Families and friends of a person with anxiety disorders can recognise and praise small accomplishments, and reduce expectations during times of stress. It is helpful to measure progress against what the person was like when the illness was most severe, rather than continually comparing them to everybody else. This is a time to be flexible in the timing of activities, while trying to maintain some routine.
This may mean:
reducing the number of family activities to be completed in a day
cutting down on the number of chores done in the morning before going to work
encouragement to slow the pace of some activities
making choices which involve less energy
These strategies allow the person time to practice techniques for reducing anxiety and solving problems. The family can offer support and encouragement, and create an environment that promotes healing.
The family doctor or other health care professionals will sometimes address family and marital issues. In some cases this will have to be deferred until the person's symptoms have improved, when it will be easier to work on any problems that exist.
