Some of you may be lurking through the site looking for ways to help a friend of loved one with their panic.
When a member of a family has panic disorder or agoraphobia the entire family is affected. Family members may be frustrated in their attempts to help the affected member cope with the disorder, they can be overburdened by taking on additional responsibilities, and they can often feel socially isolated.
If you are a family members of someone who has panic disorder it is essential that you encourage them to seek the help of a qualified mental health professional. Also, it would also be helpful to both you and your loved one to attend an occasional treatment or self-help session or seek the guidance of the therapist in dealing with their feelings about the disorder.
Certain strategies, such as encouraging the person with panic disorder and/or agoraphobia to go gradually or at least partway toward the place or situation that they are afraid of, can be both very helpful and rewarding.
By your skilled and caring efforts to help, you can really help the person with panic disorder in making a recovery.
Remember that panic disorder is very real to the person who is affected by it. It is very frightening and a little understanding and encouragement can go a very long way.
If our members have any other tips for family members, please share them here!
