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ENTITY shares how your significant other can help when coping with anxiety.

Relationships can be tricky, especially if your partner struggles with anxiety disorder. When it comes to being a supportive partner, anxiety may complicate your dynamic as a couple. It’s important to know what you and your partner can do for each other in order to maintain a healthy relationship, if possible.

1 Know Their Boundaries.

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Whether or not you’re their primary support system, being aware of their comfortability with speaking about their anxiety is crucial. Pushing their boundaries could upset them and make them feel judged or misunderstood. Being considerate of their boundaries also reassures them that the space between the two of you is a safe and brave space where vulnerability is welcomed.

2 Know Your Limit.

ENTITY shares how to help when your significant other is dealing with anxiety.

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Remember, you are not their doctor. Whether or not your significant other seeks regular counseling or doctor appointments is ultimately up to them. Your mental health should be your concern as well and if they are compromising it, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate your role in their life.

3 Don’t Pretend to Know Their Struggle.

You may know a lot about their struggles with anxiety, however, you will never know the whole picture. Be supportive and be comfortable with not knowing everything, it’s more important that you listen. As their partner, it is your job to be there for them without running their lives for them. Some detachment is perfectly healthy (for you and them)  when you’re struggling to grasp their experience.

4 Really listen to them.

ENTITY explores how to help when your significant other is dealing with anxiety

Giving your partner the space to open up about their mental health is super important. Even if they don’t want to, having the option will help them feel that you truly care about their struggles. Make it known that you hear their struggles and find the empathy needed to do so. If they choose to not speak to you about it, sometimes sitting with them in silence can be the best support for them.

5 Have a Serious Conversation About it.

ENTITY shares how to help when your significant other is dealing with anxiety.

Anxiety disorder doesn’t have to be the main topic of conversation always but you should have at least one serious talk about their needs, your ability to help and what can keep your relationship healthy and balanced. Establishing this right off the bat might save your relationship down the line by avoiding confusion or miscommunication.

6 Support their Medical Decisions.

ENTITY shares how to help when your significant other is dealing with anxiety.

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Again, the best gift you can give them is your support. They may decide they want medication, therapy or a variety of other options to manage their anxiety and your support will make their feel confident in their choice to seek out medical help. If they don’t want to treat their disorder, it is not your place to tell them they are wrong.

7 Respect is Necessary.

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Like in any healthy relationship, your respect is key to your relationship’s success. Anxiety disorder, and any other mental disorder doesn’t have to end your relationship if there is mutual respect for each other. This means respecting each other while things are smooth and while things are rocky. Being able to show your support and respect will make your dynamic better and won’t hurt their motivation to address their mental disorder.

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