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Many people are well aware of what anxiety is and how it affects a person’s life. Thankfully, there has become an increasing awareness of mental health concerns, including anxiety. However, there are still some individuals who may not understand how they can help people with anxiety.
Maybe you are trying to help a friend overcome anxiety after a breakup, or you are trying to answer the question: can you die from anxiety for a loved one.
Whether you are learning more for the sake of your employees or want to support your spouse as they deal with their symptoms of anxiety, we have all you need to know about anxiety.
Learn more about the symptoms, treatment, and how to help those you love.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder, also referred to as GAD, is categorized as a persistent worry or fear that someone may feel daily. While many people deal with daily worry from our responsibilities and life in general, an anxiety disorder can affect someone much more drastically.
Someone diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder may feel that they have no control over the way they feel or their anxiety. If they have GAD, they may deal with symptoms and stress every day.
What Causes Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
There are a few things that can cause someone to experience a generalized anxiety disorder. Some may develop GAD because it runs in their family. Those with family members with mental health concerns are more likely to develop their own concerns and disorders.
Others may have a generalized anxiety disorder because they do not know how to cope with everyday stress. If this stress builds up over time and becomes excessive, it can develop into a GAD.
Other reasons could include something out of their control such as medication or addictions. Some medications and substances increase a person’s likelihood of developing a generalized anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of a Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There are many symptoms of GAD that are often overlooked or misdiagnosed as something else entirely. For example, symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, nausea, frequent urination, muscle tension, and wooziness.
Other symptoms that are more prominently known include fear of the unknown, inability to cope with stress, feelings of panic, trouble breathing, and tightness in the chest accompanied by feelings of fear.
How to Help Those With Anxiety
Encourage Therapy
If someone in your life is living with GAD, it is in your best interest to speak with a mental health professional such as a therapist or counselor.
A mental health professional can provide them with logical understanding and support in a way that you will not be able to provide. Not only can they give support, but they can use their education to supply them with what they need to heal.
Lend a Listening Ear
Whether your friend or loved one decides to go to therapy or not, you can still offer your assistance by listening. Sometimes all someone needs to feel less overwhelmed is to talk about their problems.
If you notice that they are experiencing symptoms of GAD, let them vent and talk through the things that are rushing through their mind. This can help them move past their panic and allow you to support them.
Give Constructive Feedback
Sometimes a generalized anxiety disorder can cause an individual to spiral out of control. In other words, they may lose the sense of what is plausible and what they are afraid of. Try giving them constructive feedback during these times.
John Hopkins Medicine suggests you question their fear. Ask questions such as:
“What is the worst that could happen?”, “What is the best thing that could happen”, and “What is most likely going to happen?” This can help them rationalize and bring their awareness back to the present.
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