How to help someone with Anxiety

I was sitting on a bench in the beautiful park. It was drizzling outside. The cool breeze was touching my body and I was feeling very relaxed and grounded. The fragrance of the wet soil was filling me with freshness. Everything around me was perfect and nourishing. Suddenly, I saw a person sitting on the next bench who was feeling restless. I observed him for more than 10 to 20 minutes from the distance. He was crying and nervous.

I simply sat with him and I have not asked him anything. I just told him to follow my words if it is possible for him to trust me. I knew that he needed help. I told him to remove his shoes and walk barefoot on the ground. Then, I started talking to him about the weather. I asked him about his lifestyle, his hometown, and his strengths. I asked him what he loves to do. I have not shown him that I am helping him. I just tried to show him that I do not know about what he was feeling and I simply tried to distract him from his own tangled thoughts for a while.

While talking with me, he was smiling and totally forgot about his anxiety. When I realized he is okay, then I asked him if there was anything troubling him? He, then, told me everything is okay with him. Then, he left.

So, what I am trying to say here, is, whenever you find someone trapped in anxiety or panic attack, do the following steps:

1. Never Ignore this condition: When someone is anxious, this should be taken care of. Do not take it lightly. Try to understand, that if someone is in need, we should help him/her.
2. Never ask the reason for the anxiety: If you will ask the reason for the anxiety at the very first step, that person will feel more anxious. You should ask what that person needs in that situation without even knowing the reason.
3. Don’t tell the person that it happens with everyone: In our society, it is easy for us to give suggestions like don’t worry, it happens with everyone. Don’t give attention to your condition. It will be okay on its own. Actually, this can bring more anxiety to that person’s behavior. So, try to ignore these words. Rather, you should say, I accept that you are not okay but we will together heal this.
4. Try to bring some distraction without even showing: Talk about some other topics which you think are the interest area of that person. this way, the good hormones will be released in the body and mind, and he/she automatically will feel good.
5. Take that person outside especially under the sky: First and foremost, take that person away from the walls. this way, he/she will not feel suffocated and the Akash tatv (one of the 5 elements) will bring freedom to the mind and the body. It will surely help with the anxiety.
6. Listen to the person and don’t interrupt him/her: now, at the end, when you know the person is trying to tell you about the reasons or problems he/she is facing, try to listen to him/her very quietly. Just nod your head with a smile and don’t try to interrupt him/her. Don’t even try to give suggestions in between. Let the person talk first. when he/she will finish the talk, then if needed, give 1 or 2 soothing suggestions.

Kindly, help each other.