6. You’ll think that your SO deserves better than someone with anxiety.
I had a breakdown one night early on in our relationship and I spent hours trying to get my boyfriend to break up with me because I honestly believed that he deserved better than to be with someone with such bad mental health. A big part of my anxiety stems from the need to be perfect and I felt that I couldn’t be perfect for my boyfriend so the only other option was to get him to breakup with me. He obviously didn’t- he knew that I was having a breakdown and that me trying to end out relationship wasn’t what I actually wanted, so he stayed patient and waited it out with me.
7. Your SO will help you figure out healthy coping mechanisms.
This was something I never expected my SO to help me find the right coping mechanisms but he’s been there helping me with them for the past two and a half years and I’m so thankful. Coping with anxiety is hard AF to deal with alone. Trust me, I’ve tried. Coping mechanisms are weird. You have to try everything possible until you can find the ones that work for you and it can take a while. Having a SO that helps you figure these strategies out is so incredibly helpful. Anything from breathing exercises to yoga or even just watching a movie is really helpful, and if your SO is willing to do them with you sometimes, that’s even better.
8. Your SO will learn to be extra patient on the days that are hardest for you.
This was something that I was so grateful to learn and experience. My boyfriend is so incredibly patient on the days that I can’t get out of bed or go to class or work and I never once feel judged or patronized for not being able to function like a normal human being, and I think that that’s really important on the days that are the darkest for you. Find someone who will be patient with you and stay with you through everything.
9. You’ll panic over something that seems useless to other people.
This happens to me a lot. The things that seem the most useless can sometimes be the most anxiety-provoking, but the right SO will be there no matter what. Don’t settle for someone who won’t take the time to understand and be supportive. They don’t need to do anything to help you because just having them there will be enough.
10. Anxiety is a b*tch, but having your SO as part of your support system will help you so much.
Anxiety is the worst. It’s a part of m life- something that I have to deal with every day, and I know that it’s something that so many other people have to deal with too. it’s way more common than people choose to believe, and I can’t say enough how important it is to give a good support system, and having your SO as part of that makes it all a bit easier.