It's Not Always Medication

A lot of times family members don't understand at all. My grandmother used to say to me: Just smile! That was her advice on getting over my depression. No matter how much I try to explain what a panic attack feels like, how scary it is, etc. no one in my family can relate. Unless I verbally describe what I am going through as it is happening, they have no clue I'm even suffering.

Keep in mind, even though family will say the wrong things most of the time, they just love you and want you to be better. I know it's tough because they don't say what you need to hear, but they mean well.

I personally have come to accept that my mom will never know what I'm going through, so I focus on the fact that she cares about me, and that she would help me if she knew how. It's the thought that counts, I guess is what I'm saying.

Hang in there, a lot of us are in the same boat.

-Cat

Hi PB

Sorry to hear you are having a tough time at the moment we do understand and can relate to what you are going through.

It can be hard for family members to see a loved one go through a mental illness and my family have said a lot of wrong things to me over the years but as BC mentioned they just want the best for you. I took my Mum and Dad to one of my therapy sessions and that helped them to understand what I was going through.

I know things are hard for you at the moment but you can get through this and we are here to support you and the good news is lots can be done to help with anxiety such as taking medication and doing some talking therapy such as CBT or Mindfulness.

Have a look at our resources thread for some useful links to self help guides and keep posting here we are here for you.

Hibee

I had to unfortunately find Luna a new home, she wasn't really cutting it as a service dog prospect but my mom won't even try to understand how I feel with a dog that can alert to oncoming attacks...i was no longer wondering what would happen if I had an attack which was great. And like you they say its all in my head and that with a better attitude Ill get better. It also takes a great deal for me to leave the house and it is a lot of work prepping my body for if an attack comes.

lindamine said...
Hi Pinkie....
You are not alone with this feeling of frustration. My family does not even want
to hear me try and describe it to them. They constantly tell me it's all in my head
and to just get over it. Half the time they don't even know I'm in panic. Little do
they realize all it takes for me to be able to leave my house. The amount of conversations
in my head I have to go through to convince myself to go out.

I am not familiar with your history. Do you no longer have your dog? Or is it that
your mom just thinks it's nonsense to have one?

I really like what the others said here and I have to remind myself of it too....when it
comes to the bottom line...they really do love us. They just don't understand though.

Anyhow, I hope you are feeling ok.

Linda