Loving someone with anxiety is worth it! It will just require a lot of patience, understanding, and empathy but I can assure you again that it’s worth it. There are 5 things you need to know when loving someone with anxiety to make the relationship thrive!
1: Be a Safe Space for them to Surrender Their Thoughts & Feelings
When you have anxiety, sometimes you have irrational thoughts or feelings that some may consider “dramatic.” The worst thing that you can do as a partner is to invalidate those feelings or criticize those thoughts when your partner does open up to you about it. Be a safe space for them to express themselves without fear of judgment. Listen to every word and respond with kindness!
2: Research the Topic to Gain a Deeper Understanding
If you don’t have anxiety yourself, it can be tough to understand. It is my belief that as a partner, it is your responsibility to educate yourself on the issues your partner may be facing. Ask them questions! Read articles online! There are so many ways to better understand your partner so that you can be a better support system for them.
3: Affirm Your Commitment to Them
When you deal with anxiety, especially in relationships, you’ll sometimes wonder if the person you love will love you enough to stay on this rollercoaster with you. You’ll wonder if you are worth it to them. As their partner, this is when they will need your affirmation more than ever. Let them know you’re not leaving their side!
4: Learn Their Triggers & Avoid Them
Triggers are can be specific words, actions, or internal and external circumstances that induce feelings of anxiousness. Take the time to ask or pay attention to what triggers your partner’s anxiety so that you can do your best to avoid them.
5: Support Them
Having anxiety is nothing that you sign up for or choose, so support is the only thing that makes it easier to get through each day. Support them on their bad days just as much as you would on their good days!
Photo by: Alex Green – Pexels
Essential Intimacy 