Anxiety is becoming more prevalent, and so is living with someone who is anxious. No one feels the desire to help - and the strain on the relationship - more acutely than the spouse of the anxious one. Part 1 of this series talks about how to help the anxious person - take a look here if you haven’t yet. But today I’m focused on YOU - the partner of someone struggling with anxiety.
We’re having a hard time. Is this normal?
Yes! So normal. Anxiety puts a lot of strain on the relationship. A great article by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) highlights common struggles in such couples. The anxious person will:
So what do I do?
It is important to extend compassion to your spouse AND to yourself.
You may find it difficult to allow yourself to have self-compassion, but I encourage you to do so. The reality is, these challenges are affecting you too. You are not a superhero! Admitting that this is a hard season will help lower the bar of personal expectations and give you permission to know your own limitations.
When one member of a couple is struggling, the other member often wants to do everything they can to support their partner, but that can lead to burnout and isolation. “Partners of those suffering with anxiety problems often take on more than the normal share of domestic, economic, parenting, and other responsibilities.” says the ADAA. I’m sure you can relate.
Take a moment to make a list of the additional responsibilities you take on when your partner is struggling.
What do you notice about your own energy level and mental health as you support your spouse?
Taking Care of Yourself
It is really important to care for yourself during this season. You are not being selfish when you take the time to care for your own well-being. Taking good care of yourself will enable you to be a better caregiver to your loved one. I highly recommend these self-care suggestions from the ADAA:
Consider how you can implement these ideas.
What is life-giving to you?
What are your interests?
Who is your support system?
Even you have your limitations. What boundaries do you need to set?
How do you feel about professional care for yourself? Would you consider it?
For more ways to practice self-care in your everyday busy life, check out the three-part series I wrote last month, The Importance of Self-Care.
You may be thinking, How can I care for my spouse, and do all the extra chores, AND take time to care for myself? There are not enough hours in the day!
Having experienced anxiety and being a caregiver for my mom, I can understand how complicated things can be for both of you. That being said, I am a huge advocate of self-care and self-compassion for the person trying to help. You’ve got to put your own oxygen mask on before anyone else’s.
In order to make time for yourself, you’ll need to allow yourself to disappoint others. It’s inevitable, and that’s okay. Remember, you are not super-human. If you don’t care for yourself, you’re going to be in bad place too, and that will only make things harder. Be intentional to make time for yourself, even if it means saying no to something or someone important to you.
I hope this advice encourages you and helps you realize you are giving a lot, you are not alone, and this will not last forever!
Be Comforted
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Good read!
toofouohdh
March 16, 2021
Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?