1. Make them feel better.
First and foremost, you must be there to support and soothe your partner through this difficult time. Give them a warm embrace. Allow them to weep on your shoulder. As they rest their head on your lap, stroke their hair. Physical touch is reassuring and helps alleviate the psychological impacts of stress in the short term. It serves as a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. Sometimes just being there for them is enough to provide them comfort.
2. Assuage their fears by assuring them that everything will be fine.
Stress can cause us to have bad thoughts about everything in life, not simply the source of the stress. Assure your companion that no matter what occurs, things will eventually improve. Remind them that you’re not going anywhere and that your bond will only strengthen. It will give them peace of mind to know that their world will not fall apart regardless of what occurs with the source of their stress.
3. Pay attention to what they’re saying.
If you listen carefully to what your partner has to say, they will feel more supported by you. To put it another way, let them vent and feel heard. Often, simply expressing their fears or complaints out loud is enough to reduce their stress levels. You validate their sentiments by expressing that you understand how they feel and why they feel that way. A simple “talk to me” is frequently enough to give your partner permission to spill their guts.
4. Try to divert their attention away from the source of their anxiety.
Stress causes our minds to go into overdrive as we go over things over and over again. Distracting your partner from the immediate consequences of stress is a wonderful technique to help them cope. Cook a meal together, perhaps experimenting with a new recipe. They are adamant about viewing their favorite show. Keep yourself occupied on weekends. Anything that isn’t the source of their worry should be the focus of their attention.
