World Mental Health Day 2025: Essential Tips to Support Someone With Anxiety
World Mental Health Day, observed every year on 10 October, highlights the importance of mental health awareness , reduces stigma, and encourages better access to mental health services. While the day sparks crucial conversations, true support for someone with anxiety extends year-round. In India, research shows anxiety disorders are widespread but often hidden, and treatment gaps remain significant. This World Mental Health Day, learn practical ways to support someone with anxiety and make a positive difference in their mental well-being.
1. Listen Calmly and Validate Feelings
When supporting someone with anxiety , start with simple, caring questions like: “Are you safe right now?” Listen actively without judgment. Avoid trying to “fix” their feelings. Instead, acknowledge their experience with statements like “I believe you” or “You’re not alone.” This aligns with the WHO’s Psychological First Aid approach, providing humane and practical support.
2. Encourage Grounding and Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises and grounding techniques can reduce anxiety in the moment. Encourage them to name five things they can see, hear, or touch, and slow their breathing. Avoid dismissive phrases such as “Don’t worry” or “Calm down”, which can increase shame. These methods are backed by NHS guidance and WHO recommendations for immediate anxiety management.
3. Offer Practical and Tangible Help
Take hands-on steps like helping them book an appointment with a counsellor, attending a session together, or contacting a helpline. For those who cannot access in-person care, tele-mental health services like Tele-MANAS provide free or low-cost consultations. Concrete offers of help significantly increase the likelihood that someone with anxiety will follow through with care.
4. Promote Evidence-Based Care
Explain that anxiety is treatable. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is often the first-line approach, while medications may be recommended for certain conditions under professional supervision. Present therapy as skill-building, not a correction of personal flaws. Referencing WHO or Cochrane resources can help communicate facts accurately.
5. Recognise Red Flags and Escalate if Needed
Watch for urgent warning signs such as suicidal thoughts, severe withdrawal, inability to care for oneself, or psychotic symptoms. If these occur, contact emergency services or helplines immediately and remain with the person if it’s safe. Quick access to professional care is critical, as emphasised in both WHO and national mental health guidelines.
6. Maintain Long-Term Support and Healthy Boundaries
Encourage routines, physical activity, social connection, and therapy while respecting personal limits. Remember, supporting someone does not make you their therapist - set boundaries to prevent burnout. Seeking support for yourself is equally important if you feel consistently overwhelmed.
Key Phrases to Use When Supporting Someone With Anxiety
“I’m here for you.”
“You’re not alone in this.”
“How can I help right now?”
Avoid invalidating statements such as “Just calm down” or “Others have it worse”, which can worsen shame and isolation.
This World Mental Health Day 2025 , making a difference begins with understanding, empathy, and practical action. Supporting someone with anxiety is about listening, validating, guiding them towards evidence-based care, and maintaining your own well-being. With these strategies, you can create a safer, more supportive environment for those struggling with anxiety.
1. Listen Calmly and Validate Feelings
When supporting someone with anxiety , start with simple, caring questions like: “Are you safe right now?” Listen actively without judgment. Avoid trying to “fix” their feelings. Instead, acknowledge their experience with statements like “I believe you” or “You’re not alone.” This aligns with the WHO’s Psychological First Aid approach, providing humane and practical support.
2. Encourage Grounding and Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises and grounding techniques can reduce anxiety in the moment. Encourage them to name five things they can see, hear, or touch, and slow their breathing. Avoid dismissive phrases such as “Don’t worry” or “Calm down”, which can increase shame. These methods are backed by NHS guidance and WHO recommendations for immediate anxiety management.
3. Offer Practical and Tangible Help
Take hands-on steps like helping them book an appointment with a counsellor, attending a session together, or contacting a helpline. For those who cannot access in-person care, tele-mental health services like Tele-MANAS provide free or low-cost consultations. Concrete offers of help significantly increase the likelihood that someone with anxiety will follow through with care.
4. Promote Evidence-Based Care
Explain that anxiety is treatable. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is often the first-line approach, while medications may be recommended for certain conditions under professional supervision. Present therapy as skill-building, not a correction of personal flaws. Referencing WHO or Cochrane resources can help communicate facts accurately.
5. Recognise Red Flags and Escalate if Needed
Watch for urgent warning signs such as suicidal thoughts, severe withdrawal, inability to care for oneself, or psychotic symptoms. If these occur, contact emergency services or helplines immediately and remain with the person if it’s safe. Quick access to professional care is critical, as emphasised in both WHO and national mental health guidelines.
6. Maintain Long-Term Support and Healthy Boundaries
Encourage routines, physical activity, social connection, and therapy while respecting personal limits. Remember, supporting someone does not make you their therapist - set boundaries to prevent burnout. Seeking support for yourself is equally important if you feel consistently overwhelmed.
Key Phrases to Use When Supporting Someone With Anxiety
“I’m here for you.”
“You’re not alone in this.”
“How can I help right now?”
Avoid invalidating statements such as “Just calm down” or “Others have it worse”, which can worsen shame and isolation.
This World Mental Health Day 2025 , making a difference begins with understanding, empathy, and practical action. Supporting someone with anxiety is about listening, validating, guiding them towards evidence-based care, and maintaining your own well-being. With these strategies, you can create a safer, more supportive environment for those struggling with anxiety.
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