Education, empathy, and encouragement are crucial
It is normal for couples to go through turbulent times together.
Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, are marked by extreme fears and worry.
These issues can potentially cause a breakdown in mutual communication and understanding.
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At a Glance
Watching someone you love struggle with anxiety can be difficult.
You might feel unsure how to help or even become anxious due to their symptoms.
Anxiety can be all-consuming and stressful.
Ask your partner about what they are experiencing.
This means maintaining a social, work, recreational, and spiritual life while remaining supportive of your partner.
The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) offers resources and groups through their nationwide chapters.
However, enabling your partner prevents them from learning how to manage their symptoms better.
It is your partner’s responsibility to work through that process and come to terms with their condition.
To stop enabling your partner, communicate with them about your needs and expectations.
Beempatheticto what your spouse is going through and acknowledge their fears and worries.
Instead, let them know that you recognize they are anxious and that you are there to support them.
Consider talking about ways that you might work together to help them feel less anxious in such situations.
Help Them Seek Treatment
Learn more about some of the available treatment options for your partner.
They need to make the decision, but let them know that you will support them during treatment.
This can be frustrating and hurtful to a partner who wants to have a healthier relationship.
A couples therapist can assist with communication problems and other unresolved issues affecting your relationship.
If your partner resists couples therapy, it’s possible for you to still seek help on your own.
A therapist can help you sort out your feelings and determine what is best for you.
Practice Forgiveness
Learning to forgiveis often an issue for couples dealing with relationship problems.
Many times a couple cannot move forward until they have forgiven each other for past mistakes.
By practicing forgiveness, a couple may also be able to let go of pent-up tension and anxiety.
National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI).Find your local NAMI.
National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI).How to love someone with a mental illness.
Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association (APA); 2009.
