6 Practical Ways to Help Someone Living with Anxiety

Published by Next Step Psychiatry · Lilburn, GA

Anxiety disorders affect roughly 30% of adults at some point in their lives, making them the most common mental health conditions in the United States. If someone you love is dealing with persistent worry, panic attacks, or overwhelming dread, knowing how to help can make a real difference in their recovery.

Understanding Anxiety vs. an Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences occasional anxiety—before a job interview, during Atlanta rush-hour traffic on I-85, or when facing a big life decision. That kind of short-term stress is normal and protective. An anxiety disorder, however, involves persistent, excessive worry that is out of proportion to the situation, difficult to control, and disruptive to everyday life.

6 Ways to Support Your Loved One

1. Educate Yourself

Understanding what anxiety actually is—and what it isn’t—helps you respond with empathy instead of frustration. Learn about different anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and panic disorder.

2. Validate Their Experience

Telling someone to “just relax” or “stop worrying” can feel dismissive. Instead, acknowledge their feelings: “I can see this is really stressing you out, and that’s okay.”

3. Be Patient and Present

Anxiety can cause people to cancel plans, avoid certain places, or need extra reassurance. Your consistent, patient presence communicates safety better than any words.

4. Offer to Help with Triggers

If your loved one gets anxious in crowded spaces, offer to accompany them to the store or sit with them at a quieter table at a restaurant. Small accommodations go a long way without enabling avoidance.

5. Encourage Professional Treatment

Social support helps, but anxiety disorders typically require professional care—often a combination of therapy (like cognitive behavioral therapy) and medication management. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, our team evaluates each patient individually and develops a tailored treatment plan.

6. Take Care of Your Own Mental Health

Caring for someone with anxiety is emotionally taxing. Make sure you’re also prioritizing your own well-being, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking support when needed.

When Is It Time for Professional Help?

If anxiety is interfering with your loved one’s work, relationships, or daily functioning, encourage them to see a psychiatrist. Early treatment leads to better outcomes.