For many people anxiety looks like panic, but for others they appear calm and happy while internalising their panic. Due to this, anxiety means that the brain is having to work harder to process and executive functioning issues can occur (use the search button on our blog to find out more resources about this.) This means when anxiety sets in, people need more support. Sometimes this can look like a day off work/school to help reset the brain. Sometimes it can look like setting out someone’s clothes for them or putting toothpaste on their toothbrush for them. Sometimes it can be sitting with someone in silence to allow them to process internally or talk.

Every one of us reacts differently and there is no one way to relieve anxiety, but sometimes it is okay to say “This is a hard time for you. I am here.”

Anxiety looks different