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Writer's pictureKaryl Vassilaros

Managing Anxiety in Relationships: Our Approach

Updated: Jul 30

Understanding the Impact of Anxiety


Anxiety can place a heavy burden on relationships, often causing emotional reactions that strain those around you.


It's crucial to recognize that while support from others is valuable, the change must come from within. Continuous anxiety can cloud your perception of well-being, making it essential to address the root causes.


Standing in front of clouds.
Cloudy Judgment

Taking Responsibility for Your Anxiety


Managing anxiety requires opposite and active effort. This involves:


  • Recognizing Triggers 🧠: Identifying what triggers your anxiety is the first step. Understanding these triggers allows you to address them directly.

  • Reducing Anxiety Levels 📉: Developing strategies to lower your anxiety, such as mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises, can help you manage your emotional responses.

  • Self-Awareness 🔍: Being aware of how anxiety affects your behavior and relationships is crucial. This awareness can motivate you to take steps toward improvement.

  • Going Opposite: Our anxiety keeps us from doing things we want to do, in those moments, it is wise to push against anxiety and learn to trust that you can handle things, bit by bit. This helps decrease anxiety and increase confidence.


The Role of Discomfort


Discomfort is a key signal that something needs to change.


Often, we are more comfortable with our anxiety because it is familiar, even though it is uncomfortable.


Men jumping out of airplane.
Embracing the Uncomfortable

Discomfort can be a catalyst for change, pushing you to either adapt to the discomfort or make necessary adjustments.


The Nature of Anxiety


Anxiety stems from the belief that you must or will experience something you feel unprepared to handle. Unlike PTSD or CPTSD, which are responses to past trauma, anxiety is about anticipated challenges. Understanding this distinction can help in developing effective coping strategies.


Approaches to Managing Discomfort


Acceptance and Adaptation 🌱

  • Learn to become comfortable with discomfort.

  • Understand that being uncomfortable is a normal part of growth and change.

  • This acceptance can reduce the power anxiety has over your life.


Control and Response 🛠️

  • Recognize when discomfort becomes overwhelming and may lead to acting out.

  • Find ways to regain control constructively, such as through grounding techniques or seeking professional support.

Deliberate Change ⚙️

  • Make intentional adjustments to mitigate discomfort. This might involve changing your environment, developing new skills, or adjusting your mindset.

  • Embracing discomfort as a signal for needed change can lead to personal growth and improved relationships.



Conclusion


Managing anxiety in relationships requires a proactive and understanding approach. By recognizing the impact of anxiety, taking responsibility for your triggers, and using discomfort as a catalyst for change, you can foster healthier and more fulfilling relationships.


Our approach focuses on empowering individuals to understand and manage their anxiety, creating a balanced and harmonious life.


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