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Panic/Anxiety...its all in your head

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 9/7/2016 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
How can you make someone who does NOT have anxiety or panic attacks understand what you are going through? They think it is all in your head. Being Positive definitely helps on calming you down, being surrounded by things and people you know helps, but being told its all in your head doesn't! How can you make someone understand what really happens to us that do have it?
Posted 9/7/2016 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi cookies and welcome!

I am sorry you are not being understood by your loved ones. I know all too well how this feels...which is why I find this place invaluable for support!!

Still, it is nice to have our family and close friends 'get' what we're going through. There are some books on anxiety/panic for loved ones that can be found. (let me know if you'd like me to post links for you)

Post with us anytime you need understanding...we are here and know how you feel.:)

S.C.
Posted 9/7/2016 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Years ago when I was in the Service we had a mandatory social function that notoriously turned into a night of heavy drinking. One of my guys was a recovering alcoholic and he requested to be absent from this function because of the temptation to drink. Our First Sergeant told him "No!, your going just don't drink". My guy replied, "First Sergeant, next time you have diarrhea don't s*it".

To some people, if they've never personally experienced the topic then it's easily dismissed. Not sure how you can make someone walk a mile in your shoes but we all have weaknesses. Find something that there fearful of (heights, water, snakes etc) and present them with a challenge and when they cancel then return the favor with "it's all in your head" and maybe they'll realize that we all face some sort of fears and mental challenges.
Posted 9/7/2016 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hello cookiesk9, it can be frustrating when those who love us think that anxiety or panic attacks can be easily overcome. I just tell my loved ones what I'm feeling and what I need them to do until I feel better even if they can't, or won't, fully get it.
Posted 9/7/2016 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
The one i always liked was, "just snap out of it", lol

Peace guys

Larry ***
Posted 9/8/2016 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear you are dealing with anxiety and that loved ones don't understand what you are going through I printed off some information from the web and have given it to those that did not really understand which helped some but others just don't get it and I can understand why as until you have dealt with it yourself it is hard to see why you can't snap out of it.

I gave up explaining it to some and just concentrate on getting myself better and you will find this forum useful as we do all get it and are here to support you.

Hibee
Posted 9/8/2016 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
My husband uses language that makes it sound as if I choose the anxiety...

...as in, 'You're always so anxious and wound up, just relax.'

I try not to retort with..

'You're always so diabetic....just eat some cotton candy.'...:/

S.C.
Posted 9/8/2016 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Scaredy Cat,
Thank you for your post. I am very happy to know that I can get "heard" here and have conversations about everything here regarding our health. Its educational, inspiring, helpful, interesting, etc. I'll try the books; I have a therapist too so I might just take them there.

Wes Hightower,
I've thought of that, shinning the light on what they are scared of so they can see where I am coming from, and that still doesn't help. Its my word against theirs so maybe getting them to research things on their own might work or having other people talk to them and share their experiences might help them fully understand.
Posted 9/8/2016 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello PSchawl,
My husband tries to understand and give me what I need to calm me down, but he gets frustrated and maybe scared so he just mans up and just tells me to breath and move on =/

lgm1942,
Easier said than done. I wish I could just snap out of it and move on.. :(

Hibee,
Most of the ladies in my family understand and are willing to hear me out and learn what this all is, my brother too, but the older men just dont get it.

Scaredy Cat,
Oh yeah! I've gotten that too. "You are doing this to yourself, get over it, shake it off"
Posted 9/9/2016 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
It is not possible for someone who doesn't have it to understand. But what they could do is offer encourage and support. Sadly, Humans are negative by nature.
Posted 9/9/2016 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Rei
Some humans are, sadly. Most of mine are very nice and understanding. There's just a hand full that aren't always =/
Posted 9/9/2016 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
If they've never been through it, they can't possibly understand. My wife suffered a few panic attacks before I ever did, and I didn't get it. Then I had one and had to apologize to her :). Yikes, they suck. I'm glad most of your support network is understanding.
Posted 9/10/2016 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
I hope you didnt think i ment for you to just snap out of it, thats the phrase that family use to throw at me
I know your pain, Peace
Posted 9/13/2016 4:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi cookies,
I have ulcerative colitis and anxiety so I got a double whammy. Until a person either goes though the illness sickness or disease they will never understand. This site is amazing because we all can relate and support each other.
Your not alone 😊
Posted 9/15/2016 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
JOVIGIRL71,

This site IS amazing! I love coming on here and being able to communicate with people, like yourself, that know and understand what one is going through and support each other. I'm not alone and neither are you :)

lgm1942,
I didn't. I know those phrases lol I've heard a few of my own. I'm more relaxed now when it comes to what
people say". I picked up a journal and just jotted my thoughts/feelings; its been really helpful.


Rspwed,
Awww, good thing is that you went back and apologized. I'm pretty sure she forgave you :)
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