Do’s and Don’t When Talking to Someone With Anxiety

Don’t

Invalidate

Providing advice to someone struggling to anxiety, such as telling them to relax or plainly to get through it is insensitive. These comments make it seem like their efforts aren’t enough, making them more anxious.

Infantilize

People who display anxiety symptoms tend to experience infantilization and it frequently gets disregarded.  It’s common for others to oversimplify their sentences or act pitiful towards anxious people and it’s very distinct. They would appreciate it much more if you didn’t alter your personality and just be yourself.

Do

Listen

Always be open to listening and ensure your perspective of them won’t change. Expressing your feelings is hard, especially with a possible underlying judgment response.

Motivate

Acknowledge their progress and improvements; having support is always encouraging for their recovery.