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No one is perfect. When two people come together to form a couple, they both come with their set of challenges. This is what makes or breaks the couple. One of the challenges that some couples have is when one partner has anxiety.
It can be challenging for someone to act as the protector, compromiser, or protector in the relationship. They often find themselves overburdened with the responsibilities of avoiding places and activities that trigger their partner. It is essential to understand anxiety and learn strategies that will help your spouse best.
What Is Anxiety?
Before knowing how to support your spouse, you must have a basic understanding of anxiety. Anxiety is a process that the brain goes through to deal with stress. It can lead to fear of the future and usually serves to protect a person from danger.
However, there is unhealthy anxiety that interferes with daily life. It can formulate in different ways depending on the person. People experience panic attacks for no reason, phobias, worry about health, or irrational fear of social situations. To understand anxiety a lot better, you can visit unwindinganxiety.com.
What Can You Do?
You can’t fix anxiety, but you can manage it. If your partner is dealing with anxiety, the best thing you can do is provide optimum support. Here are ways you can support your spouse deal with anxiety;
Do Not Try To Fix Them
The first thing to remember is that you are not your partner’s therapist. It would be best if you did not try giving them advice on how you expect them to do. It is unfair to put such unnecessary pressure on a person you love because they will feel like failures.
Telling your partner what to do makes your love conditional. Just let them know that you are there and you want them to feel better. You can also help them by getting apps for anxiety that will help both you and your partner get through the problem.
Be present
When a partner has a panic attack, it can be devastating to watch their partner leave. If you do not know how to help your partner, you can stay there and let them know you will abide by their side.
People with anxiety swear that even when their partner is not doing anything, it comforts them when there is a person by their side. An anxious person also has this fear that they are unlovable. You can help them by letting them know that you will be by their side.
Going To Couples Therapy
People rarely accept or admit that they need help. Some people refuse the support offered. It can be painful for a spouse who wants a healthy relationship. If your partner is refusing to take any action, you can suggest couple counseling. Through coupled therapy, you can work out your communication problems and other unsolved issues in your relationship. If they are reluctant to this suggestion, you can seek treatment on your own. It will help you solve your feelings and realize what is best for you.
Relax Together
There are many ways of relieving stress and anxiety. You can practice techniques that alleviate anxiety together as a couple. You can exercise together with your partner or ensure that you consume healthy balanced meals. During panic attacks, you can take deep breaths while you encourage your partner to do the same. This shows that you care and you will be there for them in every way.
Take Care Of Yourself
As you are taking care of your partner, it is crucial not to forget about yourself. The following tips can help you;
- Continue living your life – Do not forget who you are and continue pursuing your interests and hobbies. This will help keep you energized and happy to tackle any stresses in your life.
- Have a support system – Having people whom you can speak to about your problems can ease a load off your chest. Let friends and family help you in any way, whether financially or emotionally.
- Set Boundaries – You can’t compromise your boundaries because it can leave you feeling frustrated. Whether emotional, financial or physical, you need to discuss what you are willing to take.
Support is something that most partners give each other in hard times. Anxiety should not be an exception. When your partner sees the support you’re offering them, they’ll know they are not alone, which will better their chances of beating the problem.
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