Supporting Someone With GAD

[pjsgurl]

Hi all,
I've been doing some research on anxiety and panic attacks and stumbled upon this forum. I have a very close friend who after much persuasion made and an appointment with his GP, explained his feelings and symptoms and has just been diagnosed with GAD. I'm looking for some advice on how best to support him and what steps I can take to help him along the way. I'm pretty much the only person he feels calm and relaxed around and his family sort of dismissed it as not being serious. His doctor said that having me as support would be very beneficial to him so I guess I'm asking how to do you get support? Or how do you wish you were supported.
Thanks for your time.
Pj

[Foxjo]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

The best way to support your friend is to be there for him. try and understand him (which you probably do already!) and dont judge him. what he thinks is rational to him may sound crazy to you etc.

im glad he has managed to go and see his doctor. it takes a lot of courage to do that.
familys are not always supportive, perhaps because they dont understand- depression/anxiety and mental health issues were not as much recognised in 'their day'. maybe they think he will 'snap out of it' on his own - all of this is untrue. he needs help/support and perhaps medications depending on his diagnoisis.

counselling may also help your friend or talking therapies as its called nowadays. his doctor can put him on a waiting list for that. unfortunately it takes time and effort to get under control, its not a quick fix illness and he is going to need a lot of your patience.

well done for sticking with him. dont give up on him.
keep in touch
Fox
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