How To Help A Friend With Fear And Anxiety
By: Stanley Popovich
Do you know a friend or loved one who suffers from fear, anxiety, and depression and do not know what to do to help them?
It can be frustrating to watch someone you know struggle with their mental health and be unable able to do anything to relieve their suffering.
Signs That Someone Needs Help
When someone struggles with mental health, they may experience difficulties managing their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, which can impact their life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Symptoms of mental health struggles can include persistent sadness, anxiety, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, loss of interest in activities, social withdrawal, and substance abuse. When someone struggles with mental health, it can affect their ability to work, study, maintain relationships, or perform basic self-care tasks.
How to Encourage People to Seek Help
1. Learn as much as you can in managing anxiety: There are many books and information that will educate you on how to overcome fear and anxiety. Share this information with the individual who is struggling with their fears. The key is to get your friend to understand how important it is to seek some guidance when it comes to their mental health.
2. Let them share as much as they want to: Let the person share their problems at their own pace. Don’t pressure them to talk when they are not ready to. Be respectful, compassionate, and empathetic to their feelings by engaging in active listening.
3. Be understanding and patient: Managing depression and anxiety can be difficult so sometimes it’s best to give the person some space. Do not get into arguments with your friend who may be having a difficult time with their anxieties. Listen to the person rather than making judgements.
4. Address potential barriers: Address the issues on why the person does not want treatment. Many people who are struggling are fearful and frustrated. Try to find the reasons why your friend won’t get the help they need and try to find the ways that will take away their resistance of seeking help.
5. Ask others for their opinions: Seek advice from your doctor or local mental health counselor who can assist the person you know with their mental health issues. A medical professional can give you some ideas on how to convince the person to seek treatment.
6. Encourage professional help: It’s important to connect them to resources. Help them find a mental health professional or other resources in their community. Remind them it’s okay to seek help and let them know that seeking help is a sign of strength. Make sure you stay persistent in trying to get the person some help.
7. Offer to help them: Recovery from a mental health challenge is rarely a straightforward process. Typically, there are ups and downs and periods of setbacks. Be ready to provide support and encouragement to your loved one for the long run, not just during an immediate crisis.
Like What You Read?
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