I'm sorry to hear that you're facing this challenge in your relationship. It's essential to have support from your partner, especially when dealing with anxiety. Here are some steps you can take to help your partner understand and support you better:
Communication: Start by having an open and honest conversation with your partner about your anxiety disorder. Explain what it feels like for you, how it impacts your life, and the specific stressors that trigger your anxiety. Help them understand the severity of your struggles and that they are valid, even if they may seem different from their own.
Educate Them About Anxiety: Share resources or articles about anxiety disorders to help your partner gain a deeper understanding of what you're going through. Knowledge can dispel misconceptions and foster empathy.
Express Your Needs: Let your partner know what kind of support you need during times of anxiety. This might include being a good listener, offering comfort, or simply being present without judgment.
Avoid Comparisons: Emphasize that comparing stressors isn't productive and can be harmful to both of you. Every person's experience and feelings are valid, and it's not a competition of whose stress is "worse." Instead, focus on mutual support and understanding.
Set Boundaries: If your partner continues to belittle your stressors, respectfully set boundaries. Let them know that you need to be heard and supported, and that dismissive comments are hurtful.
Encourage Empathy: Remind your partner that empathy means understanding and validating the other person's emotions, even if they haven't experienced the same situations. Encourage them to put themselves in your shoes and imagine what it feels like for you.
Seek Couples Therapy: If communication and understanding remain difficult, consider couples therapy. A therapist can provide a safe space for both of you to express your feelings and work together to improve your relationship dynamics.
Encourage Self-Care: Encourage your partner to take care of their own stress and emotions, but also explain that you both need to support each other through challenging times.
Focus on Common Ground: Find areas where you both experience stress or struggles and acknowledge that while they might be different, supporting each other is vital in any relationship.
Seek Individual Therapy: In addition to couples therapy, consider individual therapy for yourself to work on coping strategies and managing anxiety. This can also help you communicate your needs more effectively.
Remember, it's essential for partners to support and uplift each other, especially during difficult times. With open communication, empathy, and a willingness to understand each other's experiences, you can work together to create a more supportive and compassionate relationship. However, if your partner continues to be unsupportive and dismissive, it might be worth considering how this impacts your overall well-being and whether further steps need to be taken to address the issue.