Have you noticed someone who may be experiencing any of these symptoms of Anxiety?
Behavioral
─ Avoiding some situations
─ Behaving obsessively or compulsively
─ Showing signs of distress in social situations or phobic behavior
Psychological
─ Unrealistic or excessive fear and worry (about past and future events)
─ Mind racing or going blank
─ Inability to concentrate or remember normal things
─ Can’t make decisions
─ May be irritable, impatient, angry, confused, restless
─ May be experiencing unusual nervousness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, or vivid dreams
Here’s how to help:
─ Listen and watch for Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
─ Note signs of non-suicidal self-injury
─ Sit down next to the person in a quiet place and take some time to listen in a non-judgmental or directive way. Speak slow, calm, and quietly.
─ Reassure the person (“I will help you” or “I’m here with you.”
─ Treat the person with respect and dignity
─ Offer emotional support and understanding
─ Provide practical help (“Can I call someone for you?” “Would you like a snack or some water?”)
─ Ask the person what normally helps in these situations.
─ Offer credible information
Here’s what to avoid
─ Telling the person to “snap out of it” or minimizing their experience (it’s very real to them)
─ Being sarcastic
─ Becoming over-involved or overprotective
─ Pressuring the person to get back to normal
─ Dismissing the person’s feelings
─ Speaking in a patronizing tone
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