Supporting People Living with Anxiety
Professional guidance, practical strategies, and interactive learning for carers supporting individuals with anxiety disorders.
Adults experience anxiety disorders annually (US)
UK adults experience weekly anxiety symptoms
Professional support significantly improves recovery outcomes
Daily Practice Streak
Knowledge Quiz
Test your understanding of anxiety support strategies! This quiz covers recognition, validation, exposure therapy, and professional guidance.
Today's Challenges
Reach Out to Support Network
Connect with another carer/parent or support group
Practice Active Listening
Spend 10 minutes listening to worries without immediately problem-solving
Self-Care Check-In
Assess your own stress level and do one thing for yourself today
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Complete challenges and maintain streaks to unlock achievements!
Understanding Your Role as a Carer
Whether you're a professional carer, family member, or friend, your support is crucial for recovery.
Professional Carers
Healthcare workers, support workers, care home staff supporting individuals with anxiety as part of their professional duties.
Family/Friend Carers
Family members, partners, or friends providing ongoing support to someone living with anxiety.
Important: Self-care is not selfish. Caregiver burnout is real. You cannot pour from an empty cup—taking care of yourself enables you to provide better support.
Core Support Strategies
Evidence-based approaches for supporting someone with anxiety
Special Considerations
Caring for Elderly with Anxiety
Understand Age-Specific Factors:
- Medical conditions may contribute (thyroid, heart conditions)
- Grief and loss are common triggers
- Fear of losing independence
- Medication side effects or interactions
Support Strategies:
- Encourage social connection (combat isolation)
- Senior centers, community groups, family visits
- Safety modifications (fall prevention → reduces fear of falling)
- Advocate in healthcare (anxiety often under-recognized in elderly)
- Medication review for interactions
- Provide transportation to appointments, social activities
- Monitor for depression (high comorbidity)
Taking Care of Yourself: Preventing Caregiver Burnout
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Your wellbeing matters.
Signs of Caregiver Burnout:
- Chronic fatigue, exhaustion
- Withdrawal from friends, activities
- Irritability, anger
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety, depression
- Physical health problems
- Resentment toward person you're caring for
- Feeling helpless, overwhelmed
Self-Care Strategies:
- Set boundaries: It's okay to say no. You don't have to be available 24/7.
- Take breaks: Regular time away is essential, not selfish.
- Seek support: Carer support groups, therapy for yourself
- Maintain your own health: Exercise, sleep, nutrition, hobbies
- Ask for help: Share caregiving duties with others
- Accept imperfection: You're doing your best; that's enough
Remember: Taking care of yourself is part of providing good care. When you're rested and supported, you can offer better support to them.
If you're in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm
Please reach out for immediate support. You don't have to face this alone. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
United Kingdom Resources
United States Resources
When to Seek Emergency Help
- •You're having thoughts of harming yourself or suicide
- •You have a plan to end your life
- •You're feeling unable to cope or keep yourself safe
- •Your anxiety is so severe you can't function
- •You're experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other severe physical symptoms