How to Tell if Someone is Anxious<\/strong><\/h2>\nAnxiety symptoms can manifest in multiple ways: physically, psychologically and behaviorally. If you think someone may be anxious, consider if their actions and\/or demeanor match the following symptoms:<\/p>\n
![\"Symptoms](\"https:\/\/staging.grafik.mentalhealthfirstaid.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Symptoms-of-Anxiety.png\")
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<\/h2>\nHow to Help Someone With Anxiety<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you suspect someone is having a panic attack, Mental Health First Aid<\/a> teaches you to follow the ALGEE action steps:<\/p>\n1. A<\/span>SSESS for risk of suicide or harm: <\/strong>To start, you\u2019ll want to identify if they\u2019re in a crisis. If they\u2019re experiencing an extreme level of anxiety, a panic attack<\/a>, nonsuicidal self-injury<\/a> or suicidal thoughts<\/a>, address that particular crisis first.<\/p>\n2. L<\/span>ISTEN nonjudgmentally: <\/strong>If the person isn\u2019t in a crisis, ask how they\u2019re feeling and how long they\u2019ve been feeling that way. If they wonder why you\u2019re inquiring, explain that you\u2019re concerned and what signs you\u2019ve noticed, but be sure to be nonjudgmental.<\/p>\nBe patient and engaged while they speak. Ask clarifying questions and use minimal prompts \u2013 like \u201cI see\u201d \u2013 to keep them talking. Pay attention and show that you care.<\/p>\n
3. G<\/span>IVE reassurance and information: <\/strong>Your support can have a huge impact on the person. Sometimes it will be difficult \u2013 the person might want to give up trying to find help or might get frustrated during the process \u2013 but if you\u2019re kind, genuine and persistent, you can help sway them. However, always make sure they\u2019re involved in the decision-making, because treating the person with respect and giving them autonomy is equally important.<\/p>\nMaintain positive language \u2013 don\u2019t blame them for their illness or symptoms. Remind them that recovery is possible and that you\u2019ll be there for them along the way.<\/p>\n
4. E<\/span>NCOURAGE appropriate professional help:<\/strong> If it appears professional assistance might be needed, offer to help the person understand their options for professional help. Primary care physicians, mental health professionals, psychiatrists and certified peer specialists are all possibilities for getting support with anxiety disorders. Encourage the person to explore these options, offer to help them research to choose the best option and keep them motivated throughout the process.<\/p>\n5. E<\/span>NCOURAGE self-help and other support strategies: <\/strong>Ask them where they can find additional support, whether it\u2019s from loved ones or trusted communities. Additionally, you can ask if they\u2019ve tried the following self-help strategies:<\/p>\nRelaxation training<\/p>\n
Meditation<\/p>\n
Self-help books based on cognitive behavioral therapy<\/p>\n
Exercise<\/p>\n
To learn more strategies for supporting people, take Mental Health First Aid<\/a>. The course will teach you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance use issues. Become part of a movement to change the culture around mental health.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\nHow to Help Someone With Anxiety<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you suspect someone is having a panic attack, Mental Health First Aid<\/a> teaches you to follow the ALGEE action steps:<\/p>\n1. A<\/span>SSESS for risk of suicide or harm: <\/strong>To start, you\u2019ll want to identify if they\u2019re in a crisis. If they\u2019re experiencing an extreme level of anxiety, a panic attack<\/a>, nonsuicidal self-injury<\/a> or suicidal thoughts<\/a>, address that particular crisis first.<\/p>\n2. L<\/span>ISTEN nonjudgmentally: <\/strong>If the person isn\u2019t in a crisis, ask how they\u2019re feeling and how long they\u2019ve been feeling that way. If they wonder why you\u2019re inquiring, explain that you\u2019re concerned and what signs you\u2019ve noticed, but be sure to be nonjudgmental.<\/p>\nBe patient and engaged while they speak. Ask clarifying questions and use minimal prompts \u2013 like \u201cI see\u201d \u2013 to keep them talking. Pay attention and show that you care.<\/p>\n
3. G<\/span>IVE reassurance and information: <\/strong>Your support can have a huge impact on the person. Sometimes it will be difficult \u2013 the person might want to give up trying to find help or might get frustrated during the process \u2013 but if you\u2019re kind, genuine and persistent, you can help sway them. However, always make sure they\u2019re involved in the decision-making, because treating the person with respect and giving them autonomy is equally important.<\/p>\nMaintain positive language \u2013 don\u2019t blame them for their illness or symptoms. Remind them that recovery is possible and that you\u2019ll be there for them along the way.<\/p>\n
4. E<\/span>NCOURAGE appropriate professional help:<\/strong> If it appears professional assistance might be needed, offer to help the person understand their options for professional help. Primary care physicians, mental health professionals, psychiatrists and certified peer specialists are all possibilities for getting support with anxiety disorders. Encourage the person to explore these options, offer to help them research to choose the best option and keep them motivated throughout the process.<\/p>\n5. E<\/span>NCOURAGE self-help and other support strategies: <\/strong>Ask them where they can find additional support, whether it\u2019s from loved ones or trusted communities. Additionally, you can ask if they\u2019ve tried the following self-help strategies:<\/p>\nRelaxation training<\/p>\n
Meditation<\/p>\n
Self-help books based on cognitive behavioral therapy<\/p>\n
Exercise<\/p>\n
To learn more strategies for supporting people, take Mental Health First Aid<\/a>. The course will teach you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance use issues. Become part of a movement to change the culture around mental health.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
1. A<\/span>SSESS for risk of suicide or harm: <\/strong>To start, you\u2019ll want to identify if they\u2019re in a crisis. If they\u2019re experiencing an extreme level of anxiety, a panic attack<\/a>, nonsuicidal self-injury<\/a> or suicidal thoughts<\/a>, address that particular crisis first.<\/p>\n 2. L<\/span>ISTEN nonjudgmentally: <\/strong>If the person isn\u2019t in a crisis, ask how they\u2019re feeling and how long they\u2019ve been feeling that way. If they wonder why you\u2019re inquiring, explain that you\u2019re concerned and what signs you\u2019ve noticed, but be sure to be nonjudgmental.<\/p>\n Be patient and engaged while they speak. Ask clarifying questions and use minimal prompts \u2013 like \u201cI see\u201d \u2013 to keep them talking. Pay attention and show that you care.<\/p>\n 3. G<\/span>IVE reassurance and information: <\/strong>Your support can have a huge impact on the person. Sometimes it will be difficult \u2013 the person might want to give up trying to find help or might get frustrated during the process \u2013 but if you\u2019re kind, genuine and persistent, you can help sway them. However, always make sure they\u2019re involved in the decision-making, because treating the person with respect and giving them autonomy is equally important.<\/p>\n Maintain positive language \u2013 don\u2019t blame them for their illness or symptoms. Remind them that recovery is possible and that you\u2019ll be there for them along the way.<\/p>\n 4. E<\/span>NCOURAGE appropriate professional help:<\/strong> If it appears professional assistance might be needed, offer to help the person understand their options for professional help. Primary care physicians, mental health professionals, psychiatrists and certified peer specialists are all possibilities for getting support with anxiety disorders. Encourage the person to explore these options, offer to help them research to choose the best option and keep them motivated throughout the process.<\/p>\n 5. E<\/span>NCOURAGE self-help and other support strategies: <\/strong>Ask them where they can find additional support, whether it\u2019s from loved ones or trusted communities. Additionally, you can ask if they\u2019ve tried the following self-help strategies:<\/p>\n Relaxation training<\/p>\n Meditation<\/p>\n Self-help books based on cognitive behavioral therapy<\/p>\n Exercise<\/p>\n To learn more strategies for supporting people, take Mental Health First Aid<\/a>. The course will teach you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance use issues. Become part of a movement to change the culture around mental health.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"