Source-linked ways to support someone with anxiety, from first worries to a crisis. Check the actions that fit, then save or print them.Download our weekly anxiety and medicine logDownload PDFAbout the log
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National Institute of Mental Health · Generalized anxiety disorderTalk with teachers and others who see your child often about their behavior at school or daycare.
Consider seeking help if a child's behavior or emotions last for weeks or longer, cause distress, or interfere with daily life.
National Institute of Mental Health · Children and mental healthSet aside a time to talk, share your concern, and reassure them of your support.
An honest conversation with someone they trust is often the first step toward help.
National Institute of Mental Health · Generalized anxiety disorderContact your child's health care provider if severe separation anxiety continues after about age 2.
Separation anxiety is a normal stage that usually ends around age 2. When it starts or returns in the teen years, it may signal an anxiety disorder.
MedlinePlus · Separation anxiety in childrenIf a child who talks at home cannot speak at school and it is affecting school and social life, talk with their health care provider.
The child is usually truly unable to speak in those settings, not choosing not to. Treatment involves both the family and the school.
MedlinePlus · Selective mutismIf anxiety starts to cause problems at school, at work, or with friends and family, encourage a visit to a health care provider.
A primary care provider can check for other causes and refer to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker.
National Institute of Mental Health · Panic disorderSupporting someone through a hard time can bring up difficult emotions. If it does, reach out for support yourself.
You can contact 988 at any time for help if someone you care about is struggling.
988 Lifeline · Help someone elseEncourage the steps in their therapy plan rather than helping them avoid every feared situation.
Avoiding situations that cause anxiety may feel helpful in the short term, but the anxiety is likely to remain without treatment.
National Institute of Mental Health · Social anxiety disorderHelp them take medicine as prescribed, and encourage them not to stop without talking to the prescriber.
Stopping a medicine too soon can cause unpleasant or harmful effects. A provider can lower the dose slowly and safely.
National Institute of Mental Health · Mental health medicationsBe kind and patient, acknowledge progress no matter how small, and expect setbacks along the way.
Managing an anxiety disorder takes time, and progress is rarely a straight line.
National Institute of Mental Health · Panic disorderIf they take a benzodiazepine, help them avoid alcohol and opioids with it, and never stop it suddenly.
Combining these medicines can cause dangerous breathing problems, and stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal reactions, including seizures. Seek medical help right away for trouble breathing.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration · Boxed Warning updated for benzodiazepines (Sep 23, 2020)In the first few weeks and after a dose change, watch for an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially in anyone under 25.
People of all ages taking antidepressants should be watched closely early on. If someone is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
National Institute of Mental Health · Mental health medicationsConnect with a local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) affiliate in your state for family support.
Family members and caregivers often play a large role in supporting someone with a mental illness. You are not alone.
National Alliance on Mental Illness · Family members and caregiversBe willing to listen and accept their feelings. Do not debate whether suicide is right or wrong or lecture on the value of life.
Acknowledge what they say, even with a nod, and repeat or summarize what you hear to show you are trying to understand.
988 Lifeline · Help someone elseTalking about wanting to die or being a burden, feeling trapped or hopeless, making a plan, giving things away, or using more alcohol or drugs are warning signs.
Get help as soon as possible, especially if the behavior is new or has increased. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.
National Institute of Mental Health · Warning signs of suicideIf someone tells you about a plan to hurt themselves, contact 988 or encourage them to reach out. Do not be sworn to secrecy.
Help keep them safe by removing means such as weapons or pills, and get help from people who specialize in crisis support.
988 Lifeline · Help someone elseAsk. Be there. Help keep them safe. Help them connect. Follow up.
These evidence-based steps from the 988 Lifeline give a simple blueprint for helping someone in crisis.
988 Lifeline · Help someone else
