Panic Attacks Support Group
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...
I have been dating an wonderful man for the past 9 months (I'm 29, he's 25). He has experienced anxiety and panic attacks since he was in middle school, and has tried most of the typical treatments (therapy, medications, etc) with no success. First of all, I know that his panic disorder is only one piece of who he is, and he is so many more wonderful things than the challenges that he faces. I want to understand what he feels when he has a panic attack and how I can encourage him.
Also, he has said he hopes he can work someday, but right now, he is in the process of applying for disability. If you were in his shoes, would you want your significant other to encourage you to go out and try to do something like school or work, or to just let you choose on your own without input from others? Another challenge I have personally faced is how to discuss his challenges with my family and friends. None of them seem to understand that he has a real diagnosed condition and their answer is "push him, just tell him to get over it." Or, "Why are you with him?" I myself am extremely shy and have a few anxiety issues of my own, as well as trouble with social cues, so I'm never sure what to say. I know that I love him, and they are not the ones dating them, but I want to tell them this in a tactful way.
Also, he has said he hopes he can work someday, but right now, he is in the process of applying for disability. If you were in his shoes, would you want your significant other to encourage you to go out and try to do something like school or work, or to just let you choose on your own without input from others? Another challenge I have personally faced is how to discuss his challenges with my family and friends. None of them seem to understand that he has a real diagnosed condition and their answer is "push him, just tell him to get over it." Or, "Why are you with him?" I myself am extremely shy and have a few anxiety issues of my own, as well as trouble with social cues, so I'm never sure what to say. I know that I love him, and they are not the ones dating them, but I want to tell them this in a tactful way.
Yes I am familiar with the "just get over it" cure. Umm, Yeah.. it doesn't work.
I am very happy that he has found someone who is empathetic. If you met someone who was blind, you wouldn't just tell them to "get over it" and see. Most people do not understand that panic disorder is a real illness just like any other disability. Because they can not see the disability for themselves, they tend to believe it does not exist.
For right now, I would just listen to your boyfriend. Find out his goals and what he would like to achieve and help him reach those goals. Don't be pushy or demanding. Just as you can not force that blind person to see, you will also not be able to cure him of the panic disorder.
Be prepared for many outburst. His panic and anger with himself can lead to anger being distrubuted to others around him. Stay the course and keep a loving nature to you and things will be ok.