Turning Away Anxiety

After the symptoms have subsided from several days of paranoia (like the belief I am going to be poisoned, or that people are out to get me) or a severe episode of anxiety that requires an extra dose of medication, I often wake up the next day very worried. I ask my husband, Jean-Claude, “Are we okay?”

“Yes,” he says.

“I mean, is everything okay? Are we sick, or in trouble?” I ask.

“No, we’re fine, I promise. Everything is good.”

These simple exchanges bring me comfort and calm my mind. I frequently need to test my reality against my husband’s to use as a compass. Jean-Claude never laughs or makes fun of me, or minimizes my need to have serious answers to reassure me. Even if my questioning goes on for several minutes, he shows me compassion and patience. My husband’s response is a reminder that we all deserve to be treated with love, especially when we need extra reassurance.