AgrajagsLament

Most times just being there is enough, knowing how to listen. Realize that her problems might not sound like big ones to you, so try to understand where she's coming from. Celebrate the small victories. Offer a different perspective, but without making it sound like she's wrong. It can be tough and everyone deals with anxiety in different ways. A positive relaxing focus always helps. Just be yourself, she'll see that you're not just trying to make her feel better, but that you're a true friend she can depend on. Sorry I wasn't too specific, but a lot depends on her needs. The fact that you care enough to find ways to help her shows that she's already in good hands.

I personally find it hard to go out and do stuff, but whenever I manage to go for a walk in the park or even sit there and read it relaxes me. My walk home after being in nature feels calm. Other times I end up watching a familiar and comforting TV show. I know it doesn't sound like much or that I'm ignoring the problem, but most times there isn't a problem, it's just feelings of anxiety, so I ride them out.

One of the hardest things about anxiety is getting other people to understand. They see anxiety as simply being nervous or overreacting. A lot of times I ask for acceptance rather than understanding. We already know our life is hard and confusing, we know we're "different", we just want to feel ok. So if the staff approach the students KNOWING that they are going through things they can't relate to then they can learn to just listen, to be there, to not try to make them do more, but rather walk through it with them at their own pace. The last thing a person with anxiety needs is someone rushing them. Knowing that simple tasks are hard for them. Patience. Know that each student is an individual and their anxiety is specific to them. If you get frustrated trying to help just imagine what it must be like for the students who deal with this every day. Have the staff watch videos of people telling their personal experiences, get to know what it's really like. Most of all create a happy safe space and celebrate the little victories. Anxiety is complex and can vary person to person, but being open to help others is a great start. Thank you for being a caring teacher, your students and staff will learn a lot from you, just lead by example.

It took me years of procrastinating, but I finally got myself around to seeing a therapist. Funny how the thing keeping me from going was the reason I wanted to go. It has helped. Simply talking and venting in a comfortable, judgement free environment can do wonders. I am not on medication though I have thought about giving it a go. One reason I avoided therapy (and now medication) is the cost of it. There are many places that offer sliding scale fees and will accommodate. They shouldn't simply go looking for a psychiatrist (unless they feel they really need to), there are many licenced therapist who have different degrees who can easily help with anxiety at a lower cost. It's important to look around not just at the fee but at the therapist and find someone you can trust. I recommend therapy to just about anyone regardless of mental health issues. Other than that, your friend is lucky to have a friend like you who cares and will simply listen. Just being there can so much.

I do recommend therapy (to anxiety sufferers and to anyone really). Someone to talk to who can help guide the conversation. A friend is always great and you should have someone you trust to just be there for you, but sometimes a therapist fills the gap a little more simply by being someone outside your friend/family group, someone who does not judge and will hear anything you have to say. I also recommend walks or a park. Getting outside and in nature can do wonders. Find some comforting music and go for a walk somewhere quiet. Even find a hobby. I taught myself guitar and it was relaxing and I felt good with every new chord and song I learned. Sometimes we just need a positive and relaxing environment. Find what you enjoy most and spread it to other corners of your life. You've got this, you're not alone.