5 Things to say to a friend who experiences anxiety during the Coronavirus pandemic

1. “Of course you are!”– VALIDATION- Because the current state of the world is enough to make anyone’s brain respond in a protective way.

2. “Tell me more.” – EMPATHY- Even when you don’t know what to say, you can open the door to sharing in their experience.

3. “I’m with you in it.”– SUPPORT- Even though we have to be apart, distance does not determine closeness.

4. “You’re still you.”– VALUE- Anxiety can feel all-consuming, but it doesn’t have the power to consumer our identities.

5. “Let’s make plans.”– HOPE- Timelines aren’t guarantees, but make loose plans to do fun things over the summer.