3.3. Describe what to do if an individual is highly anxious or stressed

This guide will help you answer 3.3. Describe what to do if an individual is highly anxious or stressed.

High anxiety or stress can show in different ways. You may notice signs such as quick breathing, restlessness, shaking, sweating, and raised heart rate. The person might speak quickly or struggle to focus. Emotional signs can include irritability, fear, or sudden tearfulness.

Some people may withdraw, avoid eye contact, or become unresponsive. Others might appear agitated and pace around. By learning to spot these signs, you can respond quickly and appropriately.

Observe both verbal and non-verbal signals. Words, tone, posture, and facial expressions can tell you as much as physical symptoms.

Staying Calm Yourself

Your own behaviour can influence the situation. Stay calm when someone is anxious or stressed. Speak slowly and gently. Keep your tone warm and non-threatening. Avoid rushing your words.

Show that you are listening and present. If you appear tense, the person may feel worse. Keep your body language open with relaxed shoulders, steady breathing, and a gentle facial expression.

Avoid making sudden movements. Let your own calmness help create a safer space.

Creating a Safe Environment

Where possible, move the person to a quieter setting. Loud noises, bright lights, or busy spaces can add to stress. A calm, familiar space can help them feel more in control.

Check the space for triggers. This could be certain items, people, or activities that may increase anxiety. Reduce distractions so they can focus on breathing and regaining control.

Position yourself so they do not feel trapped. This means keeping a comfortable distance, allowing them a clear view of the exit, and avoiding standing over them.

Listening and Reassuring

Listen carefully without interrupting. Let the person express how they feel. Avoid judging or dismissing their emotions. Sometimes just feeling heard can lower stress.

Use short, clear phrases. Offer reassurance such as “You are safe” or “I am here with you.” Keep your words simple and honest. Avoid making promises you cannot keep.

Show empathy through facial expression and tone of voice. Make sure your manner matches your words.

Breathing Techniques

Encouraging slow, steady breathing can help ease anxiety. Guide them to breathe in through the nose for a few seconds, hold briefly, and breathe out through the mouth. Avoid deep, sudden breaths as this might cause dizziness.

You can model this breathing yourself so they can copy your rhythm. This can help slow their heart rate and reduce tension.

Avoid pushing breathing exercises if they resist. Let them choose whether to join in.

Offering Comfort Items

Some individuals benefit from comfort objects. These may include a blanket, a stress ball, or a familiar personal item. Such objects can create a grounding effect.

Allow access to these items without fuss. Avoid forcing any object on them, as that could raise stress.

Remind them they can control what they use for comfort.

Encouraging Grounding

Grounding helps a person feel present and less overwhelmed by stress. This can be done through sensory focus. You could encourage them to name:

• 5 things they can see
• 4 things they can touch
• 3 things they can hear
• 2 things they can smell
• 1 thing they can taste

This exercise shifts attention from worry to immediate surroundings.

Another grounding technique is to focus on feet on the floor or hands on a stable surface. Feeling physical contact with solid objects can promote stability.

Staying with the Person

Remaining nearby can help them feel safe. Do not leave them alone unless they request it or it is unsafe for you. Having someone present can prevent feelings of isolation.

Watch their behaviour for signs of escalation. If anxiety or stress worsens into panic or aggression, be prepared to seek extra help.

Your continued presence should be calm and supportive, not controlling.

Involving Trained Support

If stress appears severe or prolonged, call for help from trained staff such as mental health professionals or first aid responders. Follow your organisation’s reporting procedures.

Explain the situation clearly when contacting others for support. Share observations, known triggers, and what you have already tried.

Do not hesitate to seek medical assistance if the person shows physical distress such as chest pain, fainting, or breathing difficulty.

Avoiding Harmful Reactions

Some actions can make anxiety or stress worse. Avoid:

• Criticising or blaming them
• Using fast or complex language
• Touching without consent
• Downplaying feelings
• Giving complicated choices

Unhelpful words or actions can increase fear and reduce trust, so think carefully before acting.

Using Positive Distraction

Distraction can shift focus from stress, but it should be gentle. Offer to talk about a familiar topic or simple task they enjoy. This could be listening to music, looking at pictures, or talking about hobbies.

Distraction works best after they are calmer or breathing more steadily.

Avoid overloading them with options.

Respecting Privacy

Some people prefer privacy during periods of high stress. Respect their wishes if safe to do so. Moving others away from the immediate area can help reduce their anxiety.

Avoid discussing their situation with others who are not involved. Sensitive handling builds trust and dignity.

Following Care Plans

Many individuals in health and social care settings have personal care plans. These documents often include guidance for managing stress or anxiety episodes.

If a care plan is available, follow it closely. It may outline preferred strategies, who to contact, and past triggers.

Record the event in line with organisational policy. Accurate records help colleagues understand the situation and prevent future distress.

Communicating with Sensitivity

Speak in a tone that supports safety and respect. Keep communication straightforward. Avoid using overly technical terms that can confuse or alienate.

Check understanding by looking for signs they have heard and processed your words. If needed, repeat key points quietly and slowly.

Be patient. Allow pauses so they can respond in their own time.

Monitoring Physical Health

High anxiety can sometimes cause physical symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or nausea. Keep an eye out for such signs, as they may need attention.

Offer water if they wish, and suggest sitting to reduce fainting risk.

If symptoms persist or worsen, contact health services quickly.

Supporting After the Episode

When the person’s anxiety lowers, ask gently how they feel now. Check if they need further support or rest.

You may suggest safe activities like reading, listening to calming sounds, or having light conversation.

Review what helped them. This can guide better responses in future.

Training and Preparation

Workers should practise skills for handling anxiety and stress. This includes roleplay scenarios, understanding care plans, and learning different calming methods.

Know your organisation’s emergency policies. Always have access to contact numbers for specialist support.

Training helps you react with confidence and safety.

Understanding Triggers

Triggers are factors that start or worsen anxiety. These can be noises, smells, situations, or certain people. Learn these through observation and care document reading.

Avoid triggers where possible in daily routines. Reducing exposure can lead to fewer high-anxiety episodes.

Work with the individual and any support networks to build awareness of what increases or decreases stress.

Maintaining Professional Boundaries

Being supportive does not mean over-involvement. Keep professional boundaries in place. Avoid becoming personally involved beyond your role. This protects both you and the person you are supporting.

Boundaries mean respecting their wishes, not interfering in private matters, and following organisational rules at all times.

Recording and Reporting

Every episode of high anxiety or stress should be recorded according to policy. Include time, date, observed triggers, actions taken, and outcome.

Reporting allows patterns to be identified. It also provides evidence of care and can support referrals to specialist help.

Always keep records factual and objective, avoiding assumptions.

Final Thoughts

Supporting someone who is highly anxious or stressed needs patience, observation, and clear action. You can make a real difference by staying calm, listening, and creating a safe environment. By learning simple techniques like grounding or breathing exercises, you can help them regain control faster.

Your role is to be present and supportive without making the situation feel pressured. Follow care plans, avoid known triggers, and involve specialist help when needed. With consistent practice and awareness, you can build trust and safety for the people in your care.