For the most part, people get nervous before having to speak in front of a class. Their palms are sweaty, their heart rates increase and all they want to do is retreat. This is a very common form of anxiety that everyone experiences that is possible to overcome. But have you ever had a friend, family member or significant other who was diagnosed with anxiety? Then you have watched what a disorder can do to a successful and intelligent person. They seem fine one second, but then their world falls apart the next.
Anxiety is one of the most commonly discussed mental disorders, but in my opinion, it is one of the hardest to treat. Not everyone experiences anxiety in the same way. Some people are more prone to anxiety attacks than others. What is a trigger to one person may not be a trigger to another. Therefore, the most important step to helping a person with anxiety is to recognize that there is a problem (even if that person doesn't realize it themselves).
Why is treating anxiety important?
Well, people often say, "you're over exaggerating" or "why are you upset about something so stupid?" Just because it is not important to you, doesn't mean it's not the end of the world for someone with anxiety. That person constantly worries and obsesses over things with little value or importance. This can cause relationships to fall apart, jobs to be lost, potential use of drugs or hasty decision-making. Watching a loved one lose everything because of a mental illness is heartbreaking, and if you are diagnosed with anxiety then you know exactly what I'm talking about.
What can you do?
A person with anxiety often feels alone. They aren't able to confide in others because some people aren't capable of understanding what that person is feeling. Let that person know that you are there for them. Show them that you care about them. It is a small gesture, but I promise you, it will mean the world to them.
Be patient. It will take that person a lot of time to be able to trust you and completely open themselves up to you. If the situation goes downhill, just stick right by them. Because if you get that person to trust you, and you leave, there is a very small chance that person will recover.
Seek medical advice. Talk to a professional about the situation and get advice or tips. It is also a good idea to take the person to a psychiatrist for further examination. The doctor may prescribe medication in addition to counseling or routine check-ups.
If you have anxiety or know someone with anxiety, please contact me for advice. (I'm a psychology major with personal experience). You are not alone!
