How to Care for Someone With General Anxiety Disorder

It can be difficult to cope with and care for someone close to you who suffers from general anxiety disorder. When untreated or in the early stages of treatment, people with this disorder often have difficulty with relationships, normal daily functions and the responsibilities of work and home. However, your positive role in providing support and encouraging the afflicted person to pursue treatment can help improve conditions for all concerned.

Instructions

Support Treatment

• 1

  Make it clear to someone who suffers from general anxiety disorder that you understand and support his need for treatment.

• 2

  Pay attention to whether the person is taking her medication and don't be shy about reminding her how important it is to follow the exact medication schedule and dosage.

• 3

  Provide a reminder when necessary about therapy appointments and self-help meetings and help provide time, transportation and other support that the person may need to keep such appointments.

Get Support for Yourself

• 4

  Seek out a self-help group for people who share the experience of caring for someone with general anxiety disorder or related problems. For instance, if your person also suffers from alcoholism or drug abuse, you might seek out a group such as Al-Anon or Narc-Anon.

• 5

  Consider getting therapy or counseling for yourself to help you cope with the stresses of caring for a needy person and to keep your own priorities straight.

• 6

  Avoid, if at all possible, being the sole person who provides care for or looks after someone with general anxiety disorder. You will need time to yourself.

Provide Emotional Support

• 7

  Share your love, patience and enthusiasm with the person and let him know that you appreciate his struggles and respect his efforts.

• 8

  Communicate about the person's progress and treatment and share your hope that her progress will continue.

• 9

  Do things with the person that both of you can enjoy to take the focus off the ordeal that the disorder creates for both of you.