How to Have a Conversation with Your Loved Ones/Family Members about Anxiety

  1. Find a time where you know that you will not be interrupted to speak to your family members/loved ones about your anxiety.

  2. Explain to them what anxiety/ocd/depression is . Educate them or give them online sites they can visit to learn about your anxiety disorder ie, ADAA, NAMI

  3. Tell them that each person experiences anxiety/ocd/depression differently and has different symptoms.  The symptoms can be physiological, cognitive or behavioural. E.g for anxiety

  • heart palpitations, pounding in the chest, chest pains, feeling like you are having a heart attack

  • sweating, you might only have sweaty palms or you could perspire a great deal when nervous

  • shortness of breath, feeling like you can't breath, or feeling like you are choking on something

  • nausea, diarrhea or abdominal pains

  • becoming dizzy, feeling like you are going to faint, being light-headed

  • feeling disassociated from your surroundings, as if you are watching a movie but not a part of it

  • thinking you are going to die or that you have some terrible illness

  • feeling as if you are going crazy, thinking you are literally going to lose control of your mind

  1. Tell them how you experience anxiety/ocd/depression and how it makes you feel.

  2. Explain the coping skills that you use for your anxiety/ocd/depression

  3. Think of ways that you would like your family members to help you with your anxiety/ocd/depression. Below are some ideas

  • Listen to me without judging me or belittling me.

  • Acknowledge and validate my feelings even if you don’t understand them.

  • Don't ask me to "Get over it" or "Grow up" or "Get a grip." If I could do that, I would have done it long ago. There is no switch to turn anxiety/ocd/depression off. Instead, let me know you are there if I need assistance.

  • Even though you may think you know what I need, please ask. Don't assume you are correct. I will tell you what will be helpful.

  • Ask them to take interest in your coping skills and help you with them when you are struggling.

  • Don't panic every time I panic. I need someone who is in control to help me feel in control.

  • Be encouraging without being pushy.

  • Help me remember my achievements. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by my anxiety and don't take the time to see the good in what I have done. Even when I take baby-steps in my recovery, applaud my success and encourage me to do the same.

  • Don't let me sit home, avoiding life and family. Offer to be by my side and give me encouragement, without treating me like a baby.