Anxiety Troubled Friends & Family: 15 Do's & Don'ts

Can you imagine what it would feel like without your anxiety holding you back?
Can you envision how amazing your life would be if your anxiety completely disappeared?
Hold on to those thoughts and don’t lose hope.

• Learn whether your mental and physical symptoms are caused by anxiety.
• See how your problems compare with those of the average anxiety patient.
• Understand which factors may be working together to source your anxiety.

When you succeed overcoming your anxiety, you will feel like you have been reborn as a new, happier person. In a few years you’ll be able to look back and feel proud of yourself for curing your anxiety and becoming a happier you.
Start right now. The test is free, and the results will reveal much about your anxiety.

Often, family and friends really want to know is, "What can I do to help?" Therefore, we recommend the following list of helpful suggestions, as a result of listening and learning from our clients. So, here's a list of do's and don't's for those who are closest to you.
1. DON'T criticize. Sufferers of panic attacks have real physical symptoms. They are probably more critical of themselves than you are. Remember that negative comments can contribute to slowing down their progress by adding stress and making them feel guilty for their feelings!
2. DO encourage rather than shame or embarrass them. They are already tackling a difficult situation, so positive support will pay off for everyone in the end.
3. DON'T induce guilt when the anxious person is unable to do certain things. It is hard for them to deal with their limitations anyway, and adding guilt will only alienate you from the person you most want to help.
4. DON'T express disappointment, anger, or frustration if a setback occurs. When trying to overcome a problem like this, every effort is an accomplishment, with the potential for other, greater accomplishments in the future.
5. DO notice and compliment their efforts to conquer their fear, as well as their actual successes. Your affirmation will help build their confidence.
6. DO be empathic. Try to understand the problem from their point of view. They don't need your pity, but your help, your encouragement, and your support.
7. DO be willing to accompany them on practice ses¬sions if they ask you to. This means going along because you want to help, not because you feel obligated.
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8. DO be quick to point out their positive qualities. Give them the same consideration you would want for yourself.
9. DO listen when they need to talk. It can be a great relief for them to share their distress. Also, listening becomes an opportunity to gently encourage their attempts to cope.
10. DO allow them to be in charge whenever you can. The ability to make decisions and take action is a real aid to self-confidence and helps them realize that control is possible.
11. DO avoid surprises. Let them know what is going to happen and when, so they can make plans to deal with any panic that may arise.
12. DO help them identify their successes. Change can be so gradual that improvements may go unnoticed and a sense of progress is very important.
13. DO work with them to identify family patterns, situations, or concerns that may contribute to the problem. Try to notice and improve any interactions between you that are detrimental to their growth and independence.
14. DO be consistent. Recognize that there will probably be changes as they are better able to handle anxiety and stress. Try not to be threatened by the prospect of their increased self-confidence or potential changes in your relationship. Seek family therapy or marital counseling if necessary.
15. DO be patient! Maybe more than anything, it will help if your loved ones know that, when they finally overcome these attacks, you will be there for them.
The perfect house cannot be built from the roof down. I’ve helped thousands of people overcome their anxiety and panic attacks, and I always start them off with my anxiety test before discussing treatment options.
Understanding your anxiety and its probable causes is crucial, because it gives you a starting point – a steady ground from which you can build toward your well-being.
As such, I recommend you take the quiz even if you have already been diagnosed with anxiety.
This 7 minute anxiety test will:

• Help you find out if (and which) of your symptoms are indeed anxiety.
• Break your anxiety problems into smaller, understandable pieces.
• Show in graphical form the causes that make up your anxiety.
• Describe the next step to overcoming your anxiety problems.