Anxiety can be present in every person’s life as a way of manifesting repressed anger or some other kinds of emotions, but in some cases, anxiety means being diagnosed with a mental disorder and going through life not knowing what kind of panic attacks or perplexing thoughts tomorrow might bring.
This condition can be overwhelming not just for the people battling with it, but also for their loved ones.
If you know or love a person who is struggling with anxiety issues every day, here are 12 essential things you need to know about them and their distinctive condition:
1. It’s not all in their head and they can’t actually ‘get over’ those feelings
Statistically, there are more than 40 million people out there that have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. However, the number of people that go through life constantly battling these feelings all by themselves is increasing by the day.
The reason why these people go through life by isolating themselves from their surroundings is the fear of being rejected and shamed.
The truth is, anxiety can’t be cured with a simple “Don’t worry about it,” or “There’s nothing wrong with you.” It takes more to understand them and eventually help them. Mentioning this will only worsen their state.
2. Anxiety can be an exhausting experience
It’s not like they can actually have full control over those overwhelming feelings. Anxiety has the power to make a person feel like their whole world is crashing down. It forces people to live and exist in hyper-tense states.
They are constantly on alert; their body is always ready to fight the sensation and because of that, their mind is often confused. The only way to fully understand their unique nature is by experiencing the same.
3. Anxiety can be triggered by various factors
This mental condition is not triggered by one definite factor. Depending on one’s personality, for some people, anxiety can be triggered by just being in a large group of people, while for others, that very same feeling can be awakened by simply meeting someone for the first time.
Anxiety can’t be defined in strict terms. It is likely for those panic attacks to burst out of nowhere when they are least expected.
4. Sometimes the best way for them to heal is to be alone with their thoughts
There will be times when your loved one might refuse to socialize. It is very important to take this message the right way and never misunderstand them. Having constant anxiety episodes can leave them helpless and tired, so they will need the time to be alone and decompress.
Don’t take this personally. People who go through life with this problem often need some time alone to handle their loud thoughts and sort things out to the best of their ability.
5. If they choose to open up and talk to you, consider this a huge sign of trust
The social pressure put on mental health, in general, makes it difficult for people with anxiety problem to open up and share their fears and feelings. Sadly, they are often misinterpreted as weird and feel afraid to speak up about what bothers them.
The reality is that open-minded people who would understand them are very rare. If your loved one tries to speak to you about their desperate condition, that is a clear sign they feel comfortable with you to tell even the worst parts. Let them do all the talking and listen carefully.
6. They understand that sometimes their fear makes no sense
They know that there are plenty of times when they come off as a bit irrational. Overall, anxiety can seem like a condition that doesn’t make sense to people who don’t understand it. Even if you try to discuss the reality behind their fears, bear in mind that they can’t always easily overcome the chaos in their head.
7. You won’t always be able to tell when they’re having an anxiety attack
Just because a person’s heart is rushing with anxiety, doesn’t mean that they will display their inner feelings in front of you.
The majority of people that struggle with an anxiety disorder find it easier to shut down instead of making a big deal in front of everyone because for some, admitting these kinds of problems can be quite embarrassing and unpleasant.
8. It’s not up to you to solve their problems and that’s perfectly fine
They understand the complexity of their issues and don’t expect you to solve their problem because sometimes they don’t even understand it themselves. This a very important to acknowledge in order to not feel burdened.
Your love and affection are not the ultimate solutions but in times of need, it will help them feel understood and cared for.
9. They need reliable and strong relationships in order to bloom
People that suffer from anxiety need the utmost attention and love, all in the appropriate amounts. A relationship that is insecure and fails to offer a support can only make them feel painfully empty. They need a strong person who’ll be there at all costs and make them feel safe.
10. They find comfort in weird and strange things
You might never understand the ways they take care of themselves. No matter how strange or unusual the thing that brings them the most comfort might be, you have to be always ready to go for it. Whatever brings them little more joy and little less anxiety is worth doing.
11. They don’t think the way you do
As a side effect of the constant hyper-alertness they are in, people with an anxiety disorder tend to overthink trivialities, over-analyze and worry about every little thing. This ability can be quite depressing but at the same time, it’s the ultimate trait that makes them ingenious.
12. They are different than other people and that’s OK
In the end, no matter how painful life can sometimes get for them, these people are unique and special human beings. Their complexity is what makes them different and is definitely worth embracing. Just because someone is a victim of anxiety, it doesn’t mean that they have to be pushed down.
Make sure to be always there for them and be patient. Listen to their deepest fears, understand their condition and be ready to communicate.
A professional writer with many years of experience in the fields of psychology, human relationships, science, and spirituality. If you have a general question or comment please fill out the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible https://curiousmindmagazine.com/contact-us/