When an employee is struggling with anxiety, the support of a manager can make all the difference...
When an employee is struggling with anxiety, the support of a manager can make all the difference.
Managers can provide a listening ear, help to set realistic expectations, and create a supportive work environment.
This is important, as anxiety can have a significant impact on an individual's ability to work effectively.
Here are five tips for managers who want to support employees with anxiety.
If an employee comes to you with concerns about their anxiety, take the time to listen.
Let them know that you understand how they are feeling and offer your support.
Encourage them to talk about what triggers their anxiety and how they usually cope with it. You can say the following:
"It sounds like you're feeling really overwhelmed. I'm here for you and we can figure this out together," or, "It sounds like you're doing the best you can, given how you're feeling. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."
This will help you to understand the employee's individual needs and how you can best support them.
If an employee discloses their anxiety to you, it is important to create a safe environment in which they feel comfortable discussing it further.
This means being understanding and respectful of their needs.
It is also important to make sure that the workplace is supportive and accommodating of employees with anxiety.
This includes having flexible policies in place, such as allowing for time off or working from home when needed.
You can also provide access to resources, such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which can offer counseling and support.
Working with the employee, identify what triggers their anxiety and come up with coping strategies to deal with it.
This could involve changing their work schedule, altering their tasks, or supporting them to complete a project.
It is also important to have a plan in place for when an anxiety attack does occur. Some examples of triggers are:
This might involve excusing the employee from a meeting or giving them time to take a break.
The goal is to help the employee feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
Anxiety can be managed by using coping strategies such as:
Encourage the employee to try different techniques to see what works best for them.
When an employee is struggling with anxiety, it is important to set realistic expectations.
This means being understanding of their needs and accommodating of their condition.
For example, if an employee is having difficulty meeting deadlines, rather than setting an impossible goal, work with them to create a realistic plan.
This could involve breaking the project down into smaller tasks or extending the deadline.
The key is to avoid putting additional pressure on the employee, which can worsen their anxiety.
Once you have put support in place for an employee with anxiety, it is important to follow up and check in on a regular basis.
This will help to ensure that the employee is coping and that the strategies you have put in place are working. A couple of ways to address this are:
It is also a good opportunity to see if there are any other areas of support that the employee might need.
By offering ongoing support, you can create a work environment that is more understanding and accommodating of employees with anxiety.
If you are having difficulty supporting an employee with anxiety, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Many qualified mental health professionals can offer guidance and support.
Some can even come to your office and offer training to you and your staff on how to support employees with anxiety. This can be an invaluable investment for your company, as it can help to create a more understanding and supportive work environment.
Anxiety is a common condition that can often be managed with the right support. By offering understanding and accommodation, you can create a work environment that is more supportive of employees with anxiety.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, it is important to seek professional help. This article is for informational purposes only. This post should not be used as a substitute for official medical advice from a licensed professional.
Anxiety is a common condition that can often be managed with the right support.
By offering understanding and accommodation, you can create a work environment that is more supportive of employees with anxiety.
By following these five tips, managers can create a more supportive environment for employees with anxiety.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
Other activities which have been found helpful in reducing both immediate feelings of anxiousness and long-term anxieties associated with chronic disorders include yoga, journaling, nature walks, art therapy, volunteering, and other low-stress activities. Additionally, developing a healthy lifestyle incorporating adequate sleep, physical activity, and nutritious meals can help reduce overall stress levels.
The duration of anxiety counseling varies for each individual, depending on the severity of their anxiety and their progress in therapy. Our therapists will regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Addressing anxiety is crucial because it can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to more severe mental health issues, relationship problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Access to licensed therapists who specialize in these areas is available within the Medicaid network.
To reduce your anxiety, you can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices. Additionally, regular exercise has been found to be beneficial in managing stress and improving mental health.
It's important that you feel comfortable discussing personal matters with your therapist in order to open up and get more out of therapy sessions; therefore finding someone who meets certain criteria like experience level, expertise areas, and personality is key when selecting a therapist who can give meaningful feedback about how best handle issues related to anxiety or other mental health concerns.
