Successfully Supporting an Adult Living With Anxiety
Available with English captions and subtitles in Spanish.
Anxiety can create all kinds of challenges for people living with it, and the same can be said for anyone looking to support those individuals. Simply recognizing and relating to someone else’s anxiety can be difficult, and knowing what to say or do can be especially tricky.
So how can loved ones, educators, and others best help a person struggling with anxiety in its many forms? What kinds of boundaries should they set for themselves, and when might it be useful to consult a health care professional for further assistance?
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Audience Questions
Mark Longsjo, LICSW, offers tips for recognizing signs of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders, shares key do’s and don’ts when it comes to supporting those facing these challenges, and explains why self-care is such an important part of the process.
- How can we differentiate between healthy everyday anxiety and unhealthy anxiety?
- What is the key distinction between anxiety and anxiety disorders?
- How common are anxiety disorders?
- What is generalized anxiety disorder?
- What should we know about panic disorder?
- What are social anxiety disorders?
- What does separation anxiety refer to?
- What are phobias? Do they fall under the anxiety disorder umbrella?
- What should we know about OCD? What is the distinction between it and
anxiety disorders? - What is the DSM and how is it used within mental health care?
- What are some behavioral anxiety symptoms to watch for in a loved one?
- What signs of thought distortions might we pick up on in conversations with loved ones?
- Why is avoidance a problematic strategy for reducing anxiety?
- How can we validate others’ experiences even if we struggle to understand their anxiety?
- How can accommodation be a slippery slope?
- How can forcing a confrontation impact a relationship?
- What can anxiety treatment look like?
- What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)? How is it used in anxiety treatment?
- What is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)? How does it fit together with CBT?
- How can we tell if our loved one needs professional help for their anxiety?
- What are some big-picture do’s and don’ts when it comes to helping a loved one find treatment?
- How can we support a loved one who is reluctant to go to treatment?
- What are some ideas for clinicians to incorporate the support of a loved one into the therapy that they are overseeing?
- What can a loved one or a colleague do to continue to support someone long-term post-treatment?
- How can we support someone going through a panic attack?
- What are some tips for parents with an anxious child?
- How can other adults, such as coaches and teachers, play constructive roles in the lives of children dealing with anxiety?
- What are some self-care basics we can all utilize?
- At what point might somebody seek professional help for themselves as the supporter?
The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.
Resources
You may also find this information useful:
- Massachusetts Behavioral Health Hotline
- Education Initiatives at McLean Hospital
- Video: Making Anxiety Work for You
- Power Down: 5 Ways To Fight Digital Burnout
- Video: Anxiety in Kids and Teens 101
- The Social Dilemma: Social Media and Your Mental Health
- 4 Steps To Walk Away From Loneliness
- Video: Apply ACT Principles to Your Daily Life
- Serenity Now: Everything You Need To Know About Mindfulness
- Diet and Mental Health: How Nutrition Shapes Your Well-Being
About Mark Longsjo
Mark Longsjo, LICSW, is the senior director of McLean’s SouthEast campus, and has a longstanding presence in McLean’s clinical programming, social work department, and the human rights committee.
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