Talking to Your Partner About Anxiety: Tips and Advice

I’m having the same struggles. My boyfriend and I don’t live together so he doesn’t see it everyday. But he doesn’t understand it at all. He thinks I’m just trying to get attention. Sometimes he’s sweet about it. I’ll get a look on my face and he will say “Anxiety?” And I’ll say yes and he will say “you’ll be ok” and pat my leg. It’s not quite what I want but it’s better then being called dramatic. It’s so hard to get people who don’t experience it like we do to understand

it's a hard topic to bring up. especially if your partner isn't fully on-board with your mental health challenges. my husband of 23 years and I are just now getting to where we are actually able yo not only have discussions about my mental health and my anxiety attacks, but now he's able to actually see my anxiety/ panic attacks cooking on before I can even realize what's happening. he's now able to breathe with me, hold me to stop my body from shaking all over. my advice is to REALLY talk with your partner on a regular basis about where you are in your head... INCLUDE your partner in your behavioral healthcare. that's been helpful. ask your partner to be patient with you. it'll take time!