​3 ways to cope with an anxious partner

1) Self-care.

It is critical your mind and body stays healthy. Self-care is necessary for any healthy relationship.

• Eat well.
• Sleep well.
• Exercise daily.

2) Remind yourself it’s not personal.

Understand their anxiety has nothing to do with you. They are experiencing an emotion because of the perspective they are taking on a situation, because of the thoughts they are having. It is not your job to try and change your partner. Remember their anxiety has nothing to do with you.

3) Normalize their feelings.

Let your partner know it’s ok for them to feel what they are feeling. Normalize their anxiety. When we place judgment or tell someone not to feel something it makes them feel worse, propelling the anxiety. Sometimes it’s helpful to diffuse an anxious episode with a little bit of humor (i.e. having an anxiety party). Using humor is a delicate approach and must be handled with care.