What or not to do around a person with anxiety?

 

 

When helping a person in a panic attack or when they feel anxious.

• Don’t tell them to chill or to not worry. That doesn’t help at all. Instead tell them that everything will be ok and keep saying that they will be ok. Those in a panic attack need you to help them calm down. Make sure to not raise your voice when they feel this way. Talk to them in a softer voice to let them know they are safe.

• Don’t leave them to panic alone. When someone is in a panic attack they are trusting their own thoughts. So if you leave them alone they will get even worse. Instead sit with them wherever they are in a panic attack and talk with them. Help them get their mind off the thing they are afraid of.

• Don’t ever call them a coward EVER. While they are in the midst of a panic attack, they help but look afraid. Calling them a coward also makes them feel like they are nothing but an afraid person. They will think that’s all they ever will be. So instead compliment them or say that you are proud of them. How strong they are to fight the anxious thoughts that they feel.

 

When seeing an anxious person anywhere.

 

• Don’t stare at them. Even if they aren’t afraid of people. They will have thoughts of what you think of them. Most anxious people are self conscious about the way they look. So don’t stare. Instead just smile and quickly look away from them. That shows you’re a friendly person to them.

• Don’t mock them about what they’re afraid of. That will make them uncomfortable and feel even worse. They might even feel ashamed as well. Instead just talk with them about their anxiety if they feel ok with doing that.              

 

But more importantly. Be patient.

 

Yes it can be frustrating that anxious people worry about things a lot. To the point you get tired of it. But don't give up on them. Assure them you accept the fact that they worry and that sometimes need you to help them.

 

If you are the anxious person, it's ok that you feel this way.

 

It doesn't mean you are weak or even lesser of a person.

 

It makes you a wonderful and unique human being.