Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress. It's a feeling of fear and apprehension about what will happen. The first day of school, a job interview or a public address, can make most people feel fearful and nervous. But if these feelings are extreme, last more than six months and interfere with daily life, the person may suffer from an anxiety disorder.
Who can be affected by anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorders and can affect anyone, regardless of age. These disorders affect the way we feel and behave and can cause physical symptoms. Mild anxiety is disturbing, while severe anxiety can seriously affect everyday life.
In France, anxiety affects most women, since the number of women with this disorder can reach twice that of men. For the entire population, 21% of people have presented at least once in their life an anxiety disorder.
You may know people who suffer from anxiety? You want to help them, but are you afraid that a bad gesture could hurt them? Here are 7 things to avoid telling people with anxiety.
"You have something to be grateful for!"
You may want to tell them to look on the bright side, but what they hear is that they are not doing enough to appreciate the good things in their life. They are usually already confronted with the guilt and shame of not being good enough. They think they are a burden to people.
So, it is better to tell them that you like them. Appreciation is better than gratitude, and everyone, especially them, must know that they are valued for being strong and facing their problems.
Never use the verb "DUTY"
"Maybe you should meditate," "Maybe you SHOULD go see someone," "You SHOULD NOT feel so sensitive to this problem" or "You SHOULD NOT think too much." If you try to help someone get out of anxiety, "Duty" is a verb that should definitely not be used.
Never tell them what to do. Instead, ask them what they would like to do, which can bring them peace. "Would you like to go shopping with me?" "Maybe meditation will help." Suggest things to do to feel better, or ask them if they would like to do something that would make them feel better. Give them the choice.
"It will be fine"
But how ?
Instead, reassure them and tell them you are there for them. Anxiety makes them feel isolated and lonely. Tell them that you are there to help them and that you will always be with them.
"Just be happy"
Do not they try to be?
Anxiety is not just a question of willpower and personal concentration. There may be reasons or personal experiences that may have left those people helpless and unable to sleep.
Ask them what you can do to make them feel better. Give them the opportunity to open their hearts. Let them express what worries them and how you can help them.
"Everything is in your head!"
Yes, it's a psychological problem, but it's out of their control. This statement can actually make them helpless and paralyze them.
Suggest that they go out and have fun. Take them to a park or pet store. Help them relax by having them participate in fun activities.
"What do you have to be anxious?"
Do not try to tell them that their stress and anxiety make no sense. Because in general, that's what they understand from this statement.
Instead, ask them how you can help them feel less stressful. Let them look a little deep in their soul and understand what could really work to make them feel better.
"There are people with many more problems"
That is true. But does that mean it's their fault? How are their anxiety related to those who have more or less important problems? This statement can actually make them feel even worse.
So, try to show them your compassion and suggest that they talk about the issues that worry them. You will see that their problems and anxiety are legitimate. You can make them feel better by helping them share their distress with you. Who knows ? Maybe you have a way to end this fight for them?