How do I talk to my family and friends about my anxiety?
107 Answers
Last Updated: 09/24/2019 at 2:43am
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Elaine Kish, LMSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
My goal is to treat clients with respect and compassion. I am a supportive, strengths-based therapist with experience in treating mood disorders, grief, and trauma.
Top Rated Answers
Trust that your feelings are valid and important, and your family will be there for you. Also trust that your family will understand if you are comfortable enough to open up about any concerns you are having!
You can always tell them that there's something important that you need to discuss. Prepare some resources for them to look at so that they can understand you better. If you don't feel comfortable with that, you can write a letter and give it to them so that they have time to read it and think about it so that you can talk about it at a later time.
You can write down what you want to say first and recite what you write. This will prevent your anxiety from increasing.
You can gather them all and tell them that you have anxiety ..and that they should take care of you while you are taking the medicine whatever it is .
Anonymous
October 31st, 2014 3:17pm
Talk to your mom in a calm place, then go to your dad and do the same. Your parents will find a way to talk to each other about it. Don't be scared, it happens to many people.
Try to bring up the subject in a neutral way; try to avoid naming causes, and simply try to illuminate that they exist.
Start by arranging a time where you can all sit down and listen to each other. Tell them what you're feeling, and don't be afraid to unleash you're deep feelings. Remember, you're family and friends are there for you. Another option is to schedule appointments a counselor. There you have the option to talk about you're anxiety and then schedule a meeting for you're parents to come in with you, that way you can tell them in there with your counselor. Anxiety can be a scary thing but it's something we can overcome. Believe in yourself.
The best way to talk to family and friends about anxiety is to start with your most comfortable person, whether that be your Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister etc. , then I would suggest gaining confidence in telling people this. Make sure that you aren't forcing yourself when you aren't ready. If you must, you can practice what you will say to this individual. Overall, you want to go at your own pace. Now speaking about your type of anxiety is up to you. I am not aware of what type of anxiety you have whatsoever, so I would think about it. YOU know YOU best, so take your time, and when you're ready, be open and calm about it. Sincerely- IListenWell (Alex)
Its important to be open and honest with yourself first and foremost; being open and confiding in your family and friends is essential to achieve relief, and to cleanse the body; its understandable to be anxious and even more anxious about sharing such feelings with friends and family, just take it easy and take it one step at a time, breathe and dont be fearful of sharing with those that you love and appreciate, they will love and appreciate you as well, in return.
You can talk to your family and friends about anxiety by educating them and showing them the Anxiety Guides on 7 Cups that describe the causes and helpful tips.
You do it when you feel like the time is right. I recommend start a conversation like this when you're together and both not busy doing anything. How? Try to be clear about how you feel, when you feel like this and what makes your anxiety trigger. Try not to shout, be calm about it but show them how you really feel. If you feel like crying, then cry. They are your family and they are your friends you should feel comfortable around these people and they should be able to show some understanding.
start out with how your are feeling and whats going on in your life, then slowly move to what anxiety is all about and how it can occur. Then later inform them on how this occurrence has happened to you and what you have faced during the anxiety occurrence. Its always good to let the people close to you know what is happening to you and how to deal with it if the situation arises.
Talking to people about your anxiety can be a great help. You could start off by explaining what anxiety is, letting them know what causes you anxiety and what they can do when you're experiencing panic. Many people experience some level of anxiety in their life and it's very likely that the person you speak to will be able to relate to some of your feelings!
Anonymous
December 10th, 2015 4:40pm
Tell them everything, from what triggered you to the last time you had it. I'm sure they'll understand as long as you are sincere about your emotions and anxieties :) Good luck!
Everybody reacts differently to certain situations, the best way would be to talk to your loved ones separately, you know, go out for lunch or at home. Relaxed
they won't judge you, anxiety can be a very serious thing and if they know that you're dealing with it they'll want to help and be there for you. Just sit with them and explain it to them
Tell them how you feel, do not hesitate and they'll find help to reduce your anxiety and for you to be calm.
As someone who suffers from anxiety, it can be hard to admit it to others. Have faith that they'll understand. Anxiety is a highly treatable disorder and it's pretty likely that your loved ones will only want to help. There's nothing wrong with you, these things just tend to happen sometimes. Bring it up in a setting where you feel comfortable and be sure to let your loved ones know that you have something pretty serious that you would like to talk with them about.
Be yourself and be honest. Mental Health issues are something that we all need to talk about more, and you shouldn't be afraid of the stigma that people place on mental ill health.
I think you should sit them down and tell them honestly, firmly and clearly what is bothering you and what you would like them to do to support / help you through this situation. Be strong. You deserve to be happy, healthy and loved.
My friend had anxiety and she came to me for help on how to tell people and I said just sit down with her/him and ease them into it
Anonymous
December 13th, 2015 10:49pm
It's always best to talk to your nearest, when you have the structure of support around you, you wonder why you didn't talk to those sooner.
Anonymous
December 17th, 2015 6:56pm
Stay with the person and keep calm.Don't make assumptions about what the person needs,simple sentences.Be predictable.
The best thing you can do is honestly explain what's happening. Sometimes people don't understand exactly what anxiety is. As honestly as you can explain your symptoms and what makes you anxious. Always remember to take care of yourself and put your safety first.
Anonymous
December 19th, 2015 1:24am
if you know that nothing will change or happen after you talk to them, then don't, not worth it. get a counselling from someone you trust, if you don't have anyone, please go see a doctor! Please!!
Be as honest with them as you can. Let them know that you understand it's a confusing topic, and that you don't fully understand either. If you are aware, let them know the best way to speak to you during an anxiety attack.
Anonymous
December 19th, 2015 4:05pm
you should think this through if your confident enough to tell them about what your going though. it helps you a little feel more relief than what you are feeling
Anonymous
December 19th, 2015 9:45pm
Find someone who is close and honest to you, tell them u have some issues and u need someone to talk to about it and that u trust them, they will be happy that u do and they will ask you what's wrong and then you can talk.
I know it may seem like a big thing to tell someone about how you feel but lots and lots of people suffer from anxiety so simply having a quite conversation with them and explaining how you feel is the easiest way forward they may suffer with anxiety too, don't be afraid to be open.
You understand that honest is your way of life if you suffer from anxiety. Nerves are not persuaded.
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