71 — Is Someone You Know Struggling with Negative Thoughts? Here is What to Say to Them

What do you say to a loved one who predicts the worst-case scenario? Or how do you help someone who is convinced everything is going to go wrong? Your response could either add fuel to the fire or help them extinguish their anxious thoughts.
 
It’s tough to know how to help someone deal with anxious thoughts. Some of the things I share today are how to listen so they can calm themselves down, the best questions to ask, and the phrases that can help them discover their inner strength.

Key Takeaways:

• Validating someone’s concerns through reflective listening helps the person feel heard and understood, reducing their fear.
• Asking how you can be helpful allows the anxious person to identify what they need or want from the conversation.
• Reinforcing the individual’s ability to cope helps them recognize their own strength and resources.
• Discussing what actions the person can take provides a sense of control and empowerment in anxious situations.
• Setting time limits on conversations about catastrophic thoughts can prevent perpetuating anxiety.