How can DSPs create a supportive environment for individuals with anxiety?

Creating a supportive environment for individuals with anxiety involves acknowledging their needs and providing them with the stability and predictability essential for managing their anxiety. Providing structured and predictable routines is key as it helps individuals feel safe and secure, reducing feelings of uncertainty that can trigger anxiety.

Routines enable individuals to anticipate what will happen next, making their environment more manageable and less overwhelming. When individuals can predict their daily activities, they can focus on engaging with the world around them instead of worrying about the unknown or what may come next, which is often a source of anxiety.

A supportive approach encourages consistency, which can empower individuals to navigate their emotions and experiences with greater ease. In contrast, options that suggest minimizing interactions, enforcing strict schedules, or discouraging the expression of feelings may exacerbate feelings of isolation, pressure, or invalidation, thereby contributing to heightened anxiety rather than alleviating it.