One of the biggest reasons I started writing and creating was to make people feel less alone. Anxiety has been a huge part of my life, and sometimes I’ve wished more than anything that others could just understand what it’s like. That’s why I wanted to write this post—for the people who love us but may not know how to help.
Anxiety doesn’t always look the way people think it does. Many of us live what looks like “normal” lives—we go to work, laugh, show up for responsibilities, and smile through it all. From the outside, everything seems fine. But on the inside, we’re often carrying worries, fears, and self-doubt that never really quiet down.
I live with high-functioning anxiety, and while I may seem okay, the truth is that some days I’m struggling more than anyone realizes. If you love someone with anxiety or another mental illness, here are some ways you can support us and truly show up for us.
How You Can Support Us
Believe Us, Even When You Can’t See It
Sometimes you won’t notice the signs. We may look like we’re holding everything together. But please believe us when we say we’re not okay—your trust means everything.
Reassurance Goes a Long Way
Even if it feels repetitive, reminding us that we’re loved, safe, and not a burden can ease the constant doubts in our minds.
Listen More Than You Fix
We don’t always need advice. Sometimes we just need someone who’s willing to sit with us, hear us out, or hold space for us without judgment.
Respect Our Boundaries
When we need space or a quiet moment, it’s not rejection—it’s survival. Respecting those boundaries helps us feel safe and understood.
Celebrate the Small Things
What may seem tiny to you might feel like a mountain to us. A phone call, attending an event, or even just getting out of bed can be a huge victory. Celebrate those moments with us.
A Letter From Me
Dear Friend,
I may look like I’m fine. I may laugh, show up to work, or handle my responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean I’m always okay. Anxiety makes even the simplest things feel heavier. Sometimes I replay conversations for hours, second-guess every decision, or lie awake with thoughts that won’t stop.
Your love and support mean everything. When you remind me I’m enough, when you check in, when you sit quietly by my side—it matters more than I can explain. I may not always know how to ask for help, but I notice every small way you show up for me.
And to the friends who don’t personally struggle with anxiety or mental illness: I know it can be hard to understand what you can’t see or feel yourself. Please know I don’t expect you to fully “get it.” I just ask for your patience, your kindness, and your willingness to believe me when I say I’m having a hard time. Even if it doesn’t make sense to you, your support means more than you realize.
Thank you for loving me in both my strong and fragile moments. Thank you for staying. Thank you for seeing me.
With love,
Abby
✨ Final Thoughts
If you love someone with anxiety or another mental illness, you don’t need to fix them—you just need to walk beside them. Your patience, reassurance, and compassion can lighten the load they carry silently. Sometimes, love is the greatest medicine of all.One of the biggest reasons I started writing and creating was to make people feel less alone. Anxiety has been a huge part of my life, and sometimes I’ve wished more than anything that others could just understand what it’s like. That’s why I wanted to write this post—for the people who love us but may not know how to help.
Anxiety doesn’t always look the way people think it does. Many of us live what looks like “normal” lives—we go to work, laugh, show up for responsibilities, and smile through it all. From the outside, everything seems fine. But on the inside, we’re often carrying worries, fears, and self-doubt that never really quiet down.
I live with high-functioning anxiety, and while I may seem okay, the truth is that some days I’m struggling more than anyone realizes. If you love someone with anxiety or another mental illness, here are some ways you can support us and truly show up for us.
How You Can Support Us
Believe Us, Even When You Can’t See It
Sometimes you won’t notice the signs. We may look like we’re holding everything together. But please believe us when we say we’re not okay—your trust means everything.
Reassurance Goes a Long Way
Even if it feels repetitive, reminding us that we’re loved, safe, and not a burden can ease the constant doubts in our minds.
Listen More Than You Fix
We don’t always need advice. Sometimes we just need someone who’s willing to sit with us, hear us out, or hold space for us without judgment.
Respect Our Boundaries
When we need space or a quiet moment, it’s not rejection—it’s survival. Respecting those boundaries helps us feel safe and understood.
Celebrate the Small Things
What may seem tiny to you might feel like a mountain to us. A phone call, attending an event, or even just getting out of bed can be a huge victory. Celebrate those moments with us.
A Letter From Me
Dear Friend,
I may look like I’m fine. I may laugh, show up to work, or handle my responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean I’m always okay. Anxiety makes even the simplest things feel heavier. Sometimes I replay conversations for hours, second-guess every decision, or lie awake with thoughts that won’t stop.
Your love and support mean everything. When you remind me I’m enough, when you check in, when you sit quietly by my side—it matters more than I can explain. I may not always know how to ask for help, but I notice every small way you show up for me.
And to the friends who don’t personally struggle with anxiety or mental illness: I know it can be hard to understand what you can’t see or feel yourself. Please know I don’t expect you to fully “get it.” I just ask for your patience, your kindness, and your willingness to believe me when I say I’m having a hard time. Even if it doesn’t make sense to you, your support means more than you realize.
Thank you for loving me in both my strong and fragile moments. Thank you for staying. Thank you for seeing me.
With love,
Abby
✨ Final Thoughts
If you love someone with anxiety or another mental illness, you don’t need to fix them—you just need to walk beside them. Your patience, reassurance, and compassion can lighten the load they carry silently. Sometimes, love is the greatest medicine of all.One of the biggest reasons I started writing and creating was to make people feel less alone. Anxiety has been a huge part of my life, and sometimes I’ve wished more than anything that others could just understand what it’s like. That’s why I wanted to write this post—for the people who love us but may not know how to help.
Anxiety doesn’t always look the way people think it does. Many of us live what looks like “normal” lives—we go to work, laugh, show up for responsibilities, and smile through it all. From the outside, everything seems fine. But on the inside, we’re often carrying worries, fears, and self-doubt that never really quiet down.
I live with high-functioning anxiety, and while I may seem okay, the truth is that some days I’m struggling more than anyone realizes. If you love someone with anxiety or another mental illness, here are some ways you can support us and truly show up for us.
How You Can Support Us
Believe Us, Even When You Can’t See It
Sometimes you won’t notice the signs. We may look like we’re holding everything together. But please believe us when we say we’re not okay—your trust means everything.
Reassurance Goes a Long Way
Even if it feels repetitive, reminding us that we’re loved, safe, and not a burden can ease the constant doubts in our minds.
Listen More Than You Fix
We don’t always need advice. Sometimes we just need someone who’s willing to sit with us, hear us out, or hold space for us without judgment.
Respect Our Boundaries
When we need space or a quiet moment, it’s not rejection—it’s survival. Respecting those boundaries helps us feel safe and understood.
Celebrate the Small Things
What may seem tiny to you might feel like a mountain to us. A phone call, attending an event, or even just getting out of bed can be a huge victory. Celebrate those moments with us.
A Letter From Me
Dear Friend,
I may look like I’m fine. I may laugh, show up to work, or handle my responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean I’m always okay. Anxiety makes even the simplest things feel heavier. Sometimes I replay conversations for hours, second-guess every decision, or lie awake with thoughts that won’t stop.
Your love and support mean everything. When you remind me I’m enough, when you check in, when you sit quietly by my side—it matters more than I can explain. I may not always know how to ask for help, but I notice every small way you show up for me.
And to the friends who don’t personally struggle with anxiety or mental illness: I know it can be hard to understand what you can’t see or feel yourself. Please know I don’t expect you to fully “get it.” I just ask for your patience, your kindness, and your willingness to believe me when I say I’m having a hard time. Even if it doesn’t make sense to you, your support means more than you realize.
Thank you for loving me in both my strong and fragile moments. Thank you for staying. Thank you for seeing me.
With love,
Abby
✨ Final Thoughts
If you love someone with anxiety or another mental illness, you don’t need to fix them—you just need to walk beside them. Your patience, reassurance, and compassion can lighten the load they carry silently. Sometimes, love is the greatest medicine of all.One of the biggest reasons I started writing and creating was to make people feel less alone. Anxiety has been a huge part of my life, and sometimes I’ve wished more than anything that others could just understand what it’s like. That’s why I wanted to write this post—for the people who love us but may not know how to help.
Anxiety doesn’t always look the way people think it does. Many of us live what looks like “normal” lives—we go to work, laugh, show up for responsibilities, and smile through it all. From the outside, everything seems fine. But on the inside, we’re often carrying worries, fears, and self-doubt that never really quiet down.
I live with high-functioning anxiety, and while I may seem okay, the truth is that some days I’m struggling more than anyone realizes. If you love someone with anxiety or another mental illness, here are some ways you can support us and truly show up for us.
How You Can Support Us
Believe Us, Even When You Can’t See It
Sometimes you won’t notice the signs. We may look like we’re holding everything together. But please believe us when we say we’re not okay—your trust means everything.
Reassurance Goes a Long Way
Even if it feels repetitive, reminding us that we’re loved, safe, and not a burden can ease the constant doubts in our minds.
Listen More Than You Fix
We don’t always need advice. Sometimes we just need someone who’s willing to sit with us, hear us out, or hold space for us without judgment.
Respect Our Boundaries
When we need space or a quiet moment, it’s not rejection—it’s survival. Respecting those boundaries helps us feel safe and understood.
Celebrate the Small Things
What may seem tiny to you might feel like a mountain to us. A phone call, attending an event, or even just getting out of bed can be a huge victory. Celebrate those moments with us.
A Letter From Me
Dear Friend,
I may look like I’m fine. I may laugh, show up to work, or handle my responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean I’m always okay. Anxiety makes even the simplest things feel heavier. Sometimes I replay conversations for hours, second-guess every decision, or lie awake with thoughts that won’t stop.
Your love and support mean everything. When you remind me I’m enough, when you check in, when you sit quietly by my side—it matters more than I can explain. I may not always know how to ask for help, but I notice every small way you show up for me.
And to the friends who don’t personally struggle with anxiety or mental illness: I know it can be hard to understand what you can’t see or feel yourself. Please know I don’t expect you to fully “get it.” I just ask for your patience, your kindness, and your willingness to believe me when I say I’m having a hard time. Even if it doesn’t make sense to you, your support means more than you realize.
Thank you for loving me in both my strong and fragile moments. Thank you for staying. Thank you for seeing me.
With love,
Abby
✨ Final Thoughts
If you love someone with anxiety or another mental illness, you don’t need to fix them—you just need to walk beside them. Your patience, reassurance, and compassion can lighten the load they carry silently. Sometimes, love is the greatest medicine of all.
