When coping with another person?s anxiety, it is often difficult to be supportive and understanding for long periods of time. It?s important to know that anxiety disorders are real, and almost always require professional help to bring it under control. The anxiety itself will likely never go away, but the goal of treatment is to arm the individual with tools to manage the symptoms.
If you have not already, consider researching the Internet to find information on your friend or family member?s anxiety. The information may or may not be of use to them, but it will help you gain an understanding of what they might be experiencing.
If you have not done so already, arming yourself with information will help substantially in coping with a family member?s anxiety. The Internet is a great place to start. Type in some of the symptoms you have seen your loved one display and see what comes up. You may discover your family member suffers from a disorder you didn?t even know existed.
Getting your family member to agree to treatment is often the most difficult and frustrating step. They must be willing to undergo treatment, and only they can make that decision. Just as they know their thoughts and behavior are irrational, they also know treatment will be stressful and challenging. Considering they are currently dealing with overwhelming levels of anxiety, they may be a little hesitant to actively pursue a situation where they will have to confront the anxiety.
Coping with another person's anxiety can be as draining as the person with the anxiety. A delicate ?dance? develops over time, which can be exhausting to maintain. Seek out other friends and family members that are in the same situation as you ? coping with someone else?s anxiety. There may be a support group already established or if not, you can always start one.
Think of the support group as a place for friends to meet. You all have at least one thing in common already. You may discover other ways to deal with your loved ones anxiety, and help them as well.
Often, friends or family members allow their own needs to slide while coping with their loved ones anxiety. You must avoid this at all costs! By taking good care of yourself you are better able to cope.
Watching your health decline may cause them further anxiety or lead to more intense behaviors or symptoms. Continue to do your part in helping your loved one heal by taking good care of yourself.
If you have not already, consider researching the Internet to find information on your friend or family member?s anxiety. The information may or may not be of use to them, but it will help you gain an understanding of what they might be experiencing.
If you have not done so already, arming yourself with information will help substantially in coping with a family member?s anxiety. The Internet is a great place to start. Type in some of the symptoms you have seen your loved one display and see what comes up. You may discover your family member suffers from a disorder you didn?t even know existed.
Getting your family member to agree to treatment is often the most difficult and frustrating step. They must be willing to undergo treatment, and only they can make that decision. Just as they know their thoughts and behavior are irrational, they also know treatment will be stressful and challenging. Considering they are currently dealing with overwhelming levels of anxiety, they may be a little hesitant to actively pursue a situation where they will have to confront the anxiety.
Coping with another person's anxiety can be as draining as the person with the anxiety. A delicate ?dance? develops over time, which can be exhausting to maintain. Seek out other friends and family members that are in the same situation as you ? coping with someone else?s anxiety. There may be a support group already established or if not, you can always start one.
Think of the support group as a place for friends to meet. You all have at least one thing in common already. You may discover other ways to deal with your loved ones anxiety, and help them as well.
Often, friends or family members allow their own needs to slide while coping with their loved ones anxiety. You must avoid this at all costs! By taking good care of yourself you are better able to cope.
Watching your health decline may cause them further anxiety or lead to more intense behaviors or symptoms. Continue to do your part in helping your loved one heal by taking good care of yourself.
About the Author:
Understanding the anxiety disorder is the first step in the healing process. Anxiety disorders affect millions - many of which never seek help. If you are reading this, you have already taken the first courageous step! Now, keep the momentum going!
