Feeling anxious is something many people go through, and it can affect us women in different ways. In this article, we’ll look at mild, medium, and severe anxiety and why it is essential for us to not only understand anxiety but also how others can help and support us when they have this understanding.
- Mild Anxiety: Mild anxiety is normal. We might have much on our minds about a social or big event or meeting the in-laws (outlaws) for the first time. Maybe we feel nervous about a job interview or a new job. It’s okay. Using breathing exercises or relaxing activities can help.
- Moderate Anxiety: Moderate anxiety is when those worrying feelings stick around for a while and start to affect our daily lives. We might find it hard to concentrate or feel uptight a lot. Talking to a therapist or professional other could help. They can give you tools to manage your anxiety better.
- Severe Anxiety: Severe anxiety is when those feelings of fear or worry become overwhelming. It can make it hard to do everyday things and might even cause panic attacks. If it gets this bad, reaching out for professional help is essential. Therapy, alternative healing methods, and sometimes medication can make a big difference in managing severe anxiety.
How Can We Be Supportive?
Listen Without Judgment:
Be there to listen when they want to talk. Let them express their feelings without feeling criticized or dismissed.
Offer Reassurance:
Remind them that you are there for them and that it’s okay to feel anxious. Offer words of encouragement and support.
Educate Yourself:
Learn more about anxiety disorders to understand what your loved one is going through. This can help you offer more effective support and encouragement.
Be Patient:
Dealing with anxiety can be challenging, and recovery takes time. We need to be patient with these ones and avoid making them feel pressured.
Professional Advice:
Urge your loved one to seek assistance from a therapist or counselor. Offer to help them find a suitable therapist or even accompany them to their appointments if they need support.
Be Mindful Of Triggers:
Certain situations or people may trigger their anxiety. Try avoiding them if and when possible. Offer sincere and helpful support in finding coping strategies for dealing with triggers.
Encourage Self-Care:
Encourage your loved one to focus on self-care activities that can help ease their anxiety. They might like to go for a walk, dance, meditate, or spend time with supportive friends and family. Let them know you’re there to support them in finding what works best for their well-being.
Be Supportive But Not Enabling:
Please offer your support and encouragement while gently steering clear of behaviors that might unintentionally reinforce their anxiety. Lovingly encourage them to confront their fears and challenges in a healthy and positive way.
Check In Regularly:
Keep in touch with your loved one regularly to see how they’re doing and offer support when needed. Let them know that you’re there for them no matter what.
Take Care Of Yourself:
Often, the caregiver or the person supporting someone with anxiety can become emotionally drained. So, make sure to take care of yourself too. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist, and set boundaries to avoid burnout.
In Summary:
It is good to be armed with an understanding of anxiety and helpful suggestions, both for those who suffer from anxiety and those who lovingly support us. Our support network should never be taken for granted.