Content

• Steps
• Advice

While anxiety disorder is a common and treatable condition, dating someone with an anxiety disorder can be challenging. You can be by the side to support the person, but also set and stick to clear boundaries. Sometimes it's not easy to keep the balance between motivating and supporting them. With patience, open communication between the two parties, as well as the help of a psychologist, you and your partner can balance each other.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: The Daily Support

1. 

   Learn about the person's anxiety disorder. There are several specific types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder. (OCD). Each type of disorder has its own symptoms, triggers, and treatment. Document your partner's disorder and ask them what effects are causing their anxiety attack.
   • You can find useful resources at https://www.anxiety.org.
   • If your partner visits a mental health professional, ask for more information about that characteristic anxiety disorder. Discuss what active role you can play in therapy, such as supporting your partner with stress relief techniques.

2. 

   
   
   Encourage them to go to therapy if they don't have any treatment yet. If they are concerned about finding therapy, they may suggest that they see the primary care doctor first. To many people, a "normal" doctor sounds less frightening than a mental health professional. Show that you care for them, and remind them not to be ashamed of the therapy.
   • If they hesitate, try to calm that concern. Say, “Mental and physical health care makes no difference. Anxiety disorder is also a disease, do not be afraid to be judged just for the sake of healing.
   • Additionally, encourage the person to stick to the routine, take the prescribed medications, and do the exercises. The therapist will often ask them to practice breathing, journaling, exercise, or conscious behavioral exercises.
   • They may worry about taking the medicine. However, therapists will help them with anxiety relief rather than medication, depending on the type and severity of the condition.

3. 

   
   
   Reassure your ex that they can confide in you without fear of judgment. Reassure them that they can be weak at will in front of you, revealing all their chaotic thoughts and worries. Your ex may hastily conclude, think, or assert you that you've abandoned them or hurt if you don't listen. If these thoughts accumulate, they will make their condition worse, so tell your ex to confide in you.
   • Say “Please come to me if you panic, especially about our relationship. If you start to think negatively or have phobias, take a breath and ask your mind to stop thinking too hard. I'm here with you, caring for you and I understand worrying makes you get invaded by negative thoughts ”.

4. 

   
   
   Talk to the person to ease their anxiety. Intellectually check your partner's condition, especially if they're planning to jump to conclusions or think about the worst. For example, if you are late, send a text so they don't think you have an accident.
   • Remember that checking them out is helpful, but you should also be limited. Let your partner know you're late, but don't let them keep calling you during work hours.

5. 

   Help them develop and follow anxiety management plans. Discuss the things that excite them, and join them in making a plan for managing their anxiety. For example, if they have social anxiety, the goal might be to go out in public once a week.
   • Create coping strategies to prevent panic attacks, including breathing and visualizing positive things.
   • If the person procrastinates and panic when the work is too much, help them manage their time more effectively.
   • Remember that there is a difference between strategies for managing anxiety and avoiding agitation. Locking yourself in the house to avoid panic, for example, only makes your social anxiety last forever.

6. 

   Praise them if they accomplish a certain goal, even if it's a small one. Even if they're toddlers, praise and congratulate them on the healthy behavior they've achieved. Positive back-end encourages the person to try harder.
   • An anxiety disorder, for example, has made it difficult for them to find stable jobs. If the person completes their resume and submits a job application, compliment them, even if they haven't received an interview. Say “This is your big step, I know you've been trying. I'm proud of you ”.
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Part 2 of 4: Facing Common Challenges

1. 

   Remember that your partner doesn't want to be anxious. It is normal to feel frustrated, angry or upset. However, be frustrated and frustrated with the situation, not with the person who loves you. They have a mental illness, they don't intentionally let panic attacks and anxiety bother you.
   • If your partner gets into trouble with the crowd, you may be upset because they don't join you in social activities. Sometimes a serious disorder can make it difficult for them to find a job, placing a financial burden on you. If you both have children, you may feel sad that parenting obligations are not equally assigned.
   • Such relationships are certainly difficult, but try to deal with it with the person instead of resenting them.
   • Joining a support group for people who have loved ones with an anxiety disorder is also a good way. You can check with your loved one's therapist or look online.

2. 

   Set clear boundaries instead of giving in to your opponent. Supporting your partner emotionally doesn't mean you have to forget about your own life in order to accommodate them. As you stick to the boundaries, be steadfast but loving. Don't yell at them or make them feel bad about yourself, make it clear that you also need to be independent in doing your own thing.
   • For example, if they want you to be at home all the time, and get upset when you go out with friends. Say “I care about you and always want to be with you.But he also has his own needs, he also needs to spend time with friends and do independent things ”.

3. 

   Balance between honesty and compassion if you both have an argument. Raise your concern instead of just suppressing it, and speak directly to the person. Reprimand only makes them feel bad, so try to be gentle and avoid accusation.
   • Use a statement with the subject "you / me" when resolving conflicts. For example, that person keeps calling you during work hours, and is upset that you didn't pick up the phone. Don't say "Don't call me too much", because it will create feelings of accusation, making them more worried.
   • Instead say, “I'm worried that I'll get into trouble if I talk on the phone during office hours. I don't want to make you sad or think too much. But maybe, unless it's an emergency, can you help me by doing some relaxation exercises or sending texts instead of calling? ”

4. 

   Meet with a counselor for couples experiencing an anxiety disorder. If you find it difficult to resolve a conflict on your own, see a professional counselor to find a compromise. Even if you're not facing any significant hardship, seeing a counselor can help you better understand the other person's anxiety disorder.
   • Don't think the relationship counselor is a beacon for your story. Rather, this is a sign that you are putting all your energy into this relationship. Every couple has obstacles, there's nothing wrong with seeking help.
   • Remember that you are not your lover's counselor or therapist. Attending a 2-person session can help keep the boundaries.

   

   Liana Georgoulis, PsyD

   Psychologist Dr Liana Georgoulis is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience, currently the clinical dean of Coast Psychological Services in Los Angeles. She received her Doctor of Psychology degree from Pepperdine University in 2009. Her clinic offers cognitive behavioral and other evidence-based therapies for teenagers, adults, and couples. .

   

   Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
   Psychologist

   A counselor can teach you the skills needed to help your partner. Psychologist Dr Liana Georgoulis says: "Sometimes anxiety can lead to irritability, especially when the anxiety isn't well controlled. It looks like your partner is frustrated or angry with you," or seem threatening. They may also have to rely on your assurances of the same problem over and over again, exhausting you. A therapist can teach you two about anxiety disorders and how to help your other partner during such times.’

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Part 3 of 4: Meet Your Own Needs

1. 

   Pursue your own interests and interests. You should still do activities you enjoy, even if it provokes the other person's anxiety disorder. Being a support person doesn't mean letting their anxiety take over your own life.
   • For example, they have social anxiety, but you like to go to music. If your favorite band is touring in your place, go with your friends. Your partner may not be with you, but you don't have to stay on the sidelines just because the other half doesn't accept the crowd.
   • You cannot force the person to do things that make them uncomfortable, nor can they force you to give up your passion. In addition, personal preferences are an important part of helping you balance your physical and mental health.

2. 

   Set aside time to rest. Try to find time to read, listen to music, take a bath, or do other relaxing activities. If you can't fit that time in your calendar every day, try to schedule a few days a week.
   • The tension between daily duties is stressful enough, supporting the anxiety disorder person to add more pressure.
   • Stress management will help you maintain your mental health and not burn out. Being stressed and embraced many things are alarm bells for yourself, your lover and your relationship.

3. 

   Stay in touch with your support system. If you are frustrated or overwhelmed, talk to your loved one or friend rather than talking to your partner. If you need to vent your heart, call a loved one to talk about.
   • Find a support group or personal counselor that can help you maintain your mental and emotional health.
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Part 4 of 4: Helping them manage their panic disorder

1. 

   Remind your lover that feeling frighten will pass. Tell them that you understand they are going through something overwhelming and terrifying. Tell the person they are safe, that the panic anxiety doesn't last forever, they should feel better in a moment.
   • Say, “I know it's hard, regaining your breath and relaxing doesn't have to be said. Remember this is over. You are safe, it will be fine, if you want you will always be here until you calm down ”.

2. 

   Ask the person how you can help. If you have never experienced symptoms of an anxiety disorder, know you don't understand a panic attack, instead of telling the person to calm down or concluding what they need, ask them if you can. what.
   • Tell them, “I've never had a panic attack, but I know it's not easy, not say relaxation is okay. What can I do to help you get through it? " Everyone is different, but they may ask you to breathe with them, help them imagine peaceful scenes, or simply sit next to them and hold their hands.
   • When a person experiences an anxiety disorder, he or she may not be able to clearly communicate what they need. The wisest way is to discuss how to help while they are in a normal state. They can write down a list of helpful actions you can take.

3. 

   Count the numbers and breathe deeply with them. Ask the person to do his best to take deep breaths in his stomach. Tell them that you understand they feel the need for air, but slowly, belly breathing will help them get better.
   • Instruct them to breathe in slowly gently through their nose, inhale a full stomach, then exhale slowly through their mouths. Counting to 5 while inhaling or breathing down from 100 also helps ease panic attacks or anxiety.
   • Say "Breathe together." Close your eyes, and just focus on your breathing. Inhale, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and then exhale, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ”.

4. 

   Describe a peaceful and relaxing scene. Try to direct the person's thinking to a positive visualization to calm them. Have them re-imagine a comfortable childhood place, on a calm beach, or by the fireplace with a cup of cocoa. Describe sensory details, like a refreshing sea breeze or a little warm fire.
   • If the scene method of visualization worked for them, ask the person calmly ask to identify some pleasant visualizations. Remember that what is gentle to you can be something of an agitation to the other person, so ask them to find out what makes them most comfortable.
   • Ask “Tell me where you relax the most. So when you describe it every time you panic, it will help you focus on that peaceful place ”.

5. 

   Do something together, like writing, coloring, or listening to music. Focus on the activities they enjoy and then offer to do it together. You can play soothing music, paint, meditate, or yoga. Some people even find that writing down their feelings helps calm themselves down.
   • Again, you need to find out and discuss with your partner activities that will help them when they are in good health.

6. 

   Don't criticize or take your ex's feelings lightly. Avoid saying things like "Just calm down", "Relax and sit still", or "What's wrong with you, don't be like that". Understand that panic attacks and anxiety disorders make us feel insurmountable and frightening. They are experiencing real symptoms and that is illness, scolding only makes the condition worse.
   • Instead, remind them that you are with them, and make sure you get through the situation with the person.
   • Telling them to sit down may seem harmless, but actually sitting will make them more nervous. Adrenaline levels rise when experiencing an anxiety disorder and many people need to be moved around or around. If your partner doesn't feel comfortable sitting, take them for a walk.

7. 

   Encourage them to overcome the panic rather than dodge it. Even if it's hard work, coping with an anxiety disorder often involves coping with agitation. Let's challenge your lover a little, but gently. Tell them that sometimes experiencing anxiety is part of overcoming the disorder, and that you will be with them throughout the process.
   • For example, the other half suffers from social anxiety. Instead of staying indoors avoiding the triggers, they should gradually interact with social situations.
   • Walking around the park or the department store can be the first step. Then they can have dinner outside the restaurant or to a small party.
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Advice

• Anxiety Disorder is the most common mental health condition in America. Therapy, sometimes combined with meditation, is beneficial for managing the disorder.
• Everyone experiences anxiety, but there is a difference between normal stress and being overwhelmed by panic or fear. Only a mental health family can make a diagnosis, so avoid labeling those who have not been correctly diagnosed.
• Sometimes supporting a mentally ill lover can be difficult. But don't trust the fear and stigma associated with the psychological illness, but consider whether you are meeting their needs. If you are both just dating, ask yourself if this is the person for you as well as if you will be investing in the relationship.