Read

How to Know & Help If Your Friend Has Anxiety

Published:
December 22, 2023
November 5, 2018
Read this psychotherapist's tips for recognizing the signs and how to help a friend with anxiety.

When was the last time you worried? Was it earlier today, yesterday, or last week? Or maybe you’re just not really a worrier. But for someone with anxiety, worry isn’t just something that happens from time to time — it’s like being stuck in a constant loop.

For someone with anxiety, it feels like having a TV channel on in the background of your brain constantly streaming worry after worry. It’s much more than worrying too much. People often tell their friends who have anxiety to just “worry less,” but it isn’t that easy. If you have a friend who is struggling with anxiety, these tips might be more helpful.

Anxiety is more common than you may think

Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the United States? It is estimated that about 18% of the population experience an anxiety disorder every year — that’s almost one-fifth of the population.

Why is anxiety so common? Many factors influence the development of anxiety, including genetic and environmental contributors. If there is a family history of anxiety, it is more likely that an individual may struggle with anxiety themselves. Environmental factors that can also contribute to anxiety include childhood experiences, exposure to stress, or physical conditions such as a thyroid issue.

Signs and symptoms of anxiety

How do you know if your friend is not just a “worrier” and is actually struggling with anxiety? Keep these symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in mind:

  • Feeling restless or keyed up
  • Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
  • Muscle tension
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty controlling worry
  • Sleep disturbances
When it’s time for professional help

How do you know when your friend needs professional help? A good rule of thumb is that if any of your friend’s symptoms are impacting their day-to-day functioning, it’s time to take steps toward getting help. For example, if your friend is skipping out on social activities because his or her anxiety is getting in the way, or if their school or work performance is suffering because of their anxiety, it’s time to get help.

Even though almost one-fifth of people in the United States experience anxiety, only about 37% seek professional help for their symptoms. There are many reasons why people are hesitant to seek treatment: fear, lack of access to resources, the stigma surrounding mental illness, and misunderstanding about anxiety or the treatment process.

In my own work as a psychotherapist, I can say that many people put off seeking treatment for their anxiety because they’re nervous about meeting with a therapist for the first time, or they are worried about the stigma of mental illness — they think meeting with a therapist or psychiatrist means that they’re “crazy.” But I can also tell you that once my clients have started therapy, they say it’s one of the best and most helpful decisions they’ve ever made for themselves.

So if your friend is hesitant to seek treatment for any of the above reasons, you can play a critical role in removing the stigma of mental illness and the barriers they might face in getting help. A mental health professional will help your friend determine whether or not medication is necessary and will use research-supported treatment methods to help them overcome his or her anxiety. Several forms of treatment — including medication and cognitive behavioral therapy — have been shown to treat the symptoms of anxiety.

It can be heartbreaking to watch your friend struggle with the crippling effects of anxiety, but they don’t have to struggle through their anxiety alone. By being supportive and encouraging them to seek professional treatment, you can help them make their journey toward overcoming anxiety a little (or a lot) easier.

Creators:
Julia Hogan-Werner
Published:
December 22, 2023
November 5, 2018
On a related note...
Free Download: Advent Coloring Pages

Free Download: Advent Coloring Pages

Grotto

“The Road Trip That Never Ended”

“The Road Trip That Never Ended”

Migs Mignanelli

Why You Should Keep a Gratitude Journal All Year Round

Why You Should Keep a Gratitude Journal All Year Round

Emily Mae Mentock

What It Feels Like to Live in Loneliness

What It Feels Like to Live in Loneliness

Migs Mignanelli

Free Download: Warm Up Your Kitchen With These Fall Recipes

Free Download: Warm Up Your Kitchen With These Fall Recipes

Grotto

A Lesson in Patriotism from Ukrainian Refugees

A Lesson in Patriotism from Ukrainian Refugees

Stephanie DePrez

How We Can Become More Open-Minded

How We Can Become More Open-Minded

Sophie Caldecott

"Misnomers"

"Misnomers"

Marjorie Maddox

How & Why to Bike to Work This Week

How & Why to Bike to Work This Week

Ben Wilson

Productivity is Overrated: Balancing Hustle with Rest

Productivity is Overrated: Balancing Hustle with Rest

Krista Steele

How To Survive Bringing Home a New Baby

How To Survive Bringing Home a New Baby

Tamara Stacey

From Videographer to Farmer: A Story of Authenticity

From Videographer to Farmer: A Story of Authenticity

Grotto

Finding Balance through Fungi Farming

Finding Balance through Fungi Farming

Grotto

How to Nurture Your Marriage Through a Pandemic

How to Nurture Your Marriage Through a Pandemic

Laura Kelly Fanucci

5 Easy Baking Recipes for Your Holiday Gathering

5 Easy Baking Recipes for Your Holiday Gathering

Lauren Lawson

5 Tips for Dealing with Envy

5 Tips for Dealing with Envy

Grace Carroll

My Body was Called "Good" for All the Wrong Reasons

My Body was Called "Good" for All the Wrong Reasons

Carissa Pluta

Finally, Vaccinated and Free! But Free For What?

Finally, Vaccinated and Free! But Free For What?

Matt Paolelli

It’s Not Easy Being First — Here’s How to Take the Leap

It’s Not Easy Being First — Here’s How to Take the Leap

Molly Cruitt

What to Say to Someone with Cancer

What to Say to Someone with Cancer

Mary Grace Mangano

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.