How to Support a Loved One With Anxiety

Understand what anxiety is and what symptoms are associated with it - anxiety symptoms can vary widely depending on the person. Some symptoms include worry, uneasiness, irritability, or anger but this is not an exhaustive list. Taking some time to research or communicate with your loved one about their specific symptoms can also be helpful.
Reassure them that you’re there for them - oftentimes, people with anxiety welcome support as it means they don’t have to carry the burden alone.
Actively listen - ask them how you can best support them.
Keep communication open and non-judgmental - if possible, maintain consistent communication and check-ins. As someone who doesn’t have anxiety, it may be difficult to empathize at times, but try not to judge, criticize, or invalidate your loved one.

A few don'ts:

Don’t expect symptoms to change immediately.
If you find yourself getting frustrated, take some personal space.
Don’t put pressure on them to change or talk about things.

Try the ‘5,4,3,2,1’ technique with your loved one as a way to help ease their anxiety by helping them focus on the present moment. The goal of this technique is to help connect you with each of your five senses: sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste.

First, take a couple of deep breaths, then begin to acknowledge things around you according to each of your five senses.

*The order of the senses can be changed but the method should remain the same.

5: Find FIVE things you see around you, name them aloud.

4: Find FOUR things you can touch, name them aloud.

3: Find THREE things you can hear, name them aloud.

2: Find TWO things you can smell, name them aloud.

1: Find ONE thing you can taste, name them aloud.