It is very difficult to start a new relationship. Add panic attacks into the mix and you feel like it's a disaster waiting to happen.

My biggest piece of advice would be to be honest from the start and explain your situation to the person you may intend to date. If they can't be understanding and supportive, then they aren't going to be a match for you.

I had a double whammy going on when I met my guy. We started out as friends, meeting just a couple of months after I lost my husband. Besides dealing with my grief, panica attacks were involved too. Given the situation, they were at a heightened level.

This guy has been major support since day 1. When I feel inadequate or not good enough for him, he reassures me that I am not crazy. He just says that I have things that I have no control over and he loves me for who I am.

Communication, support, understanding.... key elements in any relationship.

well. I'm in a relationship and am constantly thinking I should break up with him for "his sake" I hate feeling like I am not giving him what he needs and that my anxiety is effecting his life. I feel like its a waste of time because I know eventually he will get fed up, I don't blame him, I know I would. Its so hard for people to understand when they haven't been thru it. my councellor says not to brake up with him though as that is just reinforcing to myself that I am not going to get better. They are one person you want to give your all too and impress but because of this you end up feeling like an idiot. Sometimes I think I'd be better off alone so I wouldn't have to feel the guilt of holding someone back and so I could keep my pride. Sorry, I probably haven't made you feel any better about dating but I wish you all the best.

Im in a serious relationship at the moment and my boyfriend told me last night that he cant deal with my panic anymore, I dont blame him, niether can I. He has always been very supportive of me and has helped me through many, many panic attacks, but its oviously just got too much for him. But almost losing him to panic has made me realise that panic has taken the drivers seat recently and that needs to change, otherwise I could lose the people I love. I guess what im trying to say is, what is more important? Being happy and sharing your life with someone, or panic? i say go for it. Always able to chat x

Come on people, you can't think like that. You're thinking doom and gloom..gonna be like this forever. You can kick this shit to the curb and take your life back. Get pissed about it if you want. Just don't lay down and die. AND when you do get through this then the people that are walking out on you do NOT deserve to have you back!! If they can't stand by you now..then they are not worthy of you and your love. This is not the end of the world people. Take action and reclaim your life. How do you do that? STOP FIGHTING IT! Lay down your sword and say "ok panic you win, do your worst to me and let's get it over with". Check out my journal starting with Nov 18th to see the excerpts from the book Hope and Help for your Nerves to find out more about this face, accept, float, and let time pass method that I have found to be fantastic in my recovery.

True, true... but sometimes very hard. I've gotton "PISSED" outraged and then some, and the panic still kicks my ass. I try and try again to kick that shit to the curb, (ha ha I thought I was the only one who used that phrase) and to no avail... it stil owns me. Not always but for the most part. I really need to get that dang book! Ahemmm..
Oh and ps.. back to original thread, I've done the same thing. Stayed alone, and tucked away. Sick of it!!!

I haven't dated in two years myself, and am supposed to go on my first date this Saturday.
I've been putting off dating guys because of my anxiety and panic but just can't let it define my life anymore.
I'm hoping the dinner date goes well, but am going to have a hard time staying grounded in the moment and not let my mind fly away.

I feel like doing my breathing techniques is going to freak him out, or that my wide eyed stare will do something.
But I know he already knows I have anxiety and wants to like me anyway. :) It's a new thing for me because my last boyfriend said he couldn't handle the way I was (i'm much better now), but I guess this guy is serious about getting to know me. (I'll keep you posted).
I think the key is to do just what everyone has suggested, breathe, and let yourself be open. It's true, if someone can't be cope with your situation, they can't deal with you and then it is up to you to stand up for yourself and move on to greener pastures. *lecture over* :)

Also, how do you guys cope with the excitement that goes along with dating? I find that when I get excited I immediately start panicing. So..how can I enjoy being excited? or at least recognize that I am excited?