Tips for helping a loved one with anxiety, fear and depression

August 29, 2020 Trevor Montgomery

Guest Writer Spotlight: Stan Popovich

Do you know a friend or loved one who suffers from fear, anxiety or depression and do not know what to do? It can be frustrating to watch someone you know suffer and not be able to help them through their difficult time.

Many lives have been destroyed because one’s fears and anxieties overwhelmed them, and it is important to know what you can do to help the person you know who is struggling with their mental health because it could save their life.

Below are six ways you can help someone you know and love who may be having a difficult time with these problems, and the best way you can help them deal with and overcome their issues.

Learn as much as you can in managing anxiety and depression: There are many books and information that will educate you on how to deal with fear and anxiety. Share this information with the person who is struggling with their mental health issues.

Be understanding and patient with the person struggling with their fears: Dealing with depression and anxiety can be difficult for the person so do not add more problems than what is already there. Do not get into arguments with the person who is having a difficult time with their anxieties.

Talk to the person instead of talking at them: It is important not to lecture the person who is struggling with anxiety and depression. Talk to the person about their issues without being rude. Most people will listen if you approach them in a proper manner.

Get Help: Seek help from a professional who can help your friend or relative with their mental health struggles. A counselor can give you advice and ideas on how to overcome anxiety, fear, and depression. Getting help from a professional is the number one priority in helping your loved one deal with fear and anxiety. Joining a local mental health support group can also be helpful. Talk to your doctor to get more information about potential groups in your area.

Talk to the person on what will happen if they do not get help: Another way to convince the person who is struggling with fear and depression is to tell them what may happen if they don’t get some assistance. Anxiety and depression can make things worse and usually it won’t go away by itself without some kind of treatment.

Find Out The Reasons Why The Person Won’t Get Help: Address the issues on why the person will not get the necessary help. Many people who are struggling are fearful and frustrated. Try to find out the reasons why he or she won’t get the help they need and then try to find ways that will overcome their resistance of seeking assistance.

Meet the author: Stan Popovich

A Penn State graduate with over 20 years experience in dealing with fear and anxiety, Stan Popovich is the author of the popular managing fear book, “A Layman’s Guide To Managing Fear”.

An award-winning and respected contributor on the topics of fear, anxiety, and depression, Stan has been featured on many TV and radio programs around the U.S., and writes for many national publications such as The Huffington Post and Entrepreneur Magazine.

For more information about Stan’s book and to get some free mental health advice, please visit Stan’s website at http://www.managingfear.com

Want to be featured in a future “Guest Writer Spotlight” article? Contact the editor: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, 48, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County based newspapers, Valley News, (the now defunct) Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County and Mountain Echo in Shasta County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.

Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.

Trevor has been married for more than 29 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 18 grandchildren.