How to help a friend or family member struggling with anxiety

Mental Health awareness starts with yourself. Supporting another family member or anyone else requires commitment, understanding, and acknowledgement. To begin assisting someone with depression, anxiety or any other mental health illness you first have to know the signs with what they might potentially be dealing with. Furthermore, by asking questions from a professional or a trusted adult about how to support someone with a or multiple mental illnesses can give further insight on how to aid them through the process of improving their mental health wellbeing.

1. Set aside time with no distractions

• It's important to have a safe non- judgemental space with no distractions.

• Give them time to feel ready to talk.

2. Let them share as much or as little as they want to

• Let them lead the discussion topics.

• Take breaks in between discussion topics.

3. Don't diagnose or second guess their feelings

• Don't assume their current mental state or jump to conclusions.

• Give them encouragement and support in trying to improve their mental wellbeing.

4.Keep questions open-ended

• Instead of saying I see you're in low sprits today, say how are you feeling today.

• Don't ask too many questions at once, as it might overwhelm them.

• Understand that they can refuse to answer a question.

5.Talk about self-care

• Give them tips on how to practice self-care, such as exercising, sleeping well, and gaining a healthier diet.

• Provide strategies to destress, such as breathing exercises or meditation.

• Building a routine to improve mental wellbeing.

6.Listen carefully to what they tell you

• Show that you understand what they're expressing by paraphrasing what they said.

• Respect their feelings and opinions even if you don't agree with their statements.

• Encourage them to express more of their feelings respectfully.

7.Offer them to seek help with a professional or provide information for mental health resources.

• Giving them the option to talk with another family member, friend, or mental health. professional.

• Give them resources on methods to improve their mental health.

8.Know your own limits

• Know what your own limits are when supporting someone else to be able to offer quality support.

• Support them in finding a social network of friends or family that could also aid them as well.

• Ask them what would help the most.