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How do I talk to my family and friends about my anxiety?

107 Answers
Last Updated: 09/24/2019 at 2:43am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

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
themightypotatochip
December 20th, 2015 6:03pm
In the end all you need to do is sit them down and talk about how you feel in certain situations that make you feel anxious, be honest and make sure you trust the person that you are talking to :)
AnnaWalker
December 23rd, 2015 4:22am
Approach them calmly. Explain how you're feeling, and leave them opportunity to talk with you. If things start to go the wrong way, just stop the converstation. All you need to do is go to them and be honest
Deephelp
December 23rd, 2015 12:56pm
i find a reasonable time, so that we cant be interrupted. i try to make them aware of my problems and the causes of the problems. also how my family members can help me facing these problems.
iouty
December 23rd, 2015 2:52pm
You don't have to first of all. But if you want to, I would describe the process as causing more anxiety.
Anonymous
December 23rd, 2015 7:52pm
Just talk like you would normally. I mean seriously it is not hard to tell your family and friends you have anxiety.
Anonymous
December 24th, 2015 12:07am
In my experience, it is difficult to talk about anxiety to those who have not experienced how severe it can be. It may help the process to find something to compare anxiety to- such as a menacing figure that follows you, threatening to strike at any moment. This may make it easier for your friends and family to understand what you are going through.
Anonymous
December 24th, 2015 12:59am
Remember that people that really care about you will never hesitate on listening, if they do, they might as well have some anxiety of their own, so always be true to your feelings and speak with an open heart to those you love, they maybe even confused at the beginning, but with time they will start to know you better, just as you will start to know them.
Anonymous
December 24th, 2015 9:04am
Just be honest. it will make it eaiser. Be open to what they are saying and try to what they saying if they give you a coping method.
Sh4una
December 24th, 2015 1:18pm
the best thing to do is to be honest and up front with them. Family will always stick by you, even if they take a while to adapt with you in your anxiety they will always be there and If they're close friends they will find a away to understand what you're going through and if they don't try, they're not the friends you need in your life.
Anonymous
December 25th, 2015 5:14am
Well depending on the type of anxiety you are expiereincing , you should first evaluate the situation. Come to terms of why you're having anxiety and what's causing it. This way, when you have a conversation to your friends and family about your anxiety you have reasoning behind the way you're feeling, which will help them in understanding why you're feeling the way you're feeling.
kindheartedKitty71
December 26th, 2015 12:38am
Try ro explain and make them understand you better... And always be honest about how you are feeling.. It won't help anyone if you sugercoate your feelings..
divinewillpower86
December 26th, 2015 10:11am
Holding onto anxiety makes us feel depressed and lonely. When we hide it or do not open with our family/friends then we are digging something for us. That should not be the case . You can share openly with them. they will support you by taking you to the right place and making you feel comfortable. Do remember its just a Feeling that takes over us and we feel bad. SO share and get over get.. Have a Good DAY!
Anonymous
December 26th, 2015 11:28am
You can talk to them about how much you have been struggling with this and how it affects your social life. They will help you because they are your family after all!
Grace61
December 27th, 2015 12:28am
Be straight, honest and vulnerable with them, keeping in mind that to be vulnerable is courageous and not a weakness. Just explain it as best you can. Ask for their support and understanding. Use humor when and if you can. Tell them your plan or your anxiety "tool kit" so they can help you with it. If you don't have an anxiety tool kit, get one. It will help you get back to controlling your own thoughts instead of them controlling you. If you have friends and family that want to belittle you b/c of this, think about whether you want to continue to hang out with those folks. You want to be around supportive, loving peeps that don't see you as "broken" and a victim - but rather as just having something more to deal with - like laundry to be done each week, you also have anxiety to do. :)
FountainOfTruth
December 27th, 2015 6:13am
Make sure you're talking to the right person. Unfortunately, not all of your friends and family will necessarily be supportive. If it's the right person, it will be easy to talk to them. Maybe the right person to talk to isn't necessarily super close to you: like a doctor or a therapist, or a fellow student/colleague.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2015 7:54am
I know it must be hard for but I believe you should explain first what anxiety is; Its not just a state of mind or a phase but its a mental illness and it should be taken seriously.
wonderfulhurrane74
December 30th, 2015 11:04am
U should approach that subject with delicacy and seriously because its important that they understand that u arent joking and that ur not saying that for attention
BelleDay
December 30th, 2015 6:54pm
It is good to talk about how we feel. What has been the most effective approach in sharing with others in the past?
DaeylynsXhereXtoXhelp
December 31st, 2015 12:35am
Just be honest with them and tell them your triggers. Also tell them how they can help calm you down if you start having a panic attack.
TroylerPhan02
January 1st, 2016 5:11pm
Sit them down. Tell them not to judge. And just talk about what causes it and why. If they get mad ignore them.
squeek
January 2nd, 2016 5:47am
Well that's kinda hard to answer anxiety effects some people different so I would first start off with a one on one conversation with a close friend or relative than move on to talking with every one about it after you've gotten it all out already so you know you can do it
Leah2016
January 2nd, 2016 7:53pm
Don't be nervous about talking to friends and family about your anxiety they are there to help and to listen to you. You choose the person your comfortable speaking to and tell them
arthurka
January 2nd, 2016 9:39pm
I recommend that you mention any difficulties you may be having in school at work or with relationships and bring up how it makes you feel and you may be able to get support for your issues.
BlaireMack198
January 3rd, 2016 8:21pm
Just be upfront with them and tell them how about it, there is no way for them to support you and help you out if they don't know the truth
Anonymous
January 3rd, 2016 8:30pm
write it down as a note if you're too scared for face-to-face. Try talking to those who you think will understand better first. I read once that this person used "the perks of being a wallflower" to highlight certain things that showed how he felt and gifted the book to his parents for christmas. it really worked. Don''t be scared, be honest, and remember: this is for you. To make you better. if they don't understand, get professionals involved. or a teacher. make them understand. Hope this helps, good luck! :)
Yourfairygodbro
January 3rd, 2016 9:47pm
Tell them "I have anxiety" and explain what that means to you. Talk to them one on one and if they care, they'll treat you kindly. If they don't, its their fault.
shiningWinter67
January 6th, 2016 2:45am
I slowly chat too them about what causes mine and then we look at solutions but we do not rush into solutions until it is understood!
Reid3020
January 6th, 2016 7:32pm
However you best feel doing so. It is always going to be quite frightening opening up to your close ones about what is going on in your head - but they love you and they will understand. Plus you will probably feel a lot better knowing that you aren't going to have to go through it alone anymore.
serenitynow04
January 7th, 2016 5:45am
Be honest. Tell them how you feel emotionally and physically. And how anxiety affects you in different situations.
Anonymous
January 8th, 2016 5:02pm
Be opened.Tell them how you truly feel.If they cannot understand, seek either a friend to talk to and release your frustration and stress or professional help if you think nothing else helps.