It’s estimated that around 18% of adults in the United States suffer from anxiety. That means you’re not alone if you’re married to someone with anxiety! While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping a spouse with anxiety, some general tips might be helpful. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips and offer advice on supporting a spouse with anxiety. But first, please see our anxiety support group NYC to get professional help.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension or fears often related to a perceived threat. It can cause physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, and dizziness. People with anxiety may also experience difficulty concentrating or sleeping. While it is normal to feel anxious in some situations, such as before a big exam, anxiety becomes a problem when it interferes with daily activities or causes intense and ongoing distress. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting 40 million adults over the age of 18. Treatment for anxiety often includes medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
What triggers anxiety in relationships?
One of the most common triggers for relationship anxiety is a fear of abandonment. This can manifest in many ways, such as always needing reassurance from your partner or overly clingy. Common triggers include fear of conflict, a need for control, and difficulty trusting others. If you feel anxious in your relationship, it’s important to take a step back and identify what is causing that anxiety. Once you know what is triggering your anxiety, you can begin to work on addressing those issues. Whether you’re unsure where to start, seeking professional help can be a great way to get started on healthier relationships.
Can anxiety ruin a marriage?
Anxiety is a mental health condition that can cause significant stress and disruption in everyday life. Anxiety can take a toll on relationships when left untreated, causing tension, arguments, and conflict. In some cases, anxiety can even lead to divorce. However, it is essential to remember that anxiety is a treatable condition. With the help of a mental health professional, couples can learn to manage their anxiety and build stronger, more supportive relationships. While anxiety can be damaging to a marriage, it does not have to be the end of the relationship. With treatment, couples can overcome anxiety and build a lifelong bond.
How to support a partner with anxiety: the best practices to keep in mind
If you live with a spouse with anxiety and anger, you may feel helpless and wonder what you can do to ease their fears. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences anxiety differently, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. On the other hand, some general best practices can help you support your spouse through their anxiety:
- Try to avoid triggering their anxiety. If you know that certain topics or activities tend to trigger their anxiety, try to avoid them.
- Provide reassurance and encouragement. Help them develop healthy coping mechanisms and let them know you are there for them.
- Be patient and understanding. Remember that this is not their fault, and they are doing their best.
If you keep these things in mind, you will be well on the way to supporting your spouse through their anxiety.
What should you not say to someone with anxiety?
If you are married to someone who suffers from anxiety, it’s important to be supportive and understanding. But there are also some things that you should avoid saying, as they can unintentionally make the situation worse. For example, try not to say something like “calm down” or “just relax.” This can make the person feel like their feelings are invalid or not doing enough to manage their anxiety. It’s also important not to ask leading questions such as “are you sure you’re okay?” or “what are you so anxious about?” These types of questions can put pressure on the person and make them feel like they need to justify their anxiety. Instead, offer your support and let them know that you’re there for them.
How can I handle separation anxiety from spouse?
One of the most difficult challenges many couples face is separation anxiety. Whether it is caused by work, travel, or other commitments, separation anxiety can put a strain on even the strongest relationships. If you are struggling to deal with separation anxiety from your spouse, there are a few things that you can do to make the situation easier:
- It is crucial to stay in communication with your spouse. Even if you cannot be together in person, staying in touch through phone calls, text messages, and video chat can help to ease the tension.
- Try to stay busy while your spouse is away. Keeping yourself occupied will help to take your mind off the fact that your spouse is not around.
- Make sure to schedule time for yourselves when your spouse returns. Spending quality time together can help to reaffirm your bond and make the separation anxiety fades away.
Final thoughts
Living with a spouse who suffers from anxiety can be challenging. The good news is that there are ways to support your spouse and help them get the treatment they need. Suppose you’re not sure how to start, consider scheduling therapy at our mental health center today. Our experts can work with you and your spouse to create a plan to make a living with anxiety less stressful for everyone involved. Thank you for reading this article. We hope it provides some helpful insight into how to best support someone suffering from anxiety.