Is Your Parent Dealing
With Anxiety?
Are you caring for your parent with an anxiety disorder?
This can be a very hard experience especially if you are primarily the one taking care of your mum or dad. You may feel stressed, hopeless and isolated.
Here is some more information to help you understand what your loved one is going through and how to help yourself.
What is Anxiety?
People experiencing anxiety tend to worry about many things each day and can be consumed with worry over a variety of issues from social engagements to financial or safety concerns. An adult or a parent with anxiety does not only worry about themselves but also constantly worries about other people, especially their children. They worry about so many responsibilities (such as how to provide for their family) and often contemplate if they are raising their children well. People with anxiety are usually aware that they worry far too much and wish desperately that they could stop worrying.
For a person to be diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), meaning the anxiety is perceived to be a ‘disorder’ instead of a ‘universal human emotion’, they must experience this heightened anxious state on most days for at least 6 months. Other common anxiety disorders are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), social phobia, panic disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), hypochondriasis and somatoform disorder. Specific therapy and treatment exist for all anxiety disorders.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Adults
- Constant thoughts that something bad is about to happen
- Constant worry that they are not doing things correctly
- Constantly asking questions and seeking reassurance
- Perfectionism or making sure that everything surpasses expectations
- Being argumentative, especially if they are trying to avoid a feared situation
- Dwelling on small or huge mistakes for a long time
- Worrying about a change in routine or in unfamiliar places
- Affecting work performance
- Having a dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
- Nightmares and sleep disturbances
- Restlessness, irritability and difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension and headaches
- Rapid heart rate and breathing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
What causes Anxiety?
Anxiety can be a result of external circumstances such as relationship problems with a partner, family or friends, work-related stress, loss of job, financial problems, loss of a loved one and any other challenging situation that life may bring. Anxiety, especially in parents, can also be triggered by feeling a disconnect with their children, especially their teenagers. Parents can feel out of place in their children’s life which can result in constantly worrying about what to do to connect with their children without pushing themselves and without putting pressure on their children.
Anxiety can also be a side-effect of certain medications, or a by-product of a physical illness, chronic condition, disability or traumatic event. Some people may have a genetic disposition for anxiety if mental health disorders are present in the family or because they grew up around anxious people. It is advised to work with a health professional such as a counsellor to uncover the root cause of the anxiety.
Diagnosing Parent with Anxiety
Adult life is one of the most challenging periods in one’s life especially if this involves parenting. As such, adulthood is a common period where an individual can develop anxiety. Since parents have many responsibilities not only to themselves but also to their family, they may find it hard to keep up with life and develop anxiety. And since mental health challenges can affect the emotional, social, financial and other aspects of life, it is necessary to bring your mum or dad to a GP or a Psychiatrist to get professional help. A diagnosis involves systematic interviews alongside ruling out other behavioural and mental health conditions. For adults to be diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), they must experience this heightened anxious state on most days for at least 6 months.
Treatments for an Adult or Parent with Anxiety
Anxiety has been described as one of the most treatable of all mental health conditions – full recovery is possible. Even if a person develops anxiety during adulthood, proper treatment can help overcome this mental health challenge. Treatment options for anxiety include:
- Psychological therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has proven to be most effective for general anxiety as it focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours
- Medication such as anti-depressants
- Relaxation therapy and deep breathing exercises
- Self-help and encouragement from family and friends
- Support groups, as people discover they are not alone and may find support in other people with similar issues
How to help your parent with anxiety
It can be difficult for you to see your mum or dad experience anxiety. You can even feel hopeless if you do not know how to ease their burden. The best way to help them or anyone experiencing mental health problems is to get them to see a GP or a Psychiatrist for professional help. You can also turn to a mental health phone line or browse through mental health services online for professional help.
As a child, you can also take care of your parent experiencing anxiety by physically being there for them when things get tough. You can also lessen the worries of your parents by giving affirmations and reassurances that can calm down their thoughts and emotions.
How to help yourself
Seeing your parents having a hard time with their anxiety can be an exhausting, frustrating, confusing and isolating experience. But you don’t have to go through it alone. HelpingMinds® offers free and confidential support to Carers or to people who are caring for someone living with mental health challenges.
As a child, it is important that you safeguard your mental health condition by not dwelling on the negative side. At HelpingMinds®, we offer free counselling, support groups, as well as rest and revive activities for all ages. We can also conduct school holiday programs, family programs, and youth programs to help your community understand what you and your family are going through.
Get Support from HelpingMinds®
Would you like to know more about free and confidential mental health carer services and how we can support you? Please feel free to contact HelpingMinds® via the form below or on (08) 9427 7100. For one of our team to get back to you, we will require your email address and/or phone number. Please know all information provided will be treated completely confidential and in line with our privacy policy.