Anxiety doesn't always manifest in the way I thought it would. He rarely has an all-out panic attack, and sometimes he's just having negative emotions, like acting frustrated, annoyed, sad, or distant. I try to offer emotional support whenever I can:
- I make an effort to notice when he's not acting like his usual happy, carefree, funny self, and try to make him feel better.
- I try to check in throughout the day. Messaging him, "I'm thinking about you" or "How was that meeting you were worried about?" can make a world of difference.
- We have a monthly date night. Life with work and two kids is crazy and it's sad to say that we rarely get to spend alone time together. Making a date at least once a month to reconnect definitely helps.
- Whether he's feeling slightly off or full-blown panicked, he said that just my coming over and giving him a hug can calm his nerves. Showing him that I care and trying to understand how he's feeling makes him not feel so alone.
