Doctor
ASK THE
Introducing our new monthly feature, Ask the Doctor. Our healthcare partners
will be answering your questions. To submit a question, please email
[email protected].
My Partner is feeling anxious. How can
I help? things they can’t fully control. Encourage your partner
You’ve tried everything—listening to their concerns, talking, encourage your partner to write their anxious
attempting to understand their fears, seeking the advice feelings down; that may help the thoughts leave their
of friends and family. But taking care of a spouse who is heads for a bit. Allow your partner to choose whether
battling anxiety can be draining. Their worries can spill or not they share those written thoughts with you.
over into other aspects of your life and can in turn foster
to talk about their anxiety: what does it feel like, and
how does it express itself? If he or she doesn’t feel like
anxiety in you. Do mindful activities with your partner.
That’s why it’s critical to learn how to manage your Practice deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and
partner’s anxiety, and your own, so that you can both stretching. Be patient with your partner
thrive, together. and use these activities to show
Validate and acknowledge your partner’s
feelings without patronizing them.
him or her that you want
to focus on destressing,
together.
Saying something like “snap out of it” will upset your There is a book
partner—as the feelings they are having are often called The
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