According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, 6.8 million adults suffer from GAD. That’s nearly 3.1% of the US population.
Everyone feels anxious. That’s normal.
But “excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that are difficult to control and interfere with day-to-day activities” are not okay. If you or a loved one is suffering from these symptoms, this could be a sign of GAD- Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
How can you help someone suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Watching a loved one suffering from GAD can be difficult.
The good news is that GAD is treatable.
With medication and psychotherapy, the patient can see great results. However, a well-rounded recovery requires more than medical help. The person needs to make lifestyle changes and learn coping skills to get rid of GAD for good.
And for this, they need all the support they can get.
1. Setting Boundaries
For some people, it can be very challenging to share their struggles right away. Be patient and be an active listener. Instead of pushing your loved ones to share more or to let you help more, let them take charge.
2. Be Ready to Learn
To offer support, you must first understand the symptoms of GAD. You can seek professional help or ask a doctor to suggest books so you can learn how to identify triggers that lead to high-risk situations. You can also learn how you can help your friend relax in stressful situations.
3. Be their support system
Whether it is practicing deep breathing or increasing their physical activity, people with GAD need consistency to gain more control over their symptoms. However, it is not easy for them to continue these practices as most people deal with procrastination or self-sabotage.
In such cases, they need someone who can support them, join them and make the whole process effortless for them. For instance, you can go out for a walk or book yoga sessions together.
4. Become their accountability partners
As strange as it may sound, most people try to help their loved ones more than they should.
Remember that your friend needs to deal with the problems without your help. So, instead of solving their issues for them, help them find the solutions. All you need is to be there.
5. Work as a team
The person suffering from GAD needs your help and support. So do you! Get help from a professional mental health care provider and learn how you can help your friend more.
At Dynamic Healthcare, Baltimore, our mission is to break the stigmas associated with mental illness for patients and their friends and families.
It can be overwhelming to see someone you care about suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. However, your support can make a lot of difference and help your friend heal faster.
Meet a specialized healthcare provider to see how we can help you.