Communicating Anxiety to your Partner
Hello friends,
New here. Hopefully I can get some advise as well as give some to fellow anxious folks.
Bit of back story, I had my first panic attack experience in 2014 which hospitalized me. I've since then learned about recognizing symptoms and calming myself down without support. Some days are harder than others, I'll admit.
I have been doing better and haven't been anxious until recently. I've been in a committed relationship with a person whom hasn't really had a partner who goes these kinds of things. He's kind but I've also downplayed alot of my anxious feelings for his benefit. I want to open up more and discuss because I feel that if he experiences worse than what I've shown him it may be too much for him to handle..
I'm scared that he will think it's too much or not worth it and leave. Again, I'm very independent and can usually get myself out of my spirals alone but it would be more reassuring if I could communicate with him too, especially considering he's someone I want to be a part of my future.
How do I start this dialog? We've talked about it before and he claims I'm not that bad but again, it's due to the fact that I've held back a lot.
Thanks for reading :)
Hello, I'm sorry you're experiencing this but it seems you're dealing with it well.
I've had first hand experience with anxiety and panic attacks and also trying to convey it to a loved one. Explaining this can be difficult, but ultimately you say you want this person to be a part of your future? Then it's something you should express. You may find once you do and you don't feel the need to hold it back and be completely open about what you're feeling it will most likely put you at ease. How you go about this is your call but in my opinion it should be no different to having a conversation about a physical condition.. If this person is to be a part of your future they will understand and support you. To be able to speak about such a thing with a partner is a sign of strength and should be appricated.
I wish you all the best