Living With Anxiety in Others

By Diana McAuliffe

LIVING WITH AN ANXIOUS PERSON
TIPS FOR YOUR SURVIVAL
This article is for all those people who have to live with anxious people. Those who are at the receiving end of the anxiety outlet and how they can deal with it.
Living with an anxious person means:-

• Never knowing when they will snap. When an anxious person feels frustrated and cornered they behave uncharacteristically. They will yell and often try to transfer their frustration onto the nearest person or the one they love the most.
• Treading on thin ice waiting for the snap. You never now what the final straw will be. It may be the next word you utter or a particular action that you do.
• Finding it hard not become a victim of the negative energy that you can encounter regularly. In fact it is hard not to become fearful or anxious yourself.
• Living in fear. Frightened to be the one to set off the anxiousness or be at the receiving end.

This situation can be very difficult mainly because the only person you can control is yourself. The other person is the only one who can change themselves.
You have to learn to deal with the situation and the person or get out of the relationship whether it be a boss,friend, partner or child.
Your own health and wellbeing becomes your priority. People like this can be draining.
Here are some hints to help people like this to cope:-

1. Learn not to take things said or done on a personal level. When the anxiety speaks remember it is the anxiety.
2. Learn to understand them but don't make the mistake of letting them control every situation. Feel empathy but keep your boundaries. Don't let their boundaries become yours.
3. Stand your own ground on the important issues and "don't sweat the small stuff."
4. Don't forget to take "me" time or "time out".
5. Talk about the anxiety incident once everything has calmed down. Never argue in the heat of the moment.
6. Exercise is a great release. It helps you to feel happier by releasing those happy endorphins. It releases unpent emotions.
7. Valerian is a wonderful herb. It allows you to remain calm and to be aware of what is going on without being drowsy. It also seems to help you not to be personally affected by what is happening. Please do not rely on this herb to resolve the problem but only as an aid when needed. Refer to a practitioner before commencing.
8. Remember that attitude is EVERYTHING. Keep positive!
9. Get help for the other person. perhaps therapy. Maybe go together.
10. Smile and laugh often.
11. Spend together time away from home and any toxic environment.
12. Enjoy each others company. Remember the good times.
13. Be a good listener.
14. Have relaxing music playing.
15. Have a list of affirmations and use them.
16. Be a person who sees the glass as half full not half empty.

These are only some hints and tips. Remember though that if your health fails then you cannot be of any help to anyone else. Also seek help. You do not have deal with this burden on your own.Friends and groups can be a tremendous release.

If you want more information on anxiety please see the website http://www.howtocureanxiety.com.au. There are over 80 articles and posts here. Also check out their 5step PEACE program and their products. There are many books, audios, videos and a very comprehensive package.