Some info about anxiety
The American Psychological Association (APA) explains this disorder as “emotion which involves feelings of stress, troubled thoughts and physical conditions like high blood pressure.” Only people suffering from it could tell how terrible and what a challenge for a normal life anxiety is. Sadly, this problem has become very common nowadays. Actually, in the USA about 18 per cent of the people above 18, which is about 40 million in numbers, have this condition. Usually, the treatment for it involves therapy or good mental health care resources. But the most effective way of dealing with this problem healthily is a great support network.
Below are 5 important facts to remember in case your loved person suffers from anxiety:
1. Physical and Psychological Symptoms
The ways anxiety is manifested are easy to notice. The first sign to pay attention to is a very fast pace of speaking. This might be accompanied with drawing shorter breaths, walking around the room or tapping fingers or feet. A sudden strike of anxiety can come along with physical symptoms also. Unluckily, they are not as simple to recognize. Your partner might suffer from sudden headaches which don’t last for more than a moment. Other telltale physical signs are nausea and upset stomach, as well as a discomforting increase in body temperature and face flushing. If your loved one exhibits these symptoms, you’d better find a way to relieve them. Otherwise, there’s a good chance to see your partner in the middle of an anxiety attack.
2. Depression
Depression could be another sign of anxiety. According to research conducted by The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, around half of the people with an anxiety disorder have a form of depression. Both disorders, especially when coming together, could be destructive. People, who suffer from them have fear-driven behaviour which leads to apathy. And handling such life can be extremely stressful. That’s why your partner needs you to be supportive and calm. Mostly, when this condition becomes overwhelming.
3. Problems with socializing
Social environments are really challenging for people with anxiety. Generally, the more the people the more exhausted and intimidated they would feel. Of course, most individuals still crave human interaction when they’re feeling up to it. But, they very much need their downtime to rest and calm their mind. As a partner, don’t take it personally when your loved one just can’t bring themselves to come out with you. If you give them enough time they’ll let you know when they’re ready to accompany you for a dinner at a restaurant or for a film at the movie theatre.
4. Stigmas on Mental Illnesses
Although Psychology has shown enormous progress during the last century, mental diseases and conditions are perceived even today as a more special category of illnesses. However, if your partner suffers from anxiety these underserved and ignorant labels shouldn’t influence you in any way. What you really need to do is to be a warm, supportive, caring and dedicated partner. One of the predominant prejudices is that the actual reason causing such mental problems is the lack of attention. Of course, this is a foolish idea. These are mental conditions and need to be treated as such.
5. Sport, diet and good sleep
It’s common knowledge that sport relieves stress, eases anxiety and makes people feel happier and healthier. And the good news is: you don’t need to spend your whole day at the gym. It requires only 1/2 hour of exercise daily to get the positive effects. What is more, good diet and sleep are also crucial for relieving anxiety. On one hand, Appropriate food for this condition could make people who suffer from it feel healthier and stronger and enable them to deal with stress better. On the other hand, good sleep could affect their mood in a positive way and decrease stress levels.
Final words to the partners
Anxiety is not nice, soft or easy to neglect. It is a dangerous disorder that influences all aspects of life. It makes the affected and their families’ life exhausting as it transforms what should be ordinary daily activities into battles. You need patience and understanding if your partner suffers from this disorder. You should keep your calm. Your partner needs this. You shouldn’t forget that if you feel nervous about their condition, their nervousness and stress is twice as strong as yours.
Finally, we should not forget that having a loved one with anxiety is challenging.
And it’s normal to get tired from time to time. But this shouldn’t make us give up. Actually, with the right behaviour and a lot of love from their partner, people suffering from this disorder could overcome it at least to some extent.
