Feeling nervous before a big test or interview is perfectly natural. This type of temporary anxiety is very common, but for some women, these feelings never go away—even after the stressor has come and gone. Find out how to spot anxiety in women so you can encourage your loved one to seek anxiety treatment at Promises Brazos Valley. We offer gender-specific treatment options as well as trauma-informed care to target the unique needs of women in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs).
What is it like living with anxiety?
Most people have experienced anxiety at some point in their lives, so you may have an idea of what it’s like. However, having an anxiety disorder is different from experiencing occasional anxious feelings. Living with anxiety can look like:
- Constantly having a nagging sense of impending doom
- Often thinking about all the things that could go wrong in any given situation
- Avoiding people, places, or things that trigger anxious feelings
For some, anxiety can make it difficult to leave the house, as is the case with an anxiety disorder known as agoraphobia. Attending social outings can be a literal nightmare for those with social anxiety disorder. And for individuals with driving anxiety, the lack of the freedom to just hop into the car and go where you want or need to go can be stunting and even embarrassing.
Recognizing anxiety in women
Both men and women can be affected by anxiety, but it may present a bit differently. You can help a woman in your life recognize anxiety symptoms by being aware of the typical signs of anxiety in women, such as:
- Frequently avoiding social situations
- Chronic headaches, stomach aches, and fatigue
- Restlessness and excessive worrying
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Using alcohol or drugs to self-medicate
Anxiety can make it challenging to get through the day, especially with the demands of work, relationships, and childcare. If you notice that a woman you care about seems to be having a hard time, sit down with them and ask how she’s doing. Open up the conversation to what’s going on behind the scenes. Many women try to cover up anxiety symptoms and put up a facade that all is well and they’re on top of all of their responsibilities. But without treatment, chronic anxiety can only get worse, so encourage a woman you love to get the help she deserves.
How to help someone with anxiety
Knowing how to help someone with anxiety is the best thing you can do to support your loved one. Too many women struggle with anxiety on their own, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some tips on what you can do to help a woman in your life who’s dealing with anxiety.
Educate yourself about anxiety
The more you understand what it’s like living with anxiety and how the condition affects a woman’s life, the easier it’ll be for you to empathize and offer support.
Share information about anxiety treatment
Not everyone is aware of the treatment options available for anxiety today. Women often feel too busy or overwhelmed to take time out to attend treatment, but with today’s teletherapy options, any woman can fit anxiety treatment into their schedule. Help your loved one find an anxiety treatment program that accommodates their specific needs.
Encourage them to pay attention to their needs
Some women feel they’ve got to tough things out for the sake of their loved ones since women often take on caregiver roles. Emphasize to your loved one that self-care isn’t selfish and that caring for themselves can actually improve their ability to be there and fully present for their friends and family. Please encourage them to take time for things they enjoy and pamper themselves, like getting their nails done, getting a massage, attending a yoga class, or simply taking a hot bath.
Reach out to Promises Brazos Valley for anxiety treatment
Occasional anxiety typically goes away on its own after a triggering event is gone. But for women who experience chronic anxiety, those fears and worries are stubborn and will continue until proper treatment is secured. Encourage your loved one to call Promises Brazos Valley today at 979.426.0086 or fill out our online form to get more information about our anxiety treatment options and schedule an intake assessment.