Anxiety is a disorder that is commonly found in people these days. Mostly it is described as a moderate feeling or a short term feeling, which is a response to a particular stressor. Anxiety is a mental state of fear or nervousness about what might happen and a prevalent emotion that many health professionals encounter daily among those with various health problems. As per recent research, 23% of young adults with cancer in curative intent therapy were experiencing anxiety. 43.6% of family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease experienced anxiety and significantly higher among those with Behcets syndrome. In addition to all of that, anxiety could lead to serious health complications such as generalized anxiety disorder or increased risk of mortality. For most patients, hospitalization triggers some degree of fear and frustration, which also gives them significant anxiety. Establishing or developing an open line of communication may not always be the solution for the patients. A patient could go through severe panic attacks, phobias, defense mechanisms in the form of anxiety, and as a result of this, we shall learn about the things to keep in mind while nursing a patient with anxiety.
Do not argue or confront the person:
“It is okay” and “Just chill” is something that one should avoid saying in front of a patient dealing with anxiety. You might not know what one is feeling and what might trigger an anxiety attack, so either come up with solutions or do not speak with them at all. Arguing and confronting them will put them into a very different state and might give them more anxiety and panic attacks during the conversation. Rather prevent help the patient from being nervous and exhausted. That help can make them feel better at least for some time.
Breathing Exercises:
Controlled breathing is one of the simplest ways to nurse a patient dealing with anxiety. Deep breath often forces the mind, heart, and body to slow down and relax the mind and body, countering the effects of stress. Doctors and therapists have many ways to help the patient lean and implement these breathing exercises. There are different types of yoga asanas and other therapies that one can follow, which helps in dealing with anxiety. Breathing in and out has been one of the most common yoga therapy recommended by therapists and counselors in India. Also, this breathing therapy can help one deal with anxiety issues and calm their soul for the rest of the day.
Calming Environments:
Even today, many people feel a different kind of connection with nature, and it calms the mind just in a pleasant environment. Even the rehabilitation centers and hospitals where there are cases of anxiety and depression, the doctors have started following the pattern. Talking about nature and taking them to a natural environment to witness and feel its beauty helps in dealing with anxiety and let all the negativity from the body flow out. Hospitals have started building small garden areas in the front corridor so that they do not have to go and search anywhere long. In extreme cases, doctors can have their patients imagine a calm environment like a beach or garden. Imagination is altogether a different kind of therapy, and if it works, then that is the best way possible for one to deal with anxiety.
Let the patient talk:
When a person is dealing through anxiety, he or she usually wants to be heard. All those fears and phobias they are facing have to be known by the doctor so that they can give a solution to it. Asking on how they are feeling is one of the best things one can do because all they want during that time is someone who can care and hear them out. Asking on how you can help them heal or deal through it so that they have a sense of relief and comfort to share whatever is running in their minds.
Be empathetic:
Usually, we show sympathy for mental health patients, but they don’t want to feel like a victim. But they want someone to motivate and encourage them for all those possible and positive things that could happen. Don’t judge and make a statement that the situations they have gone through are typical. It might be healthy for you but very stressful for them, and they need someone to say that its okay to not be okay at times. Avoid using negative words in front of them; because you never know what might make them panic the very next second.
Mental health is crucial, but what more important is to deal with and overcome it. Anxiety is one of the significant symptoms found and help your dear ones heal through it.
