Getting Help For A Family Member Who Struggles With Fear And
Anxiety
It is not easy to watch a family member or relative struggle
with fear and anxiety. The first step is that you should get him
or her to talk to a professional who can get them started in the
right path of getting better. Getting professional help for
their fears and anxiety is very important. In addition, here are
some techniques a person can use to help manage their fears and
anxieties.
Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about
how you will get through the rest of the week or coming month,
try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different
opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how
to deal with your problems. Focus on the present and stop trying
to predict what may happen next week. Next week will take care
of itself.
A good way to manage your fear is to challenge your negative
thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When
encountering thoughts that make your fearful or anxious,
challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will
maintain objectivity and common sense.
Sometimes, we may be nervous doing a certain task that may be
scary. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in
your mind. For instance, you and your team have to play in the
championship hockey game in front of a large group of people in
the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself
playing the game in your mind. Imagine that your playing in
front of a large audience. By playing the game in your mind, you
will be better prepared to perform for real when the time comes.
Self Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress
of a coming situation.
Remember that there is one power that is stronger than your
fears and that is the power of God. A person does not have to be
religious to use the power of God. When the going gets tough,
talk to God about your problems as if you were talking to a
friend. Review the Bible and pray hard. Be persistent and be
open in the avenues that God may provide to you in solving your
problem. It is not always easy, however God is in control and he
will help you if you ask him.
As a Layman, I realize it is not easy to deal with all of our
fears, however there are all kinds of help available. The key is
to be patient and not to give up. In time, you will be able to
find those resources that will help you with your problems.