Girlfriend won't seek help!

Hi Colin,

I am sorry to hear about your gf's current state of feeling overwhelmed.

Unfortunately it is not unusual for someone to dismiss their stress, and ignore the signs of anxiety until our body or mind finally makes it impossible to do so any longer. This can result in, as we know...physical symptoms and/or panic.

Hopefully things will not get to this point for her, but encouraging her to try some self-help coping skills would be a good idea.

We have a bunch in our Resources (top of the main forum page) that could help. There are meditations, link for stress relieving exercises and more. Encourage her to try...or even do them together.

You should also share what has worked for you! Journaling, exercise, talking here with us...ect. If she knows that something has been helpful to you personally, she might be more trusting in trying it herself.

Finally, do enjoyable distracting things together. Bike rides, hikes, picnics, visiting a farmer's market...whatever you'd both enjoy and be able to decompress with together.

She is always welcome to come talk with us as well.

You are being a good and supportive bf in recognizing the signs of stress.:) Be encouraging and hopefully she can give one or more of the above ideas a go.

With support for you both,

S.C.