How to Tell If Your New Lover Has an Anxiety Disorder and What to Do

We've all experienced anxiety on some level. Whether it's worry over a past due bill or fear of having a car repossessed after falling behind on the note. It's something that keeps us on our toes and provokes immediate reaction. Everyone handles pressure and stress in different ways. Some may take it and stride, while others may let it rule their universe.

No one can disagree that living a life full of fear, worry and stress is one that can be left to the birds. After all, there is a domino effect that follows with these debilitating emotions. Health issues start to become apparent and relationships begin to falter. At that point, it may be time to seek professional help.

Being in a relationship with someone who has an anxiety disorder is no easy task and can take a lot from a person. Constantly catering to somewhat "childish" needs can result in anger and resentment. While some symptoms are more severe than others, it still has the tendency to drive a stake into the heart of the relationship.

Dating, on the other hand, is something totally different. Once getting to know a person, it is difficult to tell if he/she has an anxiety disorder. Not that one would notice right off the bat, it does help to pay attention to consistency in his/her personality. Someone with this disorder will typically come off as a loving and caring person, especially if meeting for the first time. After the relationship swings into full gear, worry and fear of losing something starts to set in.

There are several different types of anxiety disorders that affect people on many levels. One example would be, for instance, someone who has an "anxiety attack" over something as simple as driving a car. Another may get panicky and have intrusive thoughts over being around a crowd of people. Then there are those who remain in a constant state of tension, worrying about any and everything and anticipating the worst.

Different variances of anxiety range from obsessive-compulsive to social to post traumatic. These attacks don't have nearly as much damage on a relationship as someone who just "worries" about trivial things like "do you still want to be with me?" A question like that, out of the blue, after a nice dinner may be an indicator of an underlying disorder. It may not be severe, but definitely something to monitor as the relationship continues.

Physical symptoms are also associated with high levels of anxiety. Shortness of breath, irritability, insomnia, frequent headaches, fatigue and the list goes on. Couple these with a daily bombardment of questions about feelings and levels of commitment to the relationship, and you have a bona-fide anxiety disorder.

The best way to overcome this, granted it is not severe, is simple reassurance. Taking up additional responsibilities around the house to take off the load, spending time doing things that are fun and recreational and communicating feelings on a daily basis can have a huge impact. It may seem like a lot of work, but if the relationship is worth anything, it should come as second nature.

This is just one example of anxiety that seems to be closely associated with insecurity. Depending on the person with the problem, it could be something that just vanishes with attention and compliments. It could return later on down the line- spurring a repeat of progressive measures. If this is the case, then time itself will work out the kinks, if one is willing to work at it. In the same instance, if physical symptoms appear with unreasonable questions and behavior, then it could be time to seek medication. At any rate, a person with anxiety is the same as all of us. The difference is whether or not it's a disorder.