If you’re like me and suffer from anxiety, it is extremely frustrating when you’re having an anxiety attack and someone tells you to just “calm down.” If you have a friend with anxiety, here are some phrases and helpful things to say to them when they begin to have a panic attack or just aren’t quite feeling like themselves.

1. "Can I do anything to help?"

Offer assistance such as taking your friend out of the situation that is causing anxiety, getting them a glass of water, and talking to them about what’s wrong.

2. "You are not a burden."

I very often apologize to my friends when my anxiety causes us to change our plans or if I feel like I’m bothering them when my anxiety gets really bad. It is important to let your friends know that you are not mad at them or upset with them for having anxiety.

3. "I'll stay with you until you feel better."

Being alone during an anxiety attack is the WORST and often causes the anxiety to increase. Try and stay by your friends' side until they feel like themselves again.

4. "You will be okay."

Even though someone having an anxiety attack knows that everything will be okay, sometimes hearing it from someone else eases the nerves a little bit.

5. "I love you no matter what."

Sometimes, all your friend needs to know is that they have someone there for them no matter what. Trust me, it helps more than you think it would.

Nobody wants to be yelled at or belittled over something that they cannot control. Please be patient with your friends who have anxiety. Sometimes all we want is someone to tell us that we’re not going to have to deal with this alone.