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Being the spouse of someone who suffers from panic and anxiety attacks is never easy. It sometimes seems like there is nothing you can do to help your partner, for this is a condition that they must resolve themselves. You do play an important part in their recovery, however, and the following are some suggestions how you can help you loved one through this terrifying and what seems like endless ordeal:
1. Read all you can about anxiety and panic disorders. The more you know about the topic, the easier it is to identify what your spouse is going through. You will learn to recognize the signs of an oncoming attack and how to talk your partner through it. He will need you to be a “safe person”, someone he can trust to relax him and talk him through his attack.
2. Do everything you can to make his life more comfortable. You may feel like you are letting him take the easy way out by helping him avoid his fears but recovering from panic and anxiety disorder takes time. You must start out small and then let go gradually.
3. Don’t rush the process. Recovery from this condition is a two steps forward one step back dance. You may find that your loved one seems to have recovered completely, only to be back at square one the next week. You must have endless patience when helping someone through this ordeal.
4. Try to put yourself in the sufferer’s place. Let him describe the feelings that he has when a panic or anxiety attack occurs. Listen carefully and be sympathetic. It is not something one can shut off at will. You might not think twice about driving over a bridge but for someone who suffers from panic attacks it is overwhelming and frightening.
5. Talk openly about the condition. Realize that millions of people suffer panic and anxiety attacks of different degrees. The more you talk with each other, family and friends, the more you will realize how many people truly suffer from this affliction. Not only do sufferers deal with their own insecurities about panic attacks, they also worry about what other people think about them. They don’t want to be viewed as scared, weak or ill.
It takes tremendous courage to face a disorder and try to change it. People who have this disorder will do anything to rid themselves of it and need help and support from someone close to them. They can overcome it, if you’re willing to help.
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