Anxiety help

[court12310]

Hello,

I'm wanting to know, how do you let someone know that you suffer from anxiety but your scared to tell this someone face to face. But when you try to talk to them in person you just freeze while trying to bring up the fact you have anxiety.

Thank you.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hey court12310,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for being here.

This is a great question! This is not an easy thing to do and I'm really glad that you want to share this with someone.

Here are some general ideas - maybe you can pick and choose what might work for you:

- Choose someone that you trust. It can be hard not knowing how people will react.

- When you decide to tell them, make sure there's no distractions around; if you're about to go anywhere/do something it's not a good time. If it's a friend maybe you could invite them around. That way they have your full attention and it gives you lots of space and time. It can also be easier to do it with just one person rather than in big groups.

- It might help to practice what you want to say. Some people even find that they write things down first. I also know lots of people who write letters and then either give them the letter or read the letter out loud.

- Decide what you want them to know. Do you want them to just listen?

- Sometimes brochures or info pamphlets can help. They have lots of info about anxiety and can help both you and the other person understand what's going on. Sometimes people might need time to process it.

I know that it can be hard (and even very scary) telling people about anxiety because we don't know how they'll react. But please know that everyone will react differently and it doesn't reflect on you. You're still the same you.

Hope this helps!

[Zeal]

Hi court,

Welcome to the forum!

Romantic thief has given some great tips already! There are also online fact sheets on talking to others about mental health. On this website, go to the first button on the menu bar (Get support), and then go to Have the conversation. These links could be quite useful 🙂

Best wishes,

SM

[Narniakid]

Hi court12310,

Thanks for reaching out to us and welcome to the forums.

Romantic thief's list of questions to consider are spot on, and as SM has mentioned, it is definitely worth looking around on the beyondblue website, because as well as these forums, there's a wealth of knowledge and advice on dealing with anxiety.

I think writing things down, in dot points or a letter, is a great way to open up. I've been struggling with anxiety for about 6 years now, and I was able to open up to my parents and to my psychologist by writing down my thoughts. It gives you a chance to cross things out and find the write words for what you're trying to express.

Telling people about how you're feeling can be pretty terrifying, but I promise you it is 100% worth it in regards to getting support and professional help.

Crystal