Sometimes my husband gets anxious about something that's happened, such as an issue at work, worrying about a sick relative, or the loss of someone close. But sometimes, as Dr. Vigliotti explained, it can be cognitive, where someone imagines dangers based on their experiences.
"Anxiety is generally an experience of 'time travelling' into the future and making negative predictions," she said. This is the perfect explanation. My husband often thinks about the future and imagines issues I never would think of.
For example, yesterday, he started talking to me about how next year we'll have to take our son to hockey practice four times a week. My first response was, "Chill out! Let's deal with that next year," but I remember that my trying to shut down his worries can often escalate them. Here's how I handle these situations:
- When he brings up fears or worries that I think are irrational or impossible, I try to listen. I speak calmly and try to calm those thoughts.
Image Source: Rima Brindamour
Product Credit: NOMIA jumpsuit, Tibi sweater