It’s not easy to see someone we care aboutstruggling with anxiety.
Pediatric psychologist Joseph McGuire, Ph.D., says that anxiety often gets overlooked (viaJohns Hopkins Medicine).
“With other medical illnesses, you may be able to see physical symptoms.
But with anxiety, you don’t necessarily see what the person is dealing with,” McGuire explains.
If you give “blind reassurance” you risk losing that person’s trust (viaTalkSpace).
Also, don’t place judgment on their fear.
Being heard and validated can do a lot to allay a person’s fear of being vulnerable.
It also helps them get their feelings out, which can be highly cathartic.
Thenask them what it’s possible for you to do to help.
Everyone is different and you never know what they need until you ask.
It can make the world of difference to know they’re not alone.
