There is always something that keeps us worried and causes us to overthink. But as long as you control your stress and anxiety and know how to handle your thoughts, you’re good to go. However, what should you do if your partner is the opposite? If your beloved tends to become anxious and tense, you need to find ways to support them.
Anxiety issues are painful to live with; they can cause mental fatigue, body aches, and, in extreme cases, panic attacks. Being in a relationship is all about supporting and loving your partner, and during turbulent moments you need to go that extra mile. If your partner is dealing with anxiety issues, there are numerous ways you can help them, here’s how:
1.) Learn About Your Partner’s Coping Mechanism
People can have various coping mechanisms to subside these worries when profoundly anxious. Some of these, like smoking, drinking, or recreational drugs, are harmful. Bear in mind that your partner may already be in a fragile state, and during these phases, it’s easy to fall prey to substance abuse. You need to intervene if you see them using substances like marijuana and emptying alcohol bottles more often than they should. Confronting and expressing your anger will only make your partner more aggravated. You need to be gentle and reassure them that you love and care for them, which is why you need them to look after themselves.
Once your partner eases up to your gentle intrusion, bring up the rehab topic. Your partner’s willingness is necessary for their recovery, so be extremely careful where you admit them. Establishments like Vista Pines Health Group are your safest option. This facility has all the services your partner will need, from an attentive staff to a well-developed routine that boosts recovery.
2.) Try and Understand Your Partner
You need to understand why your partner feels anxious all the time. Many factors may be contributing to their declining mental health. Perhaps they have unresolved trauma from their past that they still need to address, or maybe they feel insecure about being in a relationship with you. No matter the reason, you need to address them and converse with your partner.
An anxious person needs constant reassurance and care. If they feel overwhelmed conversing with you, know when to stop and back off. If you push for answers or show impatience, you may cause them to panic, which is terrible for their health. When your partner starts sharing their thoughts, listen attentively.
Don’t try to interrupt them or ask questions unless they give you an indication they want to answer. Likewise, don’t be dismissive or shrug off their experience by undermining their feelings and thoughts. Instead, show them you care and empathize with what they’re going through.
3.) Be Part of Their Wellness Journey
Helping your partner get better is all about joining them on their journey. You cannot cure an anxiety issue, but you can be pivotal in reducing the frequency of these attacks. Look for activities that you and your partner can do together that can provide them with stress release. For example, if your partner likes going out of the house and being close to nature, you can arrange a hiking trip, take them to the park or even encourage them to garden around the house. If you go for a morning jog or head to the gym daily, ask your partner to tag along.
Physical activity helps in getting rid of pent-up energy. A good workout also gets rid of negative thoughts. You may also come up with a safe word with your partner. If your beloved feels stressed or feels an anxiety attack coming, they can use this safe word to inform you that they’re not well and need help.
For example, suppose you’re with friends, and your partner uses their safe words. You should immediately spring into action, remove them from the stressful situation, and ensure your partner has enough space to deal with their anxiety. You can also try your hand at meditation, teach them deep breathing techniques or create a playlist of soothing music that can calm their nerves.
4.) Look Into Therapy
Anxiety is a type of mental health condition. So when it gets out of hand, you need a professional to help your partner. If your loved one shows resistance to seeing a therapist, don’t push them. But try your best to encourage them to try. If you can arrange a consultation with a therapist, go for one session so your partner doesn’t feel stressed out from the unfamiliar space. Therapists are certified professionals who understand mental issues well.
These experts can identify patterns, bring the heart of the problem to the surface and then start treating the issue. A therapist has the skills and expertise to converse with an anxious individual. Therapy can be beneficial for your partner; it can teach them to organize their thoughts, find a semblance of control when they panic, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to break the cycle of anxiety.
5.) Draw Up Boundaries
In your attempt to look after your partner, you may experience emotional fatigue. Looking after an anxious partner can exhaust you. It’s not easy to mind your tone, language, and words every time you speak to them, resulting in you walking on eggshells around your partner. Hence, as much as you love and respect your partner, you must draw boundaries to safeguard your mental well-being. If you plan on going out for the night and your partner doesn’t want to come with you, don’t cancel your plans but try coming home early.
While you’re at work, if your partner needs your attention, tell them they can text you but not call or expect you to come early. Likewise, handle the chores around the house as much as possible but remind your partner that you need them to pitch in too. If your partner is experiencing extreme distress, give them at least a week to recover before you gradually provide them with a task.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to mental health, dealing with the issues that tag along is not easy. If your partner struggles with anxiety and has a deeply ingrained problem with stress, they need help. While your support is integral to recovery, remember that you can’t cure this condition. Instead, you can help your partner manage their symptoms. Follow the tips mentioned above to help your partner in their time of need. With your support, they might be able to let go of all negative thoughts, give up every harmful habit and eventually achieve mental stability.
