If you have a friend with anxiety than I know how hard it is to truly understand them. It is hard to understand what runs through their mind as well as why they feel what they feel. You will slowly come to learn and understand, but you have to be willing to be their for your friend when they are hurting when anxiety takes over. You may not understand why they are hurting but knowing you are there will always help. A true friend will be there for them no matter what.
You may not know what it feels like they are going through, but you should try to learn. Do some research or read a book about anxiety. The more knowledge you pertain, the better you will understand what it's like. It is always nice to have someone to talk to who knows exactly what they are going. Talking to someone who has no idea what the anxiety feels like is always frustrating because it feels like nobody will ever understand you. We feel like there is no use in talking to someone who doesn't truly understand what it's like. We want you to understand every thought and every feeling we go through. You may not truly understand every detail, but the fact that you are trying to makes it even better.
When you have a friend with anxiety it is important to always watch what you say. Never tell them to get over it and move on. That just tells them you do not understand and it comes off like you don't really care and that hurts. All they need is a friend to lean on. You need to encourage them. Tell them that everything is going to be okay and that you are there for them. It is also best sometimes to just not say anything.
Sometimes we go through times where we isolate ourselves from the world. We don't want to talk to anybody, see anybody, or do anything. We'll lock ourselves in our room till it is safe to come out. We try to have no contact with anybody because we feel so afraid. Even though we don't want to see anyone, it doesn't mean we still don't really need someone. I know it makes no sense, but trust me, someone who will hug us and tell us that everything will be okay is just what we need. Go to your friend and comfort them. Give them a big hug, let them talk, let them cry, and just be there for me. You being there for them makes them feel not so alone anymore. Being alone can be very dangerous, but you by our side will make it all better.
Most importantly, thank you. Thank you for being such a good friend. I know it's hard and it can be kind of confusing because what they feel will probably always make no sense to you, but the fact that you are still here makes it all better. We love you so much and we truly have no idea what we would do without you.
