Regardless of whether it’s your child, a spouse, or a friend, it can be hard to watch someone struggle with anxiety. At Spring Garden Counseling Inc., we offer counseling services for individuals, families, and couples, using a variety of methods that are known to be successful with issues such as anxiety. Continue reading to learn tips that you can use to help someone in need.
- Educate Yourself: Gaining a deeper understanding of anxiety can help you learn some of the common signs and triggers. With this knowledge, you can be more effective in supporting your loved ones and friends.
- Listen Without Passing Judgment: Provide an accepting environment so they can communicate their emotions. It’s important to focus on active listening, not necessarily on coming up with a solution.
- Have Patience: Anxiety can be crippling, and results may take time, so exercise patience and compassion. Acknowledge small successes and offer support.
- Encourage Healthy Habits: A healthy lifestyle has a beneficial effect on mental health. Promote a healthy diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep when you can. Adopting these practices can help improve mental and emotional well-being.
- Work on Relaxation Together: Assist your loved one in learning and using relaxation methods like mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing. Participating in these activities collectively can help them feel less alone.
- Have Reasonable Expectations: Recognize that there can be setbacks. Remind your loved one that obstacles are a natural part of the process and offer support during trying times.
Beyond these tips, encourage your loved one or friend to talk with a counselor. We can create a care plan that offers a path to improved mental health. Contact us today if you have questions or need to make an appointment.