If you believe that someone you love has an anxiety disorder, consider opening a dialogue with him or her to encourage him or her to take the first steps on the road to recovery. Below are tips for helping a loved one.

• Recognize that the irrational feelings and thoughts experienced by someone with an anxiety disorder are different than the normal fear and anxiety responses that everyone feels from time to time.
• Acknowledge that you don’t understand if you’ve never personally experienced a panic attack or other form of irrational anxiety.
• Appreciate that your loved one is aware that the thoughts and feelings are irrational, but feels powerless to stop them.
• Help set specific goals that can be approached one step at a time.
• Don’t assume that you know what is needed. Ask how you can help. Listen carefully to the response. 
• Accept that what may be helpful one time may not be the next. Don’t take it personally. It’s the nature of the disorder.
• Aim for positive reinforcement rather than judgment, criticism or blame.
• Understand that knowing when to be patient and when to push can be challenging.  It’s a fine line. Achieving the proper balance often requires trial and error.
• Remember, recovery requires hard work on the part of the individual, and patience on the part of the family.  It may seem like a slow process, but the rewards are well worth it.

Source: The Anxiety Disorders Association of America