Table of contents:
- Couples experiencing anxiety disorders, what to do?
- 1. Understand anxiety disorders
- 2. Listen to the complaints
- 3. Don't be afraid of the emotions
- 4. Look for ways to reduce your own anxiety
- 5. Remember, that you are not the therapist
Someone who has an anxiety disorder is synonymous with being enveloped by feelings of excessive worry all the time. It is not easy to be in this position, especially for those of you who are faced directly with the challenge that your partner has an anxiety disorder.
If this is what you are experiencing, it would be difficult to understand what your partner is really going through. Maybe, sometimes you feel like you're about to give up on building a relationship with him. However, actually this is not a barrier to continue to accompany your partner through difficult times, you know!
Couples experiencing anxiety disorders, what to do?
Reporting from the page Psychology Today, a study conducted by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), found that people with any anxiety disorders often think that it is difficult for them to actually have a healthy and harmonious relationship.
On the contrary, even though you as a couple have tried hard to continue to maintain this bond. Don't get desperate just yet, have you applied some of these things in dealing with a partner who has anxiety disorders, haven't you?
1. Understand anxiety disorders
There are different types of anxiety disorders. Have you understood everything? Or at least, understand correctly about the types of anxiety disorders experienced by partners. This is supported by a statement from Kevin Gilliland, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and lecturer at Southern Methodist University, United States.
According to him, you cannot fully understand your partner's condition if you don't know anything about the medical problem he is experiencing. At first glance he may look normal like other people in general, but in a short time he can change drastically with his anxiety that is difficult to control.
So there's really no reason to be reluctant to study anxiety disorders if you really want to be with your loved one.
2. Listen to the complaints
As you learn to understand what your partner is facing, try to be more "sensitive" to the current conditions. Be a good listener in all situations, especially when he is talking about his complaints.
Avoid overly imposing personal opinions which will actually cloud the atmosphere and partner anxiety. You may express suggestions for him, but it is better when your partner asks you for advice. Make sure the delivery method is subtle, does not provoke emotion, so that it is easier for your loved one to understand.
In essence, act as a pair of ears that are willing to hear his complaints whenever needed. That way, they will know that you really care and love them.
3. Don't be afraid of the emotions
There are times when a partner will overdo it when expressing what he is feeling. For example, by crying, shouting loudly, until they went berserk. The response of people who see it is certainly not always the same, including you. Yes, some can stay calm or some tend to be afraid to the point where they can't do anything.
No matter how you feel at the time, the key is to control your own fears. The reason is, being too reckless to show inappropriate behavior will only worsen the couple's condition.
Instead, just take a deep breath, think about the best solution to the problem, and try to stay calm.
4. Look for ways to reduce your own anxiety
Paulette Sherman, Psy.D., a New York City psychologist and author and author of Dating from the Inside Out explained that anxiety is an energy that can be contagious.
You may subconsciously experience anxiety because you are constantly close to a partner who is experiencing anxiety disorders. Even if you are not worried about anything.
Well, this anxiety in yourself will make it difficult for you later to understand your partner. Therefore, as much as possible try to find a way to keep yourself calm and not affected by partner anxiety. For example, by doing meditation, yoga, or me time.
5. Remember, that you are not the therapist
Your role here is as a partner who should support, guide, and accompany your loved one who is experiencing anxiety disorders. Not the other way around, who acts as the main "manager" of anxiety experienced by your partner.
Sherman recommends leaving it all up to a third party, namely a therapist, whose job is to help relieve partner anxiety. However, still make sure you are always there to help your loved one deal with the anxiety they are experiencing.
