HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY DURING THE LOCKDOWN

HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY DURING THE LOCKDOWN?

Anxiety is a sensitive issue and can be frustrating sometimes as it can disable one from

carrying out their daily routine. Being stuck at home with minimal communication with

others does not help, especially during a pandemic. Therefore it is essential to support one

another in such a situation. Here are a few ways you can help a friend or a loved one deal

with anxiety during the lockdown.

1. Ask them to restrict media engagement.

Research conducted during this lockdown has indicated that an increase in media exposure is the

leading cause of increased stress and anxiety in several individuals across the globe. If

ever using media, one must be aware of what credible sources of information are and what

are not. Repeatedly watching the news or being on social media only adds to the uncertainty

experienced. If your friend seems to be getting extremely anxious during the lockdown, it is

very much possible that the source could be media. You can encourage them to restrict the

time they spend on news cards and breaking news.

2. Maintain regular conversations.

Here is where your help matters the most. Regular conversation can play a vital role in

helping someone deal with anxiety. Anxiety involves some physical symptoms and

can be extremely tough to deal with, especially if you're locked all by yourself in your house.

Talking to anyone- about anything- can help calm the person's overall state of mind. If they

call you with a problem, talk to them, and then also try and make it a point to check up on

them a while later. It is a way of letting the person know that you will be there for them.

3. Empathize with them.

As someone who is living in this current situation, you have your responsibilities and

mental state to handle, which can make it harder for you to empathize with your friend or

loved one- than before. Nonetheless, even if it over a phone call, you being there can be of great help. By empathizing, you need to recognize and validate what they are feeling. You

may not necessarily need to understand or ‘get what they are going through, but just need to

take them seriously. Do not draw upon your own experiences to understand what they feel, if

anything that can be unhelpful.

4. Create a ‘no judgment’ area.

Show them that judgment is not an element in your conversation. It will help them open up to

you and ease their anxiety, allowing them to feel better. Do remember that you ought not to

judge the other person in any way, especially since anxiety being subjective, needs

to be seen from the other person’s perspective- not yours.

5. Listen.

As much as we all love telling our side of the story while dealing with someone coping with

anxiety in the lockdown- where a phone call is the farthest we can go- it is necessary to be a

listener. Listen, and while you're at it, do not be quick to advise. First, understand how they

 

feel and then begin to guide them about ways to cope. Do not be harsh. It may lead them to

lose interest in calling you up.

6. Encourage, but do not pressure them.

You can try gently challenging your friend, whilst acknowledging their feelings of anxiety.

This can include saying things like- You can take your time, there is no rush, but I have full

faith that you are capable of doing this. However, one must keep in mind not to pressure the

other person, given that there is a very thin line between encouragement and pressure, here.

Patience is key as well, because even if the friend feels like they cannot do something-

be understanding. There is always a next time.

Overall it is necessary to keep a good and healthy relationship and build a strong foundation

for trust. All of these enable an open conversation, and this helps significantly in dealing with

trying situations. Most people with anxiety are not looking for someone to ‘save’ them- they

are looking for someone who cares, and knowing that there is someone who cares for you can

be fundamentally reassuring.

HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY DURING THE LOCKDOWN?

Anxiety is a sensitive issue and can be frustrating sometimes as it can disable one from

carrying out their daily routine. Being stuck at home with minimal communication with

others does not help, especially during a pandemic. Therefore it is essential to support one

another in such a situation. Here are a few ways you can help a friend or a loved one deal

with anxiety during the lockdown.

1. Ask them to restrict media engagement.

Research conducted during this lockdown has indicated that an increase in media exposure is the

leading cause of increased stress and anxiety in several individuals across the globe. If

ever using media, one must be aware of what credible sources of information are and what

are not. Repeatedly watching the news or being on social media only adds to the uncertainty

experienced. If your friend seems to be getting extremely anxious during the lockdown, it is

very much possible that the source could be media. You can encourage them to restrict the

time they spend on news cards and breaking news.

2. Maintain regular conversations.

Here is where your help matters the most. Regular conversation can play a vital role in

helping someone deal with anxiety. Anxiety involves some physical symptoms and

can be extremely tough to deal with, especially if you're locked all by yourself in your house.

Talking to anyone- about anything- can help calm the person's overall state of mind. If they

call you with a problem, talk to them, and then also try and make it a point to check up on

them a while later. It is a way of letting the person know that you will be there for them.

3. Empathize with them.

As someone who is living in this current situation, you have your responsibilities and

mental state to handle, which can make it harder for you to empathize with your friend or

loved one- than before. Nonetheless, even if it over a phone call, you being there can be of great help. By empathizing, you need to recognize and validate what they are feeling. You

may not necessarily need to understand or ‘get what they are going through, but just need to

take them seriously. Do not draw upon your own experiences to understand what they feel, if

anything that can be unhelpful.

4. Create a ‘no judgment’ area.

Show them that judgment is not an element in your conversation. It will help them open up to

you and ease their anxiety, allowing them to feel better. Do remember that you ought not to

judge the other person in any way, especially since anxiety being subjective, needs

to be seen from the other person’s perspective- not yours.

5. Listen.

As much as we all love telling our side of the story while dealing with someone coping with

anxiety in the lockdown- where a phone call is the farthest we can go- it is necessary to be a

listener. Listen, and while you're at it, do not be quick to advise. First, understand how they

 

feel and then begin to guide them about ways to cope. Do not be harsh. It may lead them to

lose interest in calling you up.

6. Encourage, but do not pressure them.

You can try gently challenging your friend, whilst acknowledging their feelings of anxiety.

This can include saying things like- You can take your time, there is no rush, but I have full

faith that you are capable of doing this. However, one must keep in mind not to pressure the

other person, given that there is a very thin line between encouragement and pressure, here.

Patience is key as well, because even if the friend feels like they cannot do something-

be understanding. There is always a next time.

Overall it is necessary to keep a good and healthy relationship and build a strong foundation

for trust. All of these enable an open conversation, and this helps significantly in dealing with

trying situations. Most people with anxiety are not looking for someone to ‘save’ them- they

are looking for someone who cares, and knowing that there is someone who cares for you can

be fundamentally reassuring.

HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY DURING THE LOCKDOWN?

Anxiety is a sensitive issue and can be frustrating sometimes as it can disable one from

carrying out their daily routine. Being stuck at home with minimal communication with

others does not help, especially during a pandemic. Therefore it is essential to support one

another in such a situation. Here are a few ways you can help a friend or a loved one deal

with anxiety during the lockdown.

1. Ask them to restrict media engagement.

Research conducted during this lockdown has indicated that an increase in media exposure is the

leading cause of increased stress and anxiety in several individuals across the globe. If

ever using media, one must be aware of what credible sources of information are and what

are not. Repeatedly watching the news or being on social media only adds to the uncertainty

experienced. If your friend seems to be getting extremely anxious during the lockdown, it is

very much possible that the source could be media. You can encourage them to restrict the

time they spend on news cards and breaking news.

2. Maintain regular conversations.

Here is where your help matters the most. Regular conversation can play a vital role in

helping someone deal with anxiety. Anxiety involves some physical symptoms and

can be extremely tough to deal with, especially if you're locked all by yourself in your house.

Talking to anyone- about anything- can help calm the person's overall state of mind. If they

call you with a problem, talk to them, and then also try and make it a point to check up on

them a while later. It is a way of letting the person know that you will be there for them.

3. Empathize with them.

As someone who is living in this current situation, you have your responsibilities and

mental state to handle, which can make it harder for you to empathize with your friend or

loved one- than before. Nonetheless, even if it over a phone call, you being there can be of great help. By empathizing, you need to recognize and validate what they are feeling. You

may not necessarily need to understand or ‘get what they are going through, but just need to

take them seriously. Do not draw upon your own experiences to understand what they feel, if

anything that can be unhelpful.

4. Create a ‘no judgment’ area.

Show them that judgment is not an element in your conversation. It will help them open up to

you and ease their anxiety, allowing them to feel better. Do remember that you ought not to

judge the other person in any way, especially since anxiety being subjective, needs

to be seen from the other person’s perspective- not yours.

5. Listen.

As much as we all love telling our side of the story while dealing with someone coping with

anxiety in the lockdown- where a phone call is the farthest we can go- it is necessary to be a

listener. Listen, and while you're at it, do not be quick to advise. First, understand how they

 

feel and then begin to guide them about ways to cope. Do not be harsh. It may lead them to

lose interest in calling you up.

6. Encourage, but do not pressure them.

You can try gently challenging your friend, whilst acknowledging their feelings of anxiety.

This can include saying things like- You can take your time, there is no rush, but I have full

faith that you are capable of doing this. However, one must keep in mind not to pressure the

other person, given that there is a very thin line between encouragement and pressure, here.

Patience is key as well, because even if the friend feels like they cannot do something-

be understanding. There is always a next time.

Overall it is necessary to keep a good and healthy relationship and build a strong foundation

for trust. All of these enable an open conversation, and this helps significantly in dealing with

trying situations. Most people with anxiety are not looking for someone to ‘save’ them- they

are looking for someone who cares, and knowing that there is someone who cares for you can

be fundamentally reassuring.HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY DURING THE LOCKDOWN?

Anxiety is a sensitive issue and can be frustrating sometimes as it can disable one from

carrying out their daily routine. Being stuck at home with minimal communication with

others does not help, especially during a pandemic. Therefore it is essential to support one

another in such a situation. Here are a few ways you can help a friend or a loved one deal

with anxiety during the lockdown.

1. Ask them to restrict media engagement.

Research conducted during this lockdown has indicated that an increase in media exposure is the

leading cause of increased stress and anxiety in several individuals across the globe. If

ever using media, one must be aware of what credible sources of information are and what

are not. Repeatedly watching the news or being on social media only adds to the uncertainty

experienced. If your friend seems to be getting extremely anxious during the lockdown, it is

very much possible that the source could be media. You can encourage them to restrict the

time they spend on news cards and breaking news.

2. Maintain regular conversations.

Here is where your help matters the most. Regular conversation can play a vital role in

helping someone deal with anxiety. Anxiety involves some physical symptoms and

can be extremely tough to deal with, especially if you're locked all by yourself in your house.

Talking to anyone- about anything- can help calm the person's overall state of mind. If they

call you with a problem, talk to them, and then also try and make it a point to check up on

them a while later. It is a way of letting the person know that you will be there for them.

3. Empathize with them.

As someone who is living in this current situation, you have your responsibilities and

mental state to handle, which can make it harder for you to empathize with your friend or

loved one- than before. Nonetheless, even if it over a phone call, you being there can be of great help. By empathizing, you need to recognize and validate what they are feeling. You

may not necessarily need to understand or ‘get what they are going through, but just need to

take them seriously. Do not draw upon your own experiences to understand what they feel, if

anything that can be unhelpful.

4. Create a ‘no judgment’ area.

Show them that judgment is not an element in your conversation. It will help them open up to

you and ease their anxiety, allowing them to feel better. Do remember that you ought not to

judge the other person in any way, especially since anxiety being subjective, needs

to be seen from the other person’s perspective- not yours.

5. Listen.

As much as we all love telling our side of the story while dealing with someone coping with

anxiety in the lockdown- where a phone call is the farthest we can go- it is necessary to be a

listener. Listen, and while you're at it, do not be quick to advise. First, understand how they

 

feel and then begin to guide them about ways to cope. Do not be harsh. It may lead them to

lose interest in calling you up.

6. Encourage, but do not pressure them.

You can try gently challenging your friend, whilst acknowledging their feelings of anxiety.

This can include saying things like- You can take your time, there is no rush, but I have full

faith that you are capable of doing this. However, one must keep in mind not to pressure the

other person, given that there is a very thin line between encouragement and pressure, here.

Patience is key as well, because even if the friend feels like they cannot do something-

be understanding. There is always a next time.

Overall it is necessary to keep a good and healthy relationship and build a strong foundation

for trust. All of these enable an open conversation, and this helps significantly in dealing with

trying situations. Most people with anxiety are not looking for someone to ‘save’ them- they

are looking for someone who cares, and knowing that there is someone who cares for you can

be fundamentally reassuring.HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY DURING THE LOCKDOWN?

Anxiety is a sensitive issue and can be frustrating sometimes as it can disable one from

carrying out their daily routine. Being stuck at home with minimal communication with

others does not help, especially during a pandemic. Therefore it is essential to support one

another in such a situation. Here are a few ways you can help a friend or a loved one deal

with anxiety during the lockdown.

1. Ask them to restrict media engagement.

Research conducted during this lockdown has indicated that an increase in media exposure is the

leading cause of increased stress and anxiety in several individuals across the globe. If

ever using media, one must be aware of what credible sources of information are and what

are not. Repeatedly watching the news or being on social media only adds to the uncertainty

experienced. If your friend seems to be getting extremely anxious during the lockdown, it is

very much possible that the source could be media. You can encourage them to restrict the

time they spend on news cards and breaking news.

2. Maintain regular conversations.

Here is where your help matters the most. Regular conversation can play a vital role in

helping someone deal with anxiety. Anxiety involves some physical symptoms and

can be extremely tough to deal with, especially if you're locked all by yourself in your house.

Talking to anyone- about anything- can help calm the person's overall state of mind. If they

call you with a problem, talk to them, and then also try and make it a point to check up on

them a while later. It is a way of letting the person know that you will be there for them.

3. Empathize with them.

As someone who is living in this current situation, you have your responsibilities and

mental state to handle, which can make it harder for you to empathize with your friend or

loved one- than before. Nonetheless, even if it over a phone call, you being there can be of great help. By empathizing, you need to recognize and validate what they are feeling. You

may not necessarily need to understand or ‘get what they are going through, but just need to

take them seriously. Do not draw upon your own experiences to understand what they feel, if

anything that can be unhelpful.

4. Create a ‘no judgment’ area.

Show them that judgment is not an element in your conversation. It will help them open up to

you and ease their anxiety, allowing them to feel better. Do remember that you ought not to

judge the other person in any way, especially since anxiety being subjective, needs

to be seen from the other person’s perspective- not yours.

5. Listen.

As much as we all love telling our side of the story while dealing with someone coping with

anxiety in the lockdown- where a phone call is the farthest we can go- it is necessary to be a

listener. Listen, and while you're at it, do not be quick to advise. First, understand how they

 

feel and then begin to guide them about ways to cope. Do not be harsh. It may lead them to

lose interest in calling you up.

6. Encourage, but do not pressure them.

You can try gently challenging your friend, whilst acknowledging their feelings of anxiety.

This can include saying things like- You can take your time, there is no rush, but I have full

faith that you are capable of doing this. However, one must keep in mind not to pressure the

other person, given that there is a very thin line between encouragement and pressure, here.

Patience is key as well, because even if the friend feels like they cannot do something-

be understanding. There is always a next time.

Overall it is necessary to keep a good and healthy relationship and build a strong foundation

for trust. All of these enable an open conversation, and this helps significantly in dealing with

trying situations. Most people with anxiety are not looking for someone to ‘save’ them- they

are looking for someone who cares, and knowing that there is someone who cares for you can

be fundamentally reassuring.vHOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY DURING THE LOCKDOWN?

Anxiety is a sensitive issue and can be frustrating sometimes as it can disable one from

carrying out their daily routine. Being stuck at home with minimal communication with

others does not help, especially during a pandemic. Therefore it is essential to support one

another in such a situation. Here are a few ways you can help a friend or a loved one deal

with anxiety during the lockdown.

1. Ask them to restrict media engagement.

Research conducted during this lockdown has indicated that an increase in media exposure is the

leading cause of increased stress and anxiety in several individuals across the globe. If

ever using media, one must be aware of what credible sources of information are and what

are not. Repeatedly watching the news or being on social media only adds to the uncertainty

experienced. If your friend seems to be getting extremely anxious during the lockdown, it is

very much possible that the source could be media. You can encourage them to restrict the

time they spend on news cards and breaking news.

2. Maintain regular conversations.

Here is where your help matters the most. Regular conversation can play a vital role in

helping someone deal with anxiety. Anxiety involves some physical symptoms and

can be extremely tough to deal with, especially if you're locked all by yourself in your house.

Talking to anyone- about anything- can help calm the person's overall state of mind. If they

call you with a problem, talk to them, and then also try and make it a point to check up on

them a while later. It is a way of letting the person know that you will be there for them.

3. Empathize with them.

As someone who is living in this current situation, you have your responsibilities and

mental state to handle, which can make it harder for you to empathize with your friend or

loved one- than before. Nonetheless, even if it over a phone call, you being there can be of great help. By empathizing, you need to recognize and validate what they are feeling. You

may not necessarily need to understand or ‘get what they are going through, but just need to

take them seriously. Do not draw upon your own experiences to understand what they feel, if

anything that can be unhelpful.

4. Create a ‘no judgment’ area.

Show them that judgment is not an element in your conversation. It will help them open up to

you and ease their anxiety, allowing them to feel better. Do remember that you ought not to

judge the other person in any way, especially since anxiety being subjective, needs

to be seen from the other person’s perspective- not yours.

5. Listen.

As much as we all love telling our side of the story while dealing with someone coping with

anxiety in the lockdown- where a phone call is the farthest we can go- it is necessary to be a

listener. Listen, and while you're at it, do not be quick to advise. First, understand how they

 

feel and then begin to guide them about ways to cope. Do not be harsh. It may lead them to

lose interest in calling you up.

6. Encourage, but do not pressure them.

You can try gently challenging your friend, whilst acknowledging their feelings of anxiety.

This can include saying things like- You can take your time, there is no rush, but I have full

faith that you are capable of doing this. However, one must keep in mind not to pressure the

other person, given that there is a very thin line between encouragement and pressure, here.

Patience is key as well, because even if the friend feels like they cannot do something-

be understanding. There is always a next time.

Overall it is necessary to keep a good and healthy relationship and build a strong foundation

for trust. All of these enable an open conversation, and this helps significantly in dealing with

trying situations. Most people with anxiety are not looking for someone to ‘save’ them- they

are looking for someone who cares, and knowing that there is someone who cares for you can

be fundamentally reassuring.