xvarnah · 2 years ago
^ also that tag list doesn't have every active user, so if there's someone I missed that people think may have some insight or could help, then by all means
captainjackharknes · 2 years ago
Honestly, just listen to her. Let her vent to you about her day. Having someone who cares enough to pay attention really has helped me in those situations. She's not looking for you to fix everything for you, she probably just needs someone to reach out, and help her feel that things will be ok.
catfluff · 2 years ago
^ the captain has some good advice.
What my partner also does is bring me a pillow, my weighted blanket, my teddybear, and snuggles me up on the couch, and gives me a footrub while listening to me. It's surprising how much that helps.
catfluff · 2 years ago
Also a cup of chamomile tea before bed, and hot comfort foods at meal times (mine is plain pasta and cheese).
creativedragonbaby · 2 years ago
If she has panic attacks or anything of a similar nature, “grounding” is helpful. Focusing on physical objects and sensations to take your mind off of whatever’s troubling you
soullesspegasus · 2 years ago
Therapy and medication have helped for me. Trying CBT now. Can’t stress the importance of identifying helpful lifestyle changes. Weather it’s finding a new job, cutting out TV for books, or just taking on less things, more fun things or finding a new place (like a hobby group or volenteership) where you feel appreciated was big for me. Identifying positive changes to make is something she needs to do herself, but as far as what you can do: distraction can be great so plan some activities for you two, and just check in every once in a while. Let her know you want to help (but saying so every day can be an unpleasant reminder of bad feelings) it seems like you care :)
mia_linay · 2 years ago
While I must say that I'm not an expert on anxiety, I know what helps me in moments when I'm overwhelmed is someone asking "do you just want to vent and me to listen or should I suggest solutions?". Also appreciating words like "I'm proud of how you're handling all that stress, i see your struggles" and just random, long hugs.
bensen · 2 years ago
I think she should listen to the radio when she goes to bed as this helps create pictures in your head and send you off to dreamland
Also I’m always here to listen to problems and be vented to
Good luck <3
nicengelman · 2 years ago
A big part is letting her know that it's ok. It's not something she needs to try to force herself to stop experiencing, that it might just take some time and distraction. And if she hasn't already, it's always good to seek professional help.
thatguyyouknow · 2 years ago
Anxiety has always been a part of my life :(
lydia · 2 years ago
Hmmm, from personal experience with these 3, being listened to, comfort foods, reassurance, calming music, and grounding techniques all help me.
For more personal things, I like my hair being stroked while I have my head resting on a heated blanket, and being told that everything will be okay, and that it's just my anxiety making things seem worse.
oh, and no matter what happens, that my partner will be there for me. that always helps me.
i'm also a little jumpy with my anxiety, so keeping things slow and quiet makes it even better :>
mrscollector · 2 years ago
I give this advice: find out when she feels the anxiety, for many it is different.
For my hubby it’s:
Going to stores
Being in new places
Meeting new people
Being some where over crowded
Feeling like he has no escape
She needs a space to recharge and feel normal. Like a place in her room with what ever makes her feel comfortable.
My hubby uses his computer desk.
I have PTSD I use my chair with stuffed animals, blanket, pillows, my movie accounts, & my touch sensory toys. (I ground my self by feeling different textures like a soft carpet, sand paper, velvet fabric piece of material.)
As for the depression remind her of the opposite things he mind tells her. Like if it says she is ugly say how beautiful she is. If it says she is dumb say she is smart. And don’t just say it after she says it say it all throughout the day. In the morning call her beautiful when she cooks say you are so good at cooking. And so on.
For the insomnia ask her what she feels could help.
mrscollector · 2 years ago
Does she needs pills or a sound machine or offer to rub her back till she falls asleep lol I do that for hubby a lot.
Show her you may not know what she is going through but you want to do what ever it takes to help her because you love her.
cloudgatherer · 2 years ago
At the risk of sounding basic af, have y'all tried weed? I'm not trying to be funny at all. Besides the stereotypical recreational use, it can work wonders on anxiety in certain people. Not everyone, mind you. In some cases it can make it worse; but, I suppose that is the case in most medications. If not, I formally make you the suggestion. Please keep in mind that -if- it is new to you, moderation is fundamental. One dosage may be perfect, yet a few milligrams more/less can make the experience unpleasant in some. It's not an exact science. Odds are, you (and most people) aren't that naive to marijuana, but still important to be safe and responsible about it, if you pursue that route.
mrscollector · 2 years ago
@cloudgatherer Though some people can be helped with weed my husband’s psychiatrist actually told him to not do it. She told us that in it does more harm than good. And when on certain anxiety and/or depression meds it will actually make the anxiety and/or depression worse. Plus there is more of a chance they live where it isn’t legal. We live in California where it is legal though.