How can I help someone with severe anxiety

[CuntyBumpkin]

I manage someone at work who is lovely. She suffers terribly with anxiety and I think she may have OCD.

It's awful to see her visably struggle every day and although she does come and talk to me when things are particularly bad, I just wondered if anyone has any tips on the best way to help her.

If you suffer at work what would help you get through the day?

Things like being able to nip out for fresh air for a couple of minutes if feeling overwhelmed. Having someone to talk to openly without worrying about being judged (sounds like she already has this person!) I think you should ask her what would help, as everyone is different.

Strategies. I find managing anxiety better if I can firstly identify what is causing it and either address that or work on something that helps. Sometimes I just need a calm person around me saying soothing things! Reassurance is key but very tricky to get right because if your employee is anything like me, she'll already be acutely aware of the massive pain in the bum she's already being and won't want extra attwntion/too much consideration. I also listen to guided meditation during work which helps.

Snottingham you're exactly right, she feels like she is being a pain and an inconvenience so apologises a lot and keeps things in. She is very easy to read though so I can tell if she needs support or taking away from a situation.

The problem is her anxiety is so severe that there isn't one particular thing. She worries about literally everything. She has agreed to go back to her GP so I know at least a health professional will help but I feel quite useless and hate seeing her struggle.

I've started doing small things that I think might help like taking her for 5 minutes for a cup of tea and a chat if she needs it.

I struggled for so long and had no support with my mental health so now I'm managing people I'm determined that it won't be taboo or judged where I work now.

It's really lovely that you care OP. Unfortunately there are not enough managers like you.

I agree with PP that allowing her a few minutes time out or fresh air will help.

Maybe also suggest hypnotherapy, I know several people that it has helped.