HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
Supporting someone with anxiety
Te tautoko i tētahi me te āwangawanga
Your support can make a big difference to someone close to you. Often, someone will start treatment because their whānau (family) or friends have encouraged them.
It can be hard to know what to say and how to help. Just being there, doing things together and staying connected can make a difference.
Depression.org.nz has more detailed advice about helping someone who has depression or anxiety.
It's also important to look after yourself.
If you're involved in caring for someone who has an anxiety disorder, you might find some support at Family Mental Health Support. They offer free support and resources for whānau of people with mental illness.
When someone has an anxiety disorder, they might find being a parent particularly challenging. The whole family could benefit by using some of the resources and contacting the support groups listed on Children of parents with a mental illness or addiction.
You can get more information and advice from Anxiety New Zealand. They also have a helpline (0800-269-4389) with specially trained volunteers who you can talk to.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Yellow Brick Road – Letting anxiety go
A guide to understanding and healing anxiety in your loved ones.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2023.
SourcesReview key: HIAXA-50595
