5 Tips to Help a Friend With Anxiety

5 Tips to Help a Friend With Anxiety February 24, 2020 AMV Photo/Digital Vision/Getty Images More in GAD Coping Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment People who struggle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) often need more than psychotherapy and medication to overcome their problems. One of the most important factors is strong support from people in their lives. Friends and family can be an integral part of the treatment system and can make a difference in recovery time as well as sustain remission. The following are guidelines for helping your friend or family member with GAD. What Is GAD? Be Supportive This may seem like an obvious rule to follow, but being a good, supportive can be tough work. Making sure that you can listen empathically without becoming frustrated, provide helpful suggestions, and reinforce continuing with treatment is not easy, but can be the difference between quick recovery and a long-term struggle. Try to avoid crossing boundaries that your friend has set up regarding what kind of help (or how much help) they want. Being respectful is a key component of good support. How GAD Affects Relationships Educate Yourself Do what you can to learn about GAD symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Once you become more knowledgeable, it will be easier to avoid becoming frustrated and disillusioned.   Help Find Treatment For people who have yet to be diagnosed or are fearful of seeking professional help, a supportive friend can be an important influence in taking the first step. Helping your friend find a treatment provider and encouraging her to follow through can show that you want the best for them. How GAD Is Treated However, be careful not to become overly invested in this process yourself. If your friend simply does not want to get help, then most methods of trying to force her can make the situation worse and could potentially damage your friendship. Look over the anxiety treatment guide for more information. Get Your Own Help If you are in a very close relationship with someone significantly struggling with GAD, you can also become worn out and frustrated. Activating your own support system can make the difference between helper burnout and continued support. Talking to a therapist, advisor, or close friend to get support ?is important, but make sure not to jeopardize the confidence your friend with GAD has in you. Have Fun People with GAD don’t only need folks to discuss their problems with, they also need friends that can make their lives fun and enjoyable. Without putting too much pressure on yourself or significantly trying to alter a strong relationship, being a fun and relaxing person to be around can make you an invaluable support. Living Well With GAD