“Take Your Time:” 10 Things to Say to Someone Who Has Anxiety

Anxiety is a familiar emotion because it is part of everyone’s experience. Its natural function is to alert us to potential threats, allowing us to evaluate and respond to them in appropriate ways. This heightened state of readiness can also help people perform better and stimulate creative impulses.

Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the U.S. It causes both physical and psychological symptoms, and it can be very distressing. Long-term anxiety increases the risk of physical illnesses and other mental health conditions, such as depression.

• “Are You OK?”
• “I’m Always Here if You Need to Talk”
• “Your Fears/Worries/Triggers Are Not Silly”
• “Take Your Time”
• “Let’s Sort Through This Together”
• “How Can I Help?”
• “There’s a Cup of Tea Waiting for You at Home”
• “This Feeling Will Pass”

Instead, make them feel safe, distract them from their worries, and keep them in the present. You should never tell someone with anxiety to stop feeling worried or that they are irrational. Avoid calling someone with anxiety “crazy” or “insane” or that they’re simple an “anxious person.”

Dating Someone with Anxiety: 8 Do’s & Don’ts

1. Do research to learn about anxiety and understand your partner.
2. Don’t forget that your partner is the expert on their own anxiety.
3. Do show you care without reinforcing the cause of their anxiety.
4. Don’t mistake anxious behavior as directed towards you.
5. Do hone in on ways to keep your own anxiety in check.

Anxiety breaks down trust and connection … It can also make you less attuned to the needs of your partner. If you’re worried about what could be happening, it’s difficult to pay attention to what is happening. When you feel overwhelmed, your partner may feel as though you aren’t present.

If you are dating someone with anxiety, it is likely your partner spends a lot of time worrying and ruminating on everything that could go wrong or already be wrong with the relationship.

The first type of anxiety will go away on its own. The second may not. Most people with anxiety disorders never fully eliminate their anxiety. However, they can learn how to control their feelings and greatly reduce the severity of their anxiety through therapy (and medication if needed).

Nine foods to eat to help reduce anxiety

• Brazil nuts. Share on Pinterest Brazil nuts contain selenium, which may help to improve mood.
• Fatty fish. Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, and herring, are high in omega-3.
• Eggs.
• Pumpkin seeds.
• Dark chocolate.
• Turmeric.
• Chamomile.
• Yogurt.