When dealing with a friend who has anxiety, not everyone knows how to handle it. It is easy to say the wrong things and then feel so badly about it. Here are some Don'ts and a few Do's.
What not to say:
1. Relax.
NEVER say this to someone who is having a panic attack or anything along those lines. If we could relax, we would, but clearly we can't.
2. You're scaring me.
This makes us go into a worse state. Don't tell us that we are scaring you or anything like that. We will be fine in a little, just sit with us.
3. You're just over reacting.
Maybe to you I am, but in my mind this is the only way I know how to react to this situation. I am dealing with the situation in my own way please don't try and tell me otherwise.
4. You need help.
Maybe I do need some help. It is not your place to tell me that I do or don't need it. If I want it I will get the help needed on my own.
5. That we are needy.
No, we do not NEED you to be there for us. It is a nice gesture but we don't need you all the time.
6. Please do not avoid us.
We are humans too. We don't want to scare you off, just sometimes we are unable to do certain things or we act certain ways. If you are confused as to why we act a certain way just talk to us and we can explain.
What you should say:
1. Sit with us.
We are not going to bite, sometimes we just need someone to sit there and listen to us, but you are not obligated to.
2. Tell us if it makes you feel uncomfortable.
If we are having a panic attack and you don't know what to do it is okay! You don't need to pretend to know what to do. If you feel uncomfortable you can tell me, there isn't a need to avoid telling me, I am understanding.
After reading this I hope you gained some insight. Not everyone is perfect it is a learning process for all. Just know that because we have anxiety it doesn't make us who we are as people.
