Supporting loved ones with anxiety can significantly impact their well-being. For many parents, anxiety is a constant companion that manifests differently for everyone. It can range from overwhelming panic attacks to the subtle, persistent knot in the stomach. Regardless of its form, one undeniable truth remains: a compassionate partner can make all the difference in managing it.
In a heartfelt message directed at partners of those struggling with anxiety, Lisa Thompson, a mom and writer behind the blog Mom on the Move, shares her insights.
“To the partner of someone dealing with anxiety, you may have witnessed her struggle first-hand. You’ve been by her side in a doctor’s office, holding her hand as tears stream down her face. You may have seen her lash out in anger when the weight of her feelings becomes too heavy to bear, leaving you puzzled about where that rage is coming from. Or perhaps you’ve noticed her staring blankly into space with fear written all over her face.”
Thompson eloquently illustrates the various ways anxiety can manifest. It isn’t always triggered by a specific event nor is it merely a case of being overly worried. Anxiety can look like frustration, fear, nervousness, or sheer exhaustion. “Anxiety isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition,” she emphasizes. “It’s inconsistent and often hard to recognize.”
You might think she’s snapping at you, but it’s anxiety driving her reactions. You might assume she’s upset with you, yet the truth is that anxiety has its grip on her. You may feel that she’s not enjoying your time together and blame yourself, but it’s really her anxiety at play.
As someone who has navigated the waves of anxiety since becoming a parent, I know how bewildering it can be for a partner. My anxiety became evident soon after my child was born, and it often leaves my partner feeling confused and hurt. At times, he’s even asked me why I seem to “dislike” him, and not in the joking way he might when he knows I’m just having a rough day. It pains me that he feels this way, as my love for him and our family is immeasurable. However, when anxiety takes the wheel, I often feel like a passenger.
Thompson continues, “For her, anxiety is heart-wrenching. She longs for the freedom of being carefree, unburdened by the chains of this challenging condition.” There are days when all we want is to simply breathe, you know?
This struggle affects our partners too. They can feel helpless and frustrated, often unsure of how to help. But having someone who is patient, understanding, and supportive can truly make a difference during those moments when anxiety is overwhelming.
In her closing thoughts, Thompson reassures partners, “She loves you, and she appreciates your presence. She’s vulnerable and scared. What she needs most from you is a simple gesture: take her hand and say, ‘I’m here for you.’”
Caring for someone with anxiety, or any mental health challenge, teaches us valuable lessons in compassion. Being there for them can transform their experience.
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Summary:
Anxiety can deeply impact relationships, and having a supportive partner is crucial for those affected. This article highlights the various manifestations of anxiety, the importance of understanding and compassion, and offers resources for further exploration on related topics.