How can I support my spouse when they struggle with anxiety?

Supporting a spouse with anxiety requires patience, education, and understanding that anxiety isn't something they can just "get over" or think their way out of. Anxiety is often rooted in brain chemistry and past experiences, and minimizing their struggle will only make things worse.

Educate yourself about anxiety so you can better understand what your spouse is experiencing. Offer practical support like helping with tasks that feel overwhelming, creating calm environments at home, and encouraging professional help when needed. Don't try to be their therapist, and don't take their anxiety personally.

Support Strategies:

• Learn about anxiety and how it affects people: educate yourself.

• Offer practical help with tasks that feel overwhelming during anxious periods.

• Create calm, predictable environments at home when possible.

• Encourage professional counseling, therapy, or medical evaluation.

• Don't take their anxiety personally or try to become their therapist.

• Learn their specific triggers and what coping strategies work for them.

• Be patient with the recovery process: healing takes time.

Key Takeaways:

• Anxiety is often a medical condition that requires professional help.

• Education and understanding help you support rather than inadvertently harm.

• Practical support can be as important as emotional support.

• Recovery is usually a process, not a quick fix.