About panic attacks and relationship stress.
@positiveCaramel23
Really?...😔😔😔 ok, help me please
@softtiissue
Whats up ???
Dose anybody know what are fair examples of how to help a partner during lockdown who has anxiety. My partner has been told to have small exposure to feeling anxious to help her practice using techniques to help reduce and says that avoiding it all together will just build on her fears, But we are in lockdown and I don't know what is a fair request, sitting in the car with me to drop shopping at my mums door? Waiting in the car so I can do shopping? She does leave the house when I'm at work but it sometimes feels like she just avoids things that I suggest unless it's a walk which I struggle with as I have a bad back but we do it. To be fair I kinda just need someone to talk to as I am feeling stuck about a few things in our relationship.
@MariaFeb the best advice I can give is be patient
@MariaFeb I think everyone's stress levels are high. People that do have certain types of anxiety tend to have higher anxieties during these times. Possibly talking about it is a good start. Have a safety plan in case they do want to try confronting their anxieties and doing more with you. ( safety plan like breathing techniques for a panic attack and such) ask what they need from you and tell them what you need from them. Communication is key.
@MariaFeb
Im the one going through panic attacks and my wife is dealing with it the best she can. I'm sure nobody is the same so I can just tell you my experience. I have some previous lung related illnesses that I believe make me particularly susceptible to COVID-19. Despite all the precautions we take, which are a lot, I have had at least one panic attack a day (except yesterday!). My wife knows that my irrational part of my brain is going into overdrive (I have some other mental conditions that don't help either). She makes me talk about what is real, what is around us at that moment. She tells me to name 5 things I'm grateful for. She is very stern in telling me that if I was exhibiting bad symptoms she would drive like a bat outta hell to get me to an ER. It doesn't just turn off the panic, but after awhile some of it starts to seep in. I know I put her under stress, and I apologize every time one starts, but she tells me to stop and just acknowledge that my feelings are real and legitimate. She's awesome.
But I also have medication for acute anxiety, and that helps as a backstop so I don't pass out or break something or hurt myself.