1. The best thing you can do is listen. 

You don’t have to have the answers. It can’t be fixed even though you want to fix it. Just listen. Let them know that you’re there. Let them have space if they need it, or if they need a hug, please indulge.

2.      Acknowledge their anxiety instead of sweeping it under the rug. 

Don’t treat it as if it’s a passing thing or that it doesn’t exist. Truly understand if your beloved ones could make it go away, they would.

3.      Your support means the world to them. 

It means the world that you are still by their side ― accepting their differences and still loving them when they sometimes find it hard to love themselves.

4.      Please don’t tell them to just ‘calm down’ or that they’re being irrational.

They are usually 100% aware whatever they are anxious about is irrational. Telling them to calm down does not magically turn their brains off.  

5.      Don’t take it personally when they are having a bad day. 

You should know that their anxiety is not about you, even if you think you triggered it. They are feeling intensely overwhelmed. Offer them something that may help distract or decrease the intensity. Part of their anxiety is in the brain and cannot be helped. Other externals factors can be. Offer them to do anything you know might help reduce their symptoms.

6.      Remember: Not all anxiety is the same. 

Anxiety affects people differently and what helps some of them may not help others. Some need physical contact and reassurance. Others need space. Knowing what helps your significant other will make your relationship strong.

 7.      Not all manifestations of our anxiety are bad. 

Anxiety is not always bad. Some days, loving a person with anxiety means they will think deeply and passionately about loving you. Nervous energy is still energy. Rarely does their anxiety allow them to make decisions without deep and meticulous thought. You will be thought of and cared for like you never have before.

 8.      They are deeply grateful for your patience.

Patience truly is a virtue. You may not always understand their anxiety, but as long as you show love and compassion for their discomfort, that’s really the most important thing.  

 9.      Do some research about their condition ― it might help you understand them. 

Be informed about their illness. Understand the feelings and reality of what they are facing and be there in the same way you would for a person who has a physical illness. Learn their triggers.

10.  Take their feelings seriously. 

It means a lot that someone believed them that something was wrong. Anxiety can be terribly crippling and it just helps sometimes for someone not to minimize it or brush it off.

12. Encourage them to take care of themselves.

Participate in healing activities with them or encourage them to stay active in things like yoga, dancing and walking. 

 13.  Remind us that there’s no shame in seeking professional help. 

Encourage them to see a therapist. Getting treatment for anxiety can save their life, increase their overall wellbeing and improve your relationship.