Anxiety is a normal part of life. External circumstances—such as the death of a loved one—or internal factors like excessive worry can trigger it. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming and starts affecting daily life, it can develop into a diagnosable anxiety disorder. If you or a loved one needs anxiety help, call 844.334.4727 to speak with someone from Springfield Wellness Center about our anxiety treatment center in Louisiana. Our caring and compassionate staff knows how to help someone with anxiety, whether or not it’s due to a mental health condition.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of fear or apprehension about an upcoming event or situation that cannot be easily explained away.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can range from mild uneasiness to severe panic attacks and has many physical symptoms, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Trembling
It’s important to note that everyone experiences anxiety differently. What one person finds stressful may not be stressful for another person. When anxiety symptoms start affecting someone’s daily living functionality, they may have developed an anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Several types of anxiety disorders can affect people in different ways. Common types include the following:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Social anxiety disorder
While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was previously known as an anxiety condition, it is no longer classified as such by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Each type of anxiety disorder has its unique symptoms and requires specialized treatment. Types of anxiety help include outpatient therapy and inpatient treatment for severe cases.
5 Ways to Help Someone Struggling with Anxiety
1. Listen Without Judgment
Let the person know you are there to listen without judgment or criticism. Try to understand their perspective without offering advice or trying to fix the problem for them. Sometimes just having someone listen can be enough for the person to come up with their solution.
2. Offer support
Offer your support in any way you can without taking over the situation. This could mean helping research treatment options or providing transportation to doctor’s appointments if necessary. Be sure not to overwhelm them with too much help, so they don’t feel like they have lost control over their life.
3. Encourage Healthy Activities
Encourage healthy activities like exercise, mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation, reading books, listening to music, going on walks in nature, and connecting with friends and family. Regarding the latter, you can do so through video chat services like Zoom or Skype if there’s any concern about social distancing due to COVID-19 restrictions.
4. Take Care of Yourself
Supporting someone else’s emotional well-being can take a toll on your mental health, especially during these times. Make sure you take time out for yourself by engaging in self-care activities.
5. Get Professional Help
If you think your friend or family member requires professional help such as counseling or medication, encourage them to seek help from mental health professionals specializing in treating anxiety disorders. At the very least, someone experiencing severe anxiety symptoms should undergo a comprehensive assessment with a healthcare provider.
Find Anxiety Help in Louisiana at Springfield Wellness Center
Everyone experiences stress differently, so it’s important not to judge how someone else responds when dealing with difficult emotions such as those associated with anxious feelings. Whether it’s for yourself or someone you love, there are plenty of resources available out there when it comes to treating anxiety—all it takes to receive anxiety help is the willingness to reach out and ask for it. Contact Springfield Wellness Center today at 844.334.4727 to learn more about our caring and compassionate staff and our anxiety treatment program in Louisiana.