Anxiety - what can I do to help?

[Scarby9]

Any one who suffers with anxiety, or is close to someone who does, can you tell me anything I can do (or shouldn't do) to help, whether during an attack or in between.
I want to wave a magic wand and make them better, but as that doesn't seem to be a possibility, what is the best way for me to help?

How bad is the anxiety OP? Are we talking about feeling anxious temporarily about something specific or is it a full on, can't function anxiety disorder?

Thanks for replying, @Hairydogmummy.
It's been ongoing stress and not sleeping but keeping going for sometime but now had three full blown attacks, ended up in hospital twice with heart attack type symptoms.

There are situational causes, but all come together now in what seems a perfect storm.

CBT helped me longer term, but in the short term I was put on sertraline for every day use and propanol for when I felt attacks starting up.

Yes, I am assuming they will have to take medication and hopefully have CBT or something, but I wondered what I - non--medical - and other family and friends could do?
Did you find anything helpful or particularly unhelpful,
From the people around you, @SliceOfCakeCupOfTea?

Oh dear. Have they been put on any medication by the GP? Just lots of hugs, comforting words like 'this will pass' and everything will work out'. Lots of time to talk, reassurance. Help them to find some therapy privately if they can afford. It's hard at the moment due to waiting lists but online therapy useful too. There are anxiety and panic workbooks you could get for them. Also the Calm app is excellent and you can gift a subscription. Sounds like you're being a really lovely friend. Nice walks together in the country good too. Make some meals for the freezer.

Thank you, @Hairydogmummy
No medication yet, but an appointment next week.

Okay, they may suggest starting SSRIs which I would recommend, and possibly something like diazepam while they start to work which sounds scary but is fine when used with caution in the short term. Just feeling like they are taking action will help your friend start to recover.

Just as an idea to help short term- have a look at the calm or headspace apps to calm breathing. Free trials in each I think.

There are other sleep sounds/ music on the bbc app too.

Thank you!