Information for Friends and Family
It can be challenging having a friend or family member with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Depending on your relationship, GAD may also impact you. If interacting with others is something that stresses him or her, it may be difficult for your loved one to talk about how he or she feels.
If your loved one is able to open up with you about his or her condition, as a friend or family member—you can play a key role as part of his or her treatment plan. Among the things you can do to offer assistance include:
- Educate yourself on GAD. Become more familiar with the condition and its symptoms.
- Be supportive. Don't minimize his or her condition. GAD is a real condition that makes it more difficult for a person to function each day. It's a condition that may require treatment to help your loved one feel better.
- Help your loved one keep up with treatment. You can identify ways to help him or her take the medication as directed. You can also remind your loved one of doctor's appointments and talk therapy sessions.
- Just listen. Just by being there to talk with your loved one about the condition and other aspects of his or her life can make a big difference. It can help reassure him or her that others do care.
View additional information if your loved one has already been prescribed Cymbalta for his or her GAD.