How to Spot Anxiety Disorders and Support Your Loved One

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and challenging stigmas surrounding mental health issues. We will publish articles related to this critical topic throughout the month of May. If you are interested, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a post. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders globally. Today, we discuss how to spot anxiety disorders in your loved one.

Facts About Anxiety Disorders

It is estimated that anxiety disorders impacted over 300 million people worldwide in 2019.

These disorders manifest in different forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

• Women are more likely to be affected by anxiety disorders than men. This disparity in prevalence suggests that biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors may contribute to the development and expression of anxiety disorders.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects approximately 6.8 million adults in the United States, which is approximately 3.1% of the population. However, it is important to note that less than half of those affected (43.2%) receive treatment for their condition.

• Among adolescents, the prevalence of any anxiety disorder is estimated to be around 31.9%. Females tend to have a higher prevalence (38.0%) compared to males (26.1%). Identifying anxiety disorders in adolescents is critical as it can significantly impact their emotional well-being and daily functioning.

These statistics provide a general understanding of the prevalence and impact of anxiety disorders; however, it is difficult to ascertain accuracy to a high degree of confidence as many mental health disorders are underreported or not treated.

Suffice to say, anxiety disorders are a common and ubiquitous problem across most of the global population, and the impact of these conditions on overall health and well-being is significant.

All the more reason to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms in those we care about.

How to Spot Anxiety Disorders in Yourself and Those You Love

As friends, family members, or loved ones, it is key to spot the signs of an anxiety disorder in order to provide support, compassion, understanding, and encouragement.

Let’s explore some tell-tale signs that may help us to recognize anxiety disorders in our loved ones.

• Those with anxiety disorders often experience intense and overwhelming worry about everyday issues, future events, or specific situations. This worry may interfere with their daily functioning and cause distress.

• Look out for signs such as restlessness, muscle tension, headaches, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, sweating, and gastrointestinal problems. Persistent physical symptoms that cannot be attributed to any other medical condition may indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder.

• People with anxiety disorders may try to avoid situations or places that trigger their anxiety. They may decline social invitations, shy away from public speaking or crowded spaces, or show resistance to participating in activities they once enjoyed.

• Be attentive to signs of irritability, mood swings, and emotional distress in your loved one. They may appear more easily agitated, on edge, or overwhelmed, often struggling to control their emotions.

• Your loved one may experience trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or suffer from frequent nightmares. They may also find it challenging to focus on tasks, leading to decreased productivity or poor academic or professional performance.

• Those with anxiety disorders often report a range of physical complaints, such as headaches, stomachaches, or other ailments, despite medical tests showing no underlying medical condition. These physical symptoms are the result of the mind-body connection associated with anxiety.

Each person’s experience with anxiety disorders is unique, and seeking professional evaluation and support is essential for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches.

How to Start a Conversation about Anxiety with Your Loved One

When you suspect that a loved one may be struggling with an anxiety disorder, it is essential to approach the conversation with compassion and empathy.

Choose a comfortable and private setting to express your concern, using “I” statements to avoid appearing accusatory.

Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings without judgment and assure them that you are there to support them throughout the process.

How to Support Your Loved One with Anxiety Disorder

There are many ways that we can support our loved with anxiety:

• Take time to understand anxiety disorders, including their symptoms, triggers, and treatment options. This knowledge will help you approach the situation with empathy and provide informed support.

• Encourage your loved one to express their thoughts and feelings openly without judgment. Create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to share their experiences. Active listening and validating their emotions can make them feel understood and supported.

• Understand that anxiety disorders are real and can be debilitating for the person experiencing them. Be empathetic and validate their feelings without minimizing or dismissing their struggles. Show understanding and patience during challenging moments.

• Let your loved one know that their feelings are valid, even if they may seem irrational or disproportionate to you. Refrain from telling them to “calm down” or “just relax.” Instead, validate their experiences and acknowledge the difficulties they face.

• While it’s essential to provide support, avoid enabling their anxiety by accommodating avoidance behaviors. Encourage them gently to challenge their fears and gradually face their anxieties. Offer to accompany them to therapy sessions and support them in practicing various coping techniques.

• Support your loved one in developing self-care practices that promote relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Encourage activities such as exercise, mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep.

• Managing anxiety can be a long and sometimes challenging process. Understand that progress may take time and setbacks can occur. Be patient with your loved one and remain flexible. Celebrate their achievements and offer support during difficult times.

Supporting someone with an anxiety disorder can be emotionally draining. Remember to also prioritize your own well-being and seek support from friends, family, or support groups.

Taking care of yourself ensures you have the capacity to offer support to your loved one effectively.

How to Encourage Professional Help for Anxiety

Anxiety disorders can lead to severe impairment in various areas of life, including work, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Despite this, only a fraction of those with anxiety disorders seek professional help and receive appropriate treatment.

Suggest the idea of seeking professional help and provide information on therapists, counselors, or support groups that specialize in anxiety disorders.

Offer to help them research and make appointments if needed.

Encourage them to consider evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication, as recommended by healthcare professionals.

How to Recognize Signs of Anxiety Disorders

Recognizing the signs of anxiety disorders in your loved ones is an important step in supporting their mental health journey.

By remaining observant and compassionate, you can encourage them to seek professional help and provide the necessary support during their recovery process.

Always prioritize their well-being and consistently offer your understanding and encouragement along the way.

You may also wish to read: How to Heighten Stress Awareness and Overcome Anxiety

Stay tuned for future posts that provide more targeted information related to specific mental health disorders, mental health awareness campaigns and other initiatives you can participate in if you would like to make a personal impact on the cause.

Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.