Mental health awareness has risen in recent years as we start to acknowledge that physical health is not the only health that we need to worry about. Whereas before the topic used to be taboo, things have changed. Today, everybody is encouraged to talk about their issues openly, with friends talking to peers and encouraging each other to open up. However, this can sometimes be a little overwhelming ???? as we also go through our own troubles and problems. That said, two main mental health illnesses faced by the majority are anxiety and depression.
Today we are going to look at how to maintain a relationship with somebody that has anxiety problems.
Understand what anxiety is
If you are dating somebody who has anxiety it is important to do some research so that you understand everything about the illness, because if you do not understand it you are not going to be in a position to be supportive and lend a helping hand. You may think that being anxious is just a sign that someone worries too much when in reality it goes much deeper than that, as it can be all-consuming and actually dictate how someone lives their life. Learn all about the different types of anxiety and how the symptoms manifest themselves, and then you will be in a much better position to understand what your partner is going through.
Talk to your partner to understand their triggers
Not only is it important to do your research about anxiety in general, but it is also crucial that you talk to your partner about what their triggers are, and what their methods of coping are. You can only learn so much from the textbooks, so you need to understand what is going on in real life too. Talk to your partner and ask them to try to explain why they are feeling anxious. You must also observe and watch carefully because oftentimes your partner might not be honest so you will have to learn things for yourself. For example, you might be attending a party together but in the days beforehand your partner retreats into their shell. If so, you need to be understanding and to take on board your partner’s feelings about why they are anxious about the party, rather than being judgmental and thinking that they are overreacting.
Suggest help
Suggesting your partner gets help to cure their anxiety is a very difficult thing to do, because if done the wrong way it will push your partner further away from the help they actually need. If you find that things are getting so bad that they really do need professional help from the likes of a psychiatrist then you need to talk to them in a calm and reassuring way and explain why you think that it is a good idea. There are numerous ways, from getting help online to calling a dedicated mental health charity, or even the Samaritans. Psychiatrists are there to help, not to judge, and you need to instill this in your partner; that you are just trying to make them better and that there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. The more they talk the easier things will become.
Try not to become anxious yourself
When you are in a relationship with someone who has anxiety it can become very easy to start blaming yourself for their illness and then to actually start becoming anxious yourself because you start to question everything you do in case it triggers their anxiety. You have to remember that you are not the cause of their anxiety and are in no way to blame, so when you get those feelings you need to step back and take care of yourself. Go out for a run, or do some yoga and allow yourself to rationalize the situation. The worst thing that can happen is that the pair of you develop anxiety together as that will make your relationship very difficult to maintain and ultimately it will probably end up in separation. If you find yourself feeling like this, talk to your partner, because maybe it is time to seek counselling together for the sake of your relationship.
Maintaining a relationship with somebody that has anxiety is not easy as you have to be understanding and there for them at every step. Do not be judgmental and stress that they have nothing to be ashamed of, try to learn what their triggers are and, if necessary, suggest seeing a psychiatrist or a counselor. Do this together and all being well you will come out the other side with a much stronger relationship that will last for years to come.
