Approximately 18% of people ages 18- 54 have an anxiety disorder in a given year. Anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and phobias (social phobia, agoraphobia, and specific phobia).
–Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Hospital 2021
It seems like our social media feeds and our headlines are filled with one really gloomy statistic after another. We are seeing more and more statistics like this one each day. Athletes, artists, chefs, fashion designers, moms, dads, kids, and me, a Pastor, are all real stories behind these numbers.
We may argue about a lot of things these days, but we can almost certainly agree that our world looks very different than it did in 2019. Things just aren’t the same as they used to be. Lots has changed-we have had so much go on in our world, it seems very logical that these numbers are high.
With so many people struggling, do you find yourself asking the question…
So, how can I help someone in my home that is struggling with panic and/or anxiety?
Here’s a few things you can try:
- Listen.
Sometimes we jump to offering solutions before we really listen to what our spouse or our kid is trying to tell us. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.
- Be present.
Turn the tv off, put your phone down, look your person in the eyes. Sometimes your loved one just needs your attention. That may not be all they need, but it is a good start in showing them that they are known, heard, and loved.
- Offer reassurance.
Verbally communicate your commitment to your person. Let them know you are with them, that you are going to walk alongside them. Let them know you are praying for them and believing for them even if they can’t.
If you feel like you need to reach out for professional help, please don’t let shame keep you from taking that step. Click here for resources that can help you help your person.
Here at beagoby.com, we are committed to walking with you. I know what it is like to feel alone, silenced, scared, and like no one gets me. We are building a community to help each other along the way. We are dedicated to helping you as you help someone else!
Swimming upstream with you,
Toby