What Can You Do To Help Someone With Depression – Many of us feel anxious at times, but there may be people in our lives who are anxious and fearful. Their reactions may seem “over the top” or irrational, and as a result, it may be difficult to contact them or how to respond or offer help. Fortunately, there are some relatively simple steps you can take to be proactive and show support.
Both fear and anxiety are meant to keep us safe, but when the feelings are overwhelming, they can become associated with anxiety disorders. With more than 40 million adults diagnosed, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in the United States.
Contents
- 1 What Can You Do To Help Someone With Depression
- 2 Top Jobs Focusing On Helping People And Communities
- 3 How To Help Someone With Anxiety
- 4 Do You Know Someone Struggling With Their Mental Health?
- 5 How Do You Help A Loved One Who Is Grieving? — Peacefully
- 6 How To Help Someone With Depression
- 7 How To Support Someone Who Is Grieving After A Loss
What Can You Do To Help Someone With Depression
Find a supportive therapist who can help you with your anxiety. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Fill out a short questionnaire and be matched with the right therapist for you.
Top Jobs Focusing On Helping People And Communities
Because anxiety disorders are so common, learning about the different types, symptoms, and feelings of anxiety can help you understand whether the person you care for is afraid or anxious.
As you have read, anxiety can look different for everyone; however, the signs and symptoms of anxiety are often very similar. Symptoms often vary from person to person, but they can generally be divided into three different categories: physical symptoms, anxious thoughts, and anxious behaviors.
Common thought patterns for people who struggle with anxiety are constant worrying, focusing on the worst possible outcomes, and all or nothing.
Finally, anxious behaviors such as avoidance of certain events or situations, constant reassurance, irritability, and compulsive behaviors (such as hand washing) may be more prominent.
How To Help Someone With Anxiety
“People who struggle with anxiety and fear often focus on fearful or anxious thoughts. And changing these patterns is difficult, but not impossible. As the person helping them, you need to validate their feelings and understand that they are not okay. It shows them that you are there for them without judgement.” – Stefan Allen-Hickey, LMSW, Downtown Somatic Therapy
Often, anxious people tend to think catastrophically and assume the worst case scenario. The worst can always happen; however, it is also important to consider other options. What is the best case? Which scenario or scenarios is more realistic?
It’s important for an anxious person to feel prepared for the worst, but overthinking or worrying yourself doesn’t help. Instead, help them find inner strengths and outer resources to help them deal with life’s curve balls.
“Most people who worry meet well-meaning people and tell them all the reasons why they shouldn’t worry. While this means well, it ignores the real -feelings they have. Worry isn’t always real, he likes to play with it. Instead of giving your friend a presentation Instead of trying to ease their anxiety, try to confirm that their fear of being very good, OR, they could deliver it 100% perfectly and get a stable ovary. They will probably do a good job and maybe just a few words. Your friend will understand a more realistic view and will listen to their feelings too.” – Elizabeth Mateer, MS, MA, LMHCA, Director of Diverse Wellness
Do You Know Someone Struggling With Their Mental Health?
If a friend or loved one is struggling with anxiety, often the best thing you can do is let them know you’re there for them. Emotional support may look like a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, or a simple hug. You can also help them find a therapist. If you don’t know the best way to help, be honest and encourage them to ask what they need.
When you are trying to get out of difficult situations, it is important to be a friend who is willing to listen and offer support without giving an opinion or trying to make things right.
“If a close friend is worried, they may need your support in a worrying situation. Anxiety can interfere with executive functioning, making it difficult to find the words to ask others for help. Code words, especially words you don’t use in conversation, are often an easy way to quickly communicate with others.
For example: if you and a friend are going to a crowded place, you can create a code word that will show your friend who has anxiety or panic symptoms around large groups of people and needs help in a quiet place to take a break. from the people.” – Emma Jennings, LMHC
Supporting Someone Living With Depression Or Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in the United States, affecting 19% of adults. Almost everyone experiences feelings of anxiety from time to time, but these feelings vary in amount and intensity. The most important thing to remember is that anxiety is just a feeling, and there are many tools and resources that can help you manage these feelings and reduce their impact.
“People cannot control everything. But there are some things they can control. Tell someone what to focus on. It helps them become more aware of their emotions and lowers their anxiety levels.” – Stefan Allen-Hickey, LMSW, Downtown Somatic Therapy
Often after doing some research, we are filled with great ideas on how to help friends and family who are struggling with anxiety. Unfortunately, anxiety is not always the same. The most helpful approach is to listen and ask questions to help you explore options, rather than looking for solutions.
“If your loved one struggles with anxiety in certain situations or environments, consider giving them practical help to help them manage those situations. For example, you can offer to accompany them when they have to attend a social event or go to the grocery store.” – Candace Kotkin-De Carvalho LSW, LCADC, CCS, CCTP, Clinical Director of Absolute Awakening
How Do You Help A Loved One Who Is Grieving? — Peacefully
Dealing with anxiety can be difficult and isolating. When you practice active listening, your friend will feel heard and valued. The first step in active listening is to pay attention and use nonverbal cues such as eye contact, head nods, and open body language (pointing toward the speaker with crossed arms) to convey your interest.
Then, it is important to use meditation. When you think, you repeat what someone told you, but in your own words.
This shows that you are trying to understand the other person without listening. It is important to ask open-ended questions rather than giving a yes or no answer.
The main goal of active listening is to understand the speaker’s point of view, even if you don’t necessarily agree. Mindfulness is not a substitute for therapy or mental health treatment, but it can improve well-being and have a positive emotional impact.
How To Help Someone With Depression
“This could include going for a walk, playing a game together, or doing something else that is fun and enjoyable. Try to avoid any harmful habits one develops to deal with anxiety; Instead, focus on developing healthy strategies such as exercise and meditation. You don’t need to know all the answers or how to solve their problems; Just being there for them and providing a listening ear can make all the difference.” – Dr. Flora Sadri-Azerbaijani, DO, MPH, FAAFP, FASAM
“Anxiety often leaves people overwhelmed or paralyzed, making it difficult to establish healthy habits or routines. Try to create a routine for your loved one to help them feel more confident and in control. This may include activities such as relaxation or breathing exercises, journaling, listening to music, or regular walks. – Candace Kotkin-De Carvalho LSW, LCADC, CCS, CCTP, Clinical Director of Absolute Awakening
Using mindfulness exercises or techniques can help people with anxiety focus on something other than their thoughts, worries or thoughts. These exercises “ground” them in the present moment by encouraging them to focus on something in their environment. Some exercises may be useful, for example the 333 rule and the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise.
There are ways to treat anxiety without medication. We know that some factors increase anxiety, so reducing or eliminating exposures can improve anxiety levels. In addition, there are various physiological interventions that have been shown to reduce anxiety.
How To Support Someone Who Is Grieving After A Loss
Even if your loved one already has a list of resources, you can do a little research and find additional resources. There are many books, apps, websites, social media groups, blogs, etc. there who can provide a wealth of information and support.
As a caring friend or friend, your primary responsibility is to provide support. Researching online, reading books, and following therapists on social media can provide a wealth of information; however, some individuals may require additional support from a licensed therapist.
As a trusted family member or friend, you can help them research different therapists
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