Anxiety can feel like an invisible weight pressing down on the soul—an unwelcome companion that steals peace and clarity. When someone you love is overwhelmed with anxiety, it can be difficult to know how to help. Whether it’s your spouse, your child, or another family member, your role can make a profound difference. Simply being present, patient and caring can be extremely helpful when someone is spiraling with anxiety or panic. Helping someone with anxiety begins not with fixing, but with loving—reflecting Christ’s compassion, patience, and peace.
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Listen Before You Advise
When anxiety takes hold, the person suffering often feels isolated and overwhelmed. The best gift you can give is your presence. James 1:19 reminds us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Listening without judgment allows your loved one to release some of the burden they’re carrying.
Instead of offering quick solutions, try gentle, open-ended questions or statements:
- “I am here; can I sit here with you?”
- “How can I pray for you right now?”
- “Is there anything I can get for you or do for you in this moment?”
The ministry of presence—simply being there—is more healing than advice or reassurance.
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Speak Hope, Not Pressure
When someone is anxious, well-meaning phrases like “just relax” or “trust God more” can unintentionally increase guilt or shame. Even true statements like “this will not be a big deal a week from now,” or “you have faced harder things than this” don’t help at a time when someone feels overwhelmed. Instead, remind them of God’s unchanging love. You might say, “God loves you right here in this moment,” or “You don’t have to have it all together—I’m here for you.”
Isaiah 41:10 offers powerful reassurance: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” Sometimes, reading that verse aloud or writing it where it’s visible can become a daily reminder of God’s steady presence.
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Help Create Rhythms of Rest and Grounding
Anxiety thrives in chaos. Encourage your loved one to create small rhythms that invite peace—walking together, breathing deeply, listening to calming worship music, or simply resting. Jesus Himself modeled rest when He withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16).
You can help by taking some daily burdens off their plate: cooking a meal, managing errands, or watching the kids. These acts of service mirror Galatians 6:2— “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
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Encourage Professional and Spiritual Support
Anxiety can have many layers—emotional, physical, and spiritual. Encourage your loved one to talk with a trusted counselor, pastor, or physician. God often works through skilled professionals to bring healing and perspective. Remind them that seeking help is not a lack of faith; it’s a step toward wholeness.
Philippians 4:6–7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This doesn’t mean anxiety vanishes instantly—it means we are invited to bring our fears before God and allow His peace to guard our hearts and minds.
You might gently offer to pray with them or read a verse together. But if they’re not ready, respect their boundaries. Faith grows best when it’s nurtured, not forced.
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Take Care of Your Own Heart
Supporting someone with anxiety can be emotionally draining. Pray for strength and wisdom. Surround yourself with community and remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Ask God to give you His patience, His gentleness, and His perspective.
As you walk with your loved one, trust that God is also walking with both of you. Healing is often a journey, not a moment—and even small steps forward are signs of grace.
In time, your faithful love and presence can become a living picture of Christ’s peace—one that reminds your loved one they’re never alone, no matter how anxious the storm may seem.
Remember, if you or a loved one needs help in this journey the staff at the Renewing Life Center is here for you. To schedule an appointment, call the front office at 702 434-7290.
Mark Whelchel, M.S., LMFT
Thank you. This was a helpful reminder that being present with our loved one or friend experiencing anxiety is a simple act of love, Jesus’ love. Job’s friends, who sat with him for a week without saying a word but mourned with him “for they saw that his grief was very great” were doing well… until they spoke! Then all you-know-what broke loose. But God allowed these very deep and volatile conversations to take place for many reasons: all to benefit us.
The deeper discussions can come later after the simple act of just being there is given. At that moment Jesus is speaking volumes.