Reddit reviews The 10 Best-Ever Anxiety Management Techniques Workbook

Wow. My partner and I are the same ages and I'm finally undergoing therapy with Lexapro after dealing with depression and GAD most of my life. Our relationship nearly ended last November mostly due to my overwhelming insecurities with myself and anxieties that he was getting sick of me. I've been feeling some of the same dread lately, which I guess is what lead me back here.

My first piece of advice would be to stop being ashamed of/guilty about your emotions. As my therapist has to constantly remind me, try as we might, we can't control how we feel. I find trying to fight off the anxiety only makes it worse for me. When you feel that urge to poke and pry through your SO's personal things, try taking a step back from the situation; combat your paranoia physically rather than mentally. Breathing exercises work wonders for me, or simply getting out of the house to go for a walk or pace through the aisles of a nearby supermarket. Sometimes I'll go somewhere else and read a book.

It's also a good idea when you feel an anxiety attack coming on to recall the last time you ate. Low blood sugar does a number on me emotionally, and eating sweets/junk food will just lead me into a worse crash later. I feel best after I get something healthy in my system.

I also struggle to approach my partner for help when I'm feeling down on myself. Thankfully, he is very understanding, so when I do work up the nerve and tell him, "Sweetheart, I'm feeling anxious right now and really need some help," he's always happy to oblige me. Think about what you can ask your SO to do that will reassure you and help prevent you from breaking down when you're having an episode. For me, it's usually a simple cuddle and a word of encouragement if he's there, a supportive text if he's not. Make sure he realizes your doubt stems from your anxieties, and ridding yourself of them is not simply a matter of "doing enough"; they're something you have to work through on a regular basis.

Definitely try to see a good therapist again. Mine is amazing, and I can't believe the amount of progress I've made with her in half a year. Most of my advice I've given you comes from her and a workbook I purchased located here. I hope I was helpful and not too longwinded. :/ Let me know through here or PM if you need anything else.