ANXIETY

@KelvinTheThinker hi kevin I'm lola ❤ welcome to cups ❤ sorry your struggling with anxiety😞 I know that isn't a easy or nice thing to have. After initial introductions I think a listener would try to ask you how you are feeling right now and then see if you want to talk about it, or talk about something else as a distraction for you. Hope you find all the support you need here ❤❤gives you a giant tiny hug

@KelvinTheThinker It really depends on what has been said, my general advice would be show compassion and let them know how they're feeling is valid then ask them to expand on what they've said

@KelvinTheThinker

Step 1: Interact and reproduce their statement

It seems like you've been pretty anxious.

Step 2: Show empathy without undermining their emotions

Those feelings are completely normal. I know it's very hard on you, but we can work through this.

Step 3: Ask an open ended question (a question that cannot be answered in one or two words) to show interest

What made you feel this way?

Step 4: (optional) Suggest they do an exercise to calm down

How about we do a safe space exercise/breathing exercise/mindfulness exercise/... together?

That's how I do it at least. Always works like a charm. You can also try and educate yourself on more exercises and calming tools. Please remember though that you are not a professional and cannot treat, diagnose or advice a member :)