If you believe that you have an anxiety disorder, consider opening a dialogue with a family member or friend to take the first steps on the road to recovery. Below are tips for asking for help.

• While it may be difficult, be open and honest with your loved ones. They may not understand, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be helpful.
• If you’re not comfortable talking about your problem, try describing your thoughts and feelings in a letter. It’s a great way to open up communications.
• Try to explain what you experience in a way your loved ones can relate. For example, you might say, imagine crossing a busy intersection and suddenly seeing a speeding car barreling towards you. Think about how you would feel, how you would react. Then ask the person to imagine having those very same feelings while waiting in line to buy groceries, driving over a bridge on a sunny day or picking up a phone to call a friend.
• When you need help, don’t assume your loved one knows what you need. Be specific.
• Explain that the help you need may change from one time to the next. Such is the nature of the problem and should not be taken as a personal rejection.
• Work together to remain in situations until your levels of anxiety subside. If you must leave, try to go back as soon as possible.
• Ask your loved one to support you in feeling good about what you did do, not bad about what you did not do.
• Share your triumphs, no matter how small.
• Remind those trying to help that anxiety disorders are real, serious and treatable medical conditions. Having one is not a sign of weakness or lack of moral fiber.

Source: The Anxiety Disorders Association of America