The pandemic has strongly impacted many individuals’ mental health. Anxiety has become much more widespread and difficult to manage in recent times. Between 2022 and 2023, an average of 37.1% of women and 29.9% of men reported experiencing high levels of anxiety.

Understanding how to properly cope with anxiety is essential to ensure optimal long-term physical and mental well-being.

Continue reading to learn more about how to care for someone with anxiety.

how-to-care-for-someone-with-anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry or fear about something that has yet to happen or is happening. It manifests in various forms, including social anxiety, panic disorder, and anxiety disorder. While anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, it becomes disabling when it becomes hard to control and affects daily life.

Symptoms of anxiety include nervousness, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, rapid heart rate, trouble sleeping, fatigue and muscular tension. Unmanaged anxiety can take a toll on our relationships and affect our work or school performance. If left unaddressed, it can even lead to depression.

By recognising the symptoms of anxiety early on, it can be managed before it becomes debilitating.

How to Care for Someone with Anxiety

Caring for someone with anxiety can be a difficult task but there are several steps you can take to help them manage their symptoms. Health and social care workers have an even bigger responsibility when it comes to providing care for individuals with anxiety.

Understand the Condition

Educate yourself about what individuals with anxiety are experiencing so you can offer better support. Be understanding of their symptoms, listen to them without judgment and provide emotional support.

Identify Triggers

Help them identify their triggers and understand how they can cope with them effectively. This could include teaching relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. Encourage them to take part in activities that distract them from worrying thoughts and provide a sense of purpose.

Professional Help

If anxiety symptoms become overwhelming and unmanageable, it’s best to seek the help of a mental health professional. There are treatments available to ease anxiety and ensure that the person can still live a full, happy and meaningful life.

Available Treatments for Anxiety

There are various evidence-based treatments that mental health professionals use to help with anxiety disorder.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety. It focuses on developing coping strategies and promoting healthier thinking patterns.

Medication

In cases of severe or persistent anxiety, medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines may be prescribed. These medications regulate brain chemistry and reduce anxiety levels.

Relaxation Techniques

Techniques like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help reduce anxiety symptoms

Self-Help Resources

Books, online programs, and mobile applications, provide guidance and tools for managing anxiety independently.

Online Therapy

Virtual therapy platforms and telemedicine services offer convenient access to qualified therapists who can provide counselling and support for anxiety-related concerns.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to reduce anxiety levels and improve overall mental well-being.

Remember to consult a mental health professional to find the most appropriate treatment for the severity and specific type of anxiety disorder.

Give Better Care to Those Who Need It

Anxiety is a natural response. However, when it becomes too difficult to manage, it may require special care from family, friends, or health workers. Those working in the healthcare field have the added moral and professional obligation to provide support to individuals experiencing anxiety symptoms.

It is essential that healthcare professionals receive the appropriate training to ensure they are able to provide effective care.

At Careskills Academy, we provide comprehensive online care courses to help improve the quality of service and training delivery. Browse our courses here or book a demo with our team.