Anxiety:

Fears and anxieties come in a variety of packages.  Most persons experience some type of ordinary worry on a regular basis.  Several uncertainties are normal.  It’s only natural for children to be fearful of new things and for adults to occasionally feel trapped with the pressures of the hectic pace of life and the expectations to meet everybody’s needs.  Most persons have some apprehension about failure, being “good enough,” scary dreams, loss of a parent or significant loved one through death or divorce, and new ventures or undertakings.

The Anxiety Disorders may include panic attacks, agoraphobia (or fear of being in places or situations where escape may be difficult), specific phobias, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive difficulties, posttraumatic stress (exposure to a traumatic event), and a variety of psychological and physiological reactions.  Persistent symptoms of irritability, hypervigilance, an exaggerated startle response, pounding heart, trembling or shaking, feeling dizzy or unsteady, or fear of losing control or going crazy may be indications that an anxiety disorder is present.

The key to determining the severity of an individual’s anxiety is to establish how debilitating the fears are and how vulnerable the person is to ever-present worry.  Often the anxiety is related to a perceived threat as opposed to an actual fear.  It doesn’t matter whether it is real or imagined.  A person can be overwhelmed with anxiety even when the “monster” or problem is clearly harmless.

Anxiety disorders zap a person’s energy and desire to encounter life situations and relationships.  More persons should receive help from their families and quality mental health and medical professionals when anxiety and worry become overwhelming.  Some individuals may need nothing more than to learn to deal with their fear.  Occasionally persons require some type of counseling.  An experienced therapist can assist the client to confront the fear and will do so with support and encouragement.  Considerable skill is necessary for psychotherapy to be effective.  On the other hand, other people may need to take prescribed medications.  Medications can decrease panic and anxiety almost immediately. A combination of counseling and medications can provide a sense of emotional stability and decreased anxiety while the perceived or real worry can be addressed.

What can the family do to decrease the impact of a loved one’s anxiety and worry?

Encourage brave attempts to face the fears. No one expects the helping friend or family member to force participation in a threatening situation, but loved ones should encourage efforts to cope with the anxiety.  Allow the apprehensive person to have some control of the pace they chose to deal with their anxieties and reward the efforts to face the difficulties of distress.

Offer a strong sense of security.  Presenting the impression that a safe environment surrounds the individual will ensure an individual’s attempt to face the real or perceived anxiety.  Verbal and written reminders of your love and availability will give confidence in tough times.  Security provides a necessary refuge and external support of confidence that serve as a wonderful fortress from the storms of anxiety. 

Provide a routine of predictability. With anxiety issues there is a huge fear of the unknown.  Often the greatest fear is the unidentified.  Being assured of what “really is” aids in an increasing sense of o.k.ness.  Predictability of schedule, responses, tasks, and protection is vital to confidently facing a frightening world.

Staying in the situation they dread.  Being in some settings will seem near impossible but remaining is part of the healing process.  The proper counseling can assist in confronting and overcoming certain illogical fears.  Encouraging a child to go to school even when it is difficult is necessary.  Although it will be as difficult for the parent to “push” a crying child into the building, generally a child will be fine once they survive the initial fear and become acclimated to a perfectly acceptable environment.

Realistic expectations.  During the time of crisis for the anxious person, ask yourself, “Is this expectation realistic?”  This will help everyone in the situation assess the circumstances and address the necessary next steps.  Hope for the future is important to the anxiety-ridden life.  Sensible and practical outlooks offer the worried individual something to look forward to.

Avoid the sudden and unexpected.  Abruptness easily causes the person who struggles with anxiety disorders to cycle into a worrisome mode.  Anticipate stressful events, crises, and out of the ordinary routines that may be packed with emotion.  Be aware of ongoing circumstances like holidays or assignments that may exacerbate anxiety.  Some anxiety “comes from nowhere” and not much can be done to anticipate these occurrences but being aware of the predictable stressors will help.  Help prepare the person with an anxiety disorder by planning and asking for gradual changes.

There are numerous forms of treatment that claim to assist with reducing the panic and stress in anxiety disorders.  Be aware of some of the claims that some of the books and media resources, self-help programs, “spiritual” directions, and alternative treatments that claim to provide fast results.  Contact a qualified, licensed mental health professional or medical doctor who understands anxiety disorders.  Avoid complicating the matter by enlisting or purchasing mediocre solutions.  Addressing the core issues of the anxiety and offering a sense of security or necessary components to finding safety amidst the angst of anxiety.