How to Support a Loved One with Anxiety: Practical Tips for Families

Anxiety Affects the Whole Family

When someone you love struggles with anxiety, it doesn’t just impact them — it touches everyone around them. Family members may feel worried, frustrated, or unsure of how to help. The good news? There are simple, compassionate ways to support your loved one without feeling helpless yourself.

Recognizing Signs of Anxiety

Anxiety shows up differently in each person, but common signs include:

• Constant worry or fear

• Irritability or restlessness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Trouble sleeping

• Avoidance of social situations

• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension

Noticing these patterns is the first step toward offering meaningful support.

What 

Not

 to Do

When someone you love feels anxious, it’s natural to want to “fix it.” But certain responses can unintentionally make things worse. Avoid:

• Saying “just relax” or “don’t worry”

• Minimizing their feelings

• Getting frustrated if their anxiety slows down plans

• Overloading them with advice when they just need someone to listen

Practical Ways to Support Your Loved One

1. Listen Without Judgment

🗣️ Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is listen. Validate their feelings by saying things like:

• “I hear you.”

• “That sounds really tough.”

• “I’m here with you.”

2. Learn About Anxiety

📚 Educate yourself on what anxiety is and how it works in the brain. Understanding that anxiety is more than “just stress” helps reduce frustration and stigma.

3. Encourage Healthy Coping Strategies

🌿 Gently encourage activities that support mental health:

• Regular movement or exercise

• Mindfulness or breathing exercises

• Consistent sleep routines

• Balanced nutrition

4. Offer Practical Support

🤝 Ask, “What would be most helpful for you right now?” Sometimes it’s a ride to therapy, a quiet space, or simply your presence.

5. Set Healthy Boundaries

💙 Supporting someone doesn’t mean neglecting your own well-being. Protect your energy by practicing self-care and setting limits when needed.

When Professional Help is Needed

If anxiety begins to interfere with your loved one’s daily life — school, work, relationships, or physical health — it may be time to seek professional support.

At Bay Psychiatry of Wisconsin, our psychiatric nurse practitioners offer:

• Therapy tailored to managing anxiety

• Medication management when needed

• Support for families navigating the challenges of anxiety

• Flexible options: in-person appointments in Green Bay, Door County, Wausau, and Oshkosh, plus telehealth across Wisconsin

You’re Not Alone in This Journey

Supporting someone with anxiety can be challenging, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. With the right tools, compassion, and professional guidance, both individuals and families can find relief.

👉 Request an appointment today to learn how we can support you and your loved ones.