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Posted 5/19/2013 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
I recently had some open and honest talks with my wife about anxiety and panic. I wanted to share this with you cause I've seen posts from others who have been called names or berated by their spouse. It is hard for someone to understand us but I think we have to try, especially with our families. It can be a huge source of strength or a pit of anxiety.

I sat down with my wife and explained to her what this is and what I've been researching and learning about anxiety management. I also bought us some books on fear, anxiety, and panic. I am reading one and she the other. And ee try at least for a few minutes every night to share what we learned from reading that day. Today I cried because she finally got it this anxiety thing, and helped me put some puzzle pieces of my anxiety together.

To the outside we might seem a bit whacky, unpredictable, malaised, mental, crazy and many other words that we can label and blame ourselves with. We can spend all day ruminating and mind reading our spouse and that doesn't help either.

I know some people just don't get it, but I'm so glad I reached out to my wife and educated her on what this is and shared some straight up honest ferlings about exactly what its like, and even happier we are talking and addressing it.

Just a little encouragement if you need a bump to get the courage to talk with family or friends about anxiety, I've found a strength in open conversations and I hope you find peace and calm with your family.

Joshua
Posted 5/19/2013 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for sharing this Joshua :) Your wife sounds like a good one. I think it can be really hard to get loved ones to educate themselves on anxiety -- people seem to have preconceived notions of what's going on with me, and think they "get it" and have the answers. It's especially hard when family members think I just need to "snap out of it" or some other willpower-based solution. I often worry that my loved ones will think I'm just not trying hard enough.
Posted 5/19/2013 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
What a great idea. It's hard for someone to understand what Anxiety is day after day when they don't experience it. Sounds like your wife is a great supporter of you and vice versa.

I have an awesome support system with friends and family and am blessed that I do. I feel bad for the people who don't.
Posted 5/19/2013 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
That is wonderful Joshua! :)

Early on I also asked my husband to read a book for loved ones of anxiety sufferers.

His response was kind of like 'Hmmmm.'

I do somewhat think as a wife, it is a little easier to be empathetic...perhaps it is the nuturing nature that is inherent in women.

I am so happy for you, and glad that you have a great supprt system from your spouse.

(...and for the rest of us...we have eachother, right? ;p)

Have an awesome weekend with your family!

S.C.
Posted 5/19/2013 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Joshua, She's one in a million, try to Love Her to death!

Larry ***
Posted 5/19/2013 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
Joshua88,

Hang on to that lady as she is a winner and what a great support for you.

 

When my family asks what they can do to help me through my anxiety especially now, my answer is simply - Be with me and tell me I will be OK.

 

Be well, my friend,

 

Posted 5/19/2013 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
Joshua, having a spouse who is fully supportive, open and non-judgmental is gold. I believe that with your wife's attitude you will be able to overcome anxiety with relative ease. I am so happy for you!
Posted 5/20/2013 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Josh, when You feel like straping on a big job I have an idea. You articulate this condition as well as
any man I have ever meet. You just mignt want to start a Recovery Prograhm for people like us.
I trully see potential in you.

Larry ***
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