Anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide, and it's highly likely that someone you know, perhaps even your partner, is among them. When your closest loved one is dealing with anxiety, it can be challenging to find the balance between offering the support they need and taking care of your own well-being. Empathy, patience, and understanding are key to maintaining this balance. Arkansans is one of the states that report high rates of anxiety, depression, and the worst mental health care access in the U.S. With this in mind, let's see what are some of the ways to support a partner struggling with anxiety.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. and affect over 40 million adults across the country. In 2023, 32.6% of adults in Arkansas reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder.
Supporting a partner with anxiety starts with understanding what they’re going through. First, you should know what anxiety is – a persistent and often overwhelming feeling of worry or fear that can significantly impact daily life. According to the American Psychology Association, anxiety is related to feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. Anxiety disorders can significantly impact a person's relationships and every other aspect of their life. Begin by researching their specific condition – learn about the signs and symptoms, possible causes, and typical treatments. Understanding the challenges your partner faces and ways you can help make difficult times a little easier is crucial.
Additionally, it's important to recognize that recovery from anxiety isn't always possible. You can’t expect your partner to change or grow out of it one day. Many people live with anxiety for most of their lives, and their journey dealing with it isn't always a straight path. There will be good days and bad days. It's essential to be patient and not take these fluctuations and their relationship anxieties personally. Their behavior reflects their mental health condition, not the quality of their relationship.
The Importance of Support and Compassion
Effective and compassionate communication is vital if you want to support a partner struggling with anxiety. For starters, encourage them to share their feelings and listen without judgment. You can do so by sharing your feelings and not avoiding hard topics. On the other hand, sometimes, people with anxiety have to talk through their fears to realize they’re irrational. So, in cases like that, just being a good listener while they work it out themselves can make a significant difference.
It's also crucial to respect their boundaries. While offering support is important, recognizing when they need space is equally vital. Anxiety can make people feel overwhelmed, and they may need time alone to process their emotions. Let them know you’re there for them, but give them the autonomy to manage their well-being in the way they see fit. Avoid pushing them too much if they already seem pressured.
Creating Positive Habits and Environment
A positive home environment can significantly impact your partner's mental health. That’s why you must create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable expressing their emotions. Moreover, establishing routines that provide stability and predictability can be particularly beneficial for someone with anxiety.
Encourage healthy habits that promote overall well-being. Regular exercise, for example, releases endorphins that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Balanced nutrition is also essential – foods rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support brain health and function. Adequate sleep is also crucial, allowing the brain to rest and recover, improving mood and cognitive function.
Encourage Seeking Professional Help
You might be doing a lot to help your partner deal with anxiety, but, in many cases, professional help is often necessary to completely manage symptoms and find healthy coping mechanisms. Therapists can be a great source of information, help, and support to those struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety. So, encourage your partner to seek professional help and assist them in finding a suitable provider. When choosing the most appropriate mental health services in Arkansas for managing and reducing anxiety symptoms, make sure to opt for one of the treatment centers that offer specialized treatment options tailored to individual needs.
Couples Therapy
For couples where one or both of you are struggling with anxiety, couples therapy can also be beneficial. It can help you better understand each other and address personal and relationship issues.
Despite what people think, couples therapy isn’t just for those with failing marriages looking to fix their relationship – it’s so much more than that. If your partner or both of you are struggling with anxiety, talking about it with your partner with a professional present can be a great way to understand each other on a deeper level. You can talk through your personal and relationship issues and come out of it with a positive outlook.
Prioritizing Yourself
Supporting a partner with anxiety can be emotionally taxing, so it's essential to take care of your own mental health. Ensure you have a support network – friends, family, or a support group. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help for yourself if you feel like you might benefit from it. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup; taking care of yourself enables you to provide better support for your partner.
Moreover, recognize that there are limits to what you can do. You can't "fix" their anxiety, nor are you responsible for doing so. Your role is to offer support and encouragement, not to be their therapist. Accepting this can relieve some of the stress and feelings of helplessness you might be experiencing as your partner.
Finally, make sure you engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. These activities are crucial for maintaining mental health, whether it’s pursuing hobbies like reading or knitting, engaging in regular exercise, or taking time for self-care rituals like skincare and face masks. Remember, a well-balanced life filled with enjoyable moments allows you to be more resilient and present in your relationship.
In Conclusion
To support a partner struggling with anxiety requires patience, empathy, and understanding. You can navigate this journey together by educating yourself, fostering open communication, encouraging professional help, and taking care of your own well-being. While you can't cure their anxiety, your support can significantly impact their recovery and overall mental health.
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This is a guest post written for Dr. Jordan Harris.
Dr. Jordan Harris is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists who works in the Northwest Arkansas area, servicing Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville. With over 10 years of experience, he's worked in various fields from addictions, to kids, to psychiatric wards. Currently his specialty is working with couples with young children
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