting a friend with anxiety, there are certain things to avoid. Don’t:
While supporting your friend, it’s essential to maintain your own mental well-being. Watch out for codependent behavior; for example, you should not be on call 24/7 to soothe their every worry. If you let yourself become their sole support, you might even keep them from seeking professional help from a trained mental health provider.
Setting and communicating healthy boundaries ensures that you don’t become overwhelmed. For example, you might say, “I care about you and want to help, but I also need time to take care of myself.” Take care to recognize when you need to step back and focus on your own needs. This balance is crucial for both you and your friend.
Supporting a friend with anxiety is a very kind act, but it can be draining. It can also lead to an unbalanced friendship, codependency, and poor boundaries. By carefully balancing support with self-care, you can be a valuable ally to your friend. If you or someone you know suffers from anxiety, or if you are worried about how to manage an anxious friend, Medens Health can help. We offer compassionate therapy across many states, both in-person and virtually. Our trained mental health providers can help with managing anxiety and building healthy, balanced relationships with others.
Call or text (833) 624-5400, get started here, or fill out our contact form today!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information this blog provides is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
%201.png)
