Anxiety is a hidden battle for many, and often, we don’t know how to lend a helping hand. To support someone fighting anxiety, you must be patient, understanding, and caring.
This article lists 16 practical and effective ways to stand by someone coping with anxiety. It’s not about solving their problems, but rather walking with them, giving the kind of help that counts. These tips are easy but meaningful, based on care, love, and faith.
Validate Their Feelings
People often want to tell someone that “everything will be okay,” but this isn’t what a person going through anxiety needs. They need to feel like someone hears and understands them. Letting them know their feelings are real matters even if you don’t get what they’re going through. Just saying, “I can see that this is hard for you, and I’m here,” can make a big difference.
Be a Safe Listener
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just listen. People with anxiety often need to share their fears and thoughts without fear of judgment. Just being there, without offering solutions or advice, can provide them with the comfort of knowing they’re not alone.
Remind Them of God’s Love
Anxiety can make people feel isolated and unworthy. Gently reminding them that God’s love is unconditional, even in their hardest moments, can help ease their burden. Let them know they are cherished just as they are, regardless of their anxiety.
Offer Gentle Encouragement
Encouragement doesn’t have to be loud or forceful. Sometimes, a gentle reminder that they are strong and capable of handling their anxiety can help them take small steps forward. Don’t push them, but offer kind words to remind them that this, too, shall pass.
Share Your Own Struggles
If anxiety or tough times have touched your life in the same way that you can relate to what they’re going through, opening up about your experiences can make others feel they’re not facing these challenges alone. Just be careful with how you deliver the message, and make sure not to make it all about you. This is to show that grappling with anxiety doesn’t make them weak, and it’s fine to count on others when things get rough.
Encourage Professional Help
Emotional and spiritual support matter, but sometimes anxiety calls for expert help. Encourage them to seek guidance from a therapist or counselor and let them know it’s okay to reach out for help when needed.
Be Patient With Their Healing Process
Anxiety doesn’t vanish in a snap, and each person heals at their own speed. Be patient and understanding with them even when progress crawls. Keep in mind that, like any other hurdle, getting past anxiety takes time and backing.
Avoid Minimizing Their Anxiety
Anxiety is real so don’t brush it off by saying that it’s “just in your head” or tell them to “just calm down.” Such comments are insensitive and aren’t what a person going through a hard time needs to hear. Instead, accept that their experience is valid, and back them up without downplaying the seriousness of what they’re going through.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Encourage small changes, such as regular exercise, balanced eating, or good sleep habits, to help a person effectively manage their anxiety. You do not have to push them, but gentle reminders of a healthy routine can really make a difference to a person’s mental health.
Avoid Unnecessary Pressure
People with anxiety may already feel overwhelmed by the pressure to “get better.” Be mindful not to add to their stress by expecting them to quickly overcome their fears. Let them know it’s okay to take things one step at a time, without rushing their healing.
Check In Regularly
Don’t sit around waiting for them to make contact. Checking in often with a quick text or call lets them know you’re thinking of them and that you care. Even little acts of kindness can make a big difference in helping someone feel supported.
Stay Calm
When someone is anxious, your own calm presence can help ground them. If they see that you’re not stressed or panicking, it can help them feel more at ease. Your calmness can be a source of reassurance when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Learn About Anxiety
Take some time to learn about anxiety so you can better understand what they’re going through. You don’t have to be an expert, but knowing the basics of how anxiety works and how it affects some people can help you offer more informed support.
Be Present
Sometimes, all they need is your presence. Just be available to them, physically and emotionally. Be there if it’s just some silence, sitting together, doing low-key stuff with each other, reminding them that no one needs to go through this alone.
Offer Distractions
Occasionally, the most effective way to help a person dealing with anxiety is to provide a mild distraction. Ask them to join you for a movie, take a stroll, or engage in an activity they like. This can give their mind a chance to take a break from the endless loop of worry and negative thoughts.
Pray for Them
Prayer can bring comfort and peace, especially if you know the person finds strength in their faith. Let them know you’re praying for them and ask if they’d like you to pray together. It’s a gentle way to remind them that they are loved and supported by both you and God.
Every Little Thing Helps
Helping a person with anxiety is a tough road, but it gives you chances to show care, kindness, and empathy. Your company, calmness, and little acts of support can have a huge impact. Anxiety often feels lonely, but by sticking with them, you prove they don’t have to deal with it by themselves. Your help matters, whether you offer gentle words or just stay close.
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Jannah is a dedicated Christian content writer with growing experience, driven by her love for sharing the message of faith. She brings dedication and passion to every piece she writes, drawing from her background as a former lector. Jannah is committed to creating meaningful and inspiring content that reflects her Christian values.