Ask your friend how they are and listen with your full body, and without thinking of how you'll respond. Practice being totally present. Acknowledge their feelings. Avoid pat phrases like “you'll get through this” or “you're okay.” Thank them for sharing them with you.
If an anxious friend decides to confide in you, show you support them. Validate, rather than minimize, their experience. If you don't have an anxiety disorder, avoid offering advice without listening to your friend. Tell them you're there for them, ask how you can help and listen to what they have to say.
Do keep lines of communication open. When it comes to helping someone with anxiety, it is important to keep an open line of communication with them. ...
What is the best thing to say to someone who is anxious?
Validate their experiences and emotions.
"The key thing is to say something such as, 'I've been there' or 'I hear you; that must be so so difficult or frustrating,' to convey to the person that their experience is normal and that they're not alone," she explains.
Comforting words someone is going through a difficult time
I am here for you. You can lean on me and I will help in any way that I can. It's okay to feel the way you do, even if it doesn't make sense to anyone else. Just know that I care and want to be there for you.
But, if you're looking for something to say, here are some ways to articulate that you care: “I'm here for you.” “How can I help you?” “What do you need right now?”
Saying the “i” word, “important,” can help them begin to calm down. Also, reminding them that what they're saying is important will hopefully cause them to pause and retell you what happened with less anger. Frustrated – Let them retell you what happened without interrupting them.
In addition to listening, one simple way to help someone in the midst of an anxiety spiral is to ask calming questions. Dr. Aslinia suggests: "How are you feeling?"; "What's the worst thing that could happen?"; "Do you have a plan for this?"; and "Tell me what happens next," or "Walk me through your plan."
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” “When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go.” “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
