How to Help Someone with Anxiety

If someone you know may be struggling with anxiety, here are some tips for how to start a conversation and encourage them to get help.

Learn how to offer support and understanding and how to help your loved one get the resources to cope with depression. Here's how to help someone with anxiety.

Do help someone with anxiety with these tips

• Express empathy (“That must be really hard.”)
• Offer to listen or spend time with them (“I’m here for you”)
• Let them know their experiences and feelings are valid (“I hear what you’re saying.”)
• Tell them you care about them (“You matter to me.”)
• Help them find professional support (“Let’s work together to find you help.”)
• Let them know treatment is effective (“There are lots of options, and we will find one that works for you.”)
  

Don’t say these things to someone with anxiety

• Tell them not to worry, to “relax,” or “just stay positive”
• Express surprise (“You don’t look anxious;” “But you always seem like you have everything together”)
• Belittle (“It could be worse.”)
• Blame (“It’s all in your head.”)
• Shame (“Other people have problems, too.”)
• Use cliches (“You’ll get over it.”)
• Offer quick fixes (“It will all work out. It always does.”)

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