When "Just Stop Worrying" Doesn't Help: How to Support Your Partner with Anxiety

Anxiety isn't just a small worry; it can feel like a huge, constant weight that affects daily life and relationships. If your husband or wife or partner struggles with anxiety, telling them to "just stop worrying" can make them feel unheard and alone. It's tempting to offer quick fixes, but real support needs patience, understanding, and truly being there for them.

Understanding Your Partner's Anxiety

Anxiety isn't something someone chooses to have. It's a real mental health condition that can change how someone thinks, feels, and even their body. People with anxiety might have racing thoughts, feel very scared, be restless, feel tired all the time, and even have headaches or tense muscles. Telling them to "just stop worrying" makes their experience seem small and can make them feel like no one understands. Instead, try these more helpful ways to support them:

How to Offer Real Support

1. Show You Understand Their Feelings

Your partner needs to feel heard and that you get what they're going through. Instead of brushing off their worries, try saying things like:

• "I can see you're feeling anxious right now. How can I help you?"

• "That sounds really hard. I'm here for you."

When you show you understand their feelings without judging them, it can help them feel safe and supported.

Here are some other helpful phrases you can use to validate their feelings and offer support:

• "I'm listening. Tell me more about what's on your mind."

• "It makes sense that you're feeling this way."

• "I can only imagine how tough this must be for you."

• "We'll get through this together."

• "What do you need from me right now?"

• "No matter what, I'm here for you."

• "Your feelings are valid, and I'm here to support you."

• "Is there anything I can do to make things a little easier?"

• "Let's figure this out together, one step at a time."

• "I love you, and I'm here to help you feel better."

2. Learn About Anxiety Together

Learning about anxiety can help you both understand it better and talk about it more easily. Reading books, listening to podcasts, or going to workshops about anxiety can give you tools to support your partner better.

3. Encourage Healthy Ways to Cope

Help your partner find good ways to deal with their anxiety. This could mean:

• Doing mindfulness or meditation together.

• Getting some exercise, like walks, yoga, or other fun activities.

• Helping them stick to a good sleep routine.

• Trying relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises.

4. Talk with Kindness

It's important to keep talking openly and without judgment. Instead of trying to "fix" their anxiety, ask them how they want you to support them. Sometimes, they just need you to listen without trying to solve things.

5. Get Professional Help

Encouraging your partner to get professional help can make a huge difference. A trained therapist or counsellor can give them unique ways to manage their anxiety. Inside Out Counselling & Wellness Practice offers caring, professional help for people and couples dealing with mental health issues.

How Inside Out Counselling & Wellness Practice Can Help

Inside Out Counselling & Wellness Practice offers a safe place for people and couples to work through anxiety, relationship problems, and emotional well-being. Their therapists use proven methods like Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) and mindfulness techniques to help clients manage anxiety effectively.

If you or your partner are struggling with anxiety, reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

Getting professional support can improve how both of you feel and make your relationship stronger.

Final Thoughts

Anxiety is a real and often tough condition, but with the right support, your partner doesn't have to face it alone. Instead of making their experience seem small, try to be a source of comfort and understanding. Together, with love, patience, and professional guidance, you can deal with anxiety as a team.

If you're ready to take the next step, consider reaching out to Inside Out Counselling & Wellness Practice today. Help is available, and feeling better is possible.