𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝘼𝙣𝙭𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮

TRIGGER WARNING- ANXIETY

Many people believe that anxiety is 'just being a little nervous'. That is completely false. Anxiety is a mental illness that can destroy the quality of a person's life, it's constantly thinking about all the bad things that could possibly happen, all the time, without a break.

It's mentally and physically exhausting.

Please be understanding and compassionate towards those affected :)

Reasons why someone with anxiety may come across as "rude" :

source: @themindhealthspot on instagram

1. They don't like making eye contact- someone with anxiety may feel discomfort or even fear from making eye contact with others.

2. They cancel plans at the last minute.

3. They leave events early.

4. They may appear to be insensitive to other's emotional needs.

5. They may be non-stop chatty.

6. On the other hand, they may have short, blunt responses.

7. They don't return phone calls or messages.

A person who suffers from anxiety is not trying to be "rude". They are constantly battling an inner fight that not everyone can understand.

Supporting a loved one with anxiety:

HURTFUL STATEMENTS-

1. It's not worth worrying about. Why stress about it.

2. Everyone has anxiety you just have to deal with it.

3. Anxiety disorder? You just sound stressed to me.

4. It's all in you head.

5. Just get over it.

6. Others have it worse off.

7. Just cheer up.

8. Just calm down.

HELPFUL THINGS TO SAY-

1. Is there anything I can do to help?

2. I am proud of you.

3. I'm here to listen, Tell me what you need.

4. I am glad you're getting the support you deserve.

Tips on how to help someone who is having a panic or an anxiety attack:

1. Ask them if they'd like to talk or sit in silence with them.

2. Get the person to hold something cold in their hands.

3. Offer your hand, the body will feel more grounded.

4. Listen to the person.

5. Don't pressurize the person.

6. Ask them to count from 5 to 0 slowly.

7. Ask the person if they're comfortable with you hugging them as that grounds the person at times.

8. Be patient with the person.

9. Show them compassion.

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS ASK THE PERSON WHAT THEY NEED (preferably in yes or no questions)

Hope this helps :)