3 phrases not to say to an anxious person
How difficult daily life is for people with severe anxiety! Anxiety attacks, pain, negative emotions… they fight anxiety on a daily basis in their work whether small or big, worriedPsychoanalyst Alain Braconnier defines “genuinely anxious people” as people with extreme distress, marked by “a state of uncontrollable anxiety”, an “unfounded feeling of insecurity” or “the presence of bad news”.
Living with anxiety can be debilitating at times. Therefore there is a need to protect the affected people. To this end, certain phrases, even if they seem harmless, should be banned from our language when dealing with someone suffering from anxiety.
1. Accusative Formulation
Carine Danan, psychotherapist and author 50 exercises to overcome anxiety (Iroles), advise not to say: “There is nothing to be afraid of, don’t behave like a coward!” Be courageous, even though it’s simple! ,
This sentence reduces the suffering of the worried person. “No, it is not easy to experience anxiety, whatever it is. It may also happen to you that you yourself are afraid of something that does not seem complicated to others. ,
2. Guilt-inducing advice
Also be wary of some advice that may be guilt-inducing, because “even when it comes from a good intention,” explains the practitioner, “can put a certain amount of pressure on you and your loved ones.” ” Among them:
- “You can try”;
- “you annoy me”;
- “I, If I Were You…”;
- “Be strong”;
- “Oh, it’s not the sea to drink, yet,” etc.
3. Joking Phrases
Teasing or making fun of the person about his anxiety also does not help him get better. Saying, even in the guise of humor: “You’re right, the train will probably derail” can increase your anxiety. So it is better to choose a reassuring phrase like: “Don’t worry, the train can’t derail. A system has been created to ensure that everything remains fine. ,
Practitioners explain that being clumsy or rushing an anxious person “can increase their anxiety levels, provoke feelings of guilt or reinforce low self-esteem.” A person who feels anxious already has little confidence in himself and his surroundings. Therefore, we should not make the situation worse by drowning the worried person in shame, guilt and helplessness.