How to help your partner with anxiety and depression
A person who suffers from high-performance anxiety and depression may seem to be successful and happy in life. However, deep insecurity, persistent discontent with oneself, and concern about whether one is doing everything perfectly may lie beneath perfectionism and the drive to control everything. Anxiety and depression impact not only the person experiencing it but also others around him.
7 ways to help your partner with anxiety and depression
1. Your partner didn’t pick this situation
The first thing to remember is that a person suffering from anxiety and depression is usually always a victim of their condition. Such people might be perfectionists, expect a lot from others, have panic attacks, sleeplessness, and are continually punishing themselves and others – and it’s usually an unconscious condition. “I’m furious and disturbed about being late for work because I have anxiety,” the person does not believe. Being late, in his opinion, virtually jeopardizes his job.
Anxiety, like other mental diseases, may develop throughout a person’s life if they are constantly stressed; genetic predisposition can also play a part. It’s critical to realize that during an anxiety and depression attack, the partner’s emotions are difficult to regulate. Although it is not a justification for violent or harmful behavior, seeing anxiety and depression as a disease can help you understand the person’s situation better.
2. Inquire about how you may assist him or her
Create an atmosphere for open communication about his issue and difficulties, in general, to help you both feel more at ease in the relationship. Because of harmful social assumptions about masculinity, men frequently find it difficult to relate their experiences. Your partner can trust you if he understands he won’t be judged for his feelings.
Inquire about what you may do to help him deal with his anxiety and depression, both now and in the future. Everyone has a different reaction to this condition: some people want to be cared for and involved as much as possible, while others prefer to be left alone with their feelings.
3. Suggest that he create a list of anxiety triggers
It’s beneficial for both of you since he may not have considered which specific situations prompted his anxiety. Anything may set it off, but there should be a pattern: he’s frightened about being ambiguous, having to speak to strangers, disliking being late, or being too concerned about what others think.
The fact that you inquired about it demonstrates that you are concerned about his situation.
4. Educate yourself about anxiety and depression disorders
It’s crucial to know how your partner feels, but it’s also beneficial to grasp how anxiety and depression work in general. These tendencies may reveal a lot about a person’s personality.
With your partner, do some self-education: seek effective ways to manage anxiety and depression, react to stress, and maintain your mental health.
5. Boost his ego
An anxious and depressed partner is often self-conscious about himself or others. Don’t dismiss his issue, but attempt to emphasize the qualities you like in a man. Remind him of his qualities, why he deserves to be cared for, and that he doesn’t have to be perfect.
When a man is overtaken with uncertainty, self-criticism, and the fear of not living up to someone’s expectations, such support might be beneficial.
6. Have patience
Anxiety and depression can be treated and controlled, but it does not happen overnight. You’ll have to exercise every bit of patience you have. Your companion will need your active participation and attention. You can’t just attribute all of his complaints and concerns to anxiousness; you and he must learn to differentiate fact from emotion without reducing his feelings.
7. Give psychological support
When your partner’s anxiety and depression significantly impact his quality of life, it’s time to seek professional treatment. Choose from some specialists and give your partner the option of going to one of them for at least one session.
Suggest couples treatment if the man flatly refuses to go to a psychologist alone. In any event, his anxiety and depression impact your relationship, so seeing a psychologist, learning healthy behavioral methods, and talking about your issues would benefit both of you.
