Support granted, Diva, alongside the assurance that you are far from alone.

Listening. . .

For what it's worth
Most days I am thoroughly grateful the love of my life doesn't get my anxiety issues. I wouldn't wish the insider understanding on my worst enemy, much less the love of my life. I am equally grateful for my peer supporters who help me feel less alone with ^it^. Not even the love of my life can be my everything.

Thank you Arfie and you are right it wouldnt be a good thing for my wife to know what its like to have this horrible thing called anxiety. Thank you for your comment.

Hi Diva, you have support here...I tell myself that, if I need a day to collect myself then I have to do it. You will figure something out along the way.

@arfie you mentioned that you are grateful that your partner doesn't get the anxiety issues, and it made me think...about how much I told my mum to educate more about what I'm going through, but I know that I love her so much that wishing that kind of behavior on her would be awful.

Hi there, first off this is basically every day of my life especially when I have a lot going on at work. So, I'm right there with you. There's a reason why we have a term "mental health day," and sometimes you really need to distance yourself to gain perspective and come back ready to perform. Here's how I deal with it. First, get a support system. My wife and parents are well aware of my anxiety disorder and I will talk to them when I really need them to help bring me some perspective and calm. None of them have anxiety, so they don't understand, but they help in their own way of just being there to help me. Second, get someone at work that you can openly share your concern with if something, like a project or particular issue is bothering you. You'd be surprised how many might be having the same things cause them anxiety as well. Then, I personally like to really prepare for my day. I try my best to plan out my day, so when things do pop up or don't, I know what I can focus on and what's my highest priority. Lastly, don't feel or let someone make you feel ashamed when you need time to disconnect or step away. Try your best to keep performing well and when the opportunities come along to take some disconnect time. Do it! I think I perform my best when I take time when I can, so I can recharge, refocus, and reprioritize my brain to focus on the most important thing of all. Our mental health.

First off, you are not alone. Even when you feel it, you are NEVER alone. I also believe talking with your significant other and trying to help her understand what you are going though would be helpful. A support system has always helped me when I was battling anxiety. And even though my husband cannot fully understand what I am feeling, her is there to help me through it. In the moment, or when you feel the attack coming on, identify the trigger, and breathe deeply, then try to focus on something else, something that calms you... I am praying for you!

You have an illness--and you took sick days--so no guilt there. I know you don't wish a full understanding of anxiety on your wife--but there is a time when you do need to educate someone, so that they understand the true nature of the issue. She might think you are coming up with an excuse or being lazy--if she knew a little of what you were dealing with, she might be more supportive. One thing I know--sometimes you can push through anxiety--and sometimes you really can't. Since this pandemic came along--my anxiety has skyrocketed out of control--I've gotten a therapist and meds and they have helped lots. You might want to look into them. (and meditation and tapping, maybe yoga---lots of resources for free on youtube!)