How can I help my partner cope with panic attacks?

Intense and sudden nervousness can affect your lifestyle, social life, work productivity, and life in general. But when it comes to relationships the situation can turn into a very stressful one. If your partner or spouse is experiencing them you are not alone. As former panic attack sufferers, we will show you how to help them deal with sudden intense fears and eventually beat them for good. If you think that helping your loved one is impossible, know that they can be beaten. 

Together you can find a solution and stay closer than ever. It is not easy but you can make your relationship work. If you think that helping your loved one is impossible, know that panic attacks can be beaten.

You can use our easy-to-follow and useful tips to work together toward recovery. Whether you, your partner or both experience them you will discover how to lead a normal and healthy relationship. Loving each other is not only about having fun but beating panic disorder together.

For those who are starting a relationship with a panic attack sufferer, this article can show you how to support the love of your life. Also, it is a great source of information for those who need to learn more about them and how to prevent them.

Worried about your partner or spouse having severe nervousness in front of you? You don’t know how to deal with the situation? Your partner does not want to do anything to recover?  This detailed guide will show how to deal with these scenarios the smart way. Also, while you give them the support they need, you will learn how to take proper care of your mental and physical health.

Can you have a relationship with a panic disorder sufferer?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a panic attack is a “sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause.” Symptoms include palpitations, numbness, weakness, nausea, and heavy breathing, among others. They can affect not only the person who experiences them but also the people around them.

If you are wondering whether a relationship with someone with panic attacks can survive, the short answer is yes. What you do to help and support your other half is very important in overcoming the challenges.

It is possible to enjoy a happy and healthy relationship if you have open and honest communication with your partner, Also, compassion, a positive attitude, determination, and patience can beat the odds.

Concerned that you cannot help or do the right thing? No worries. Everything will be alright. Now we will discuss helpful recommendations that can be used to support them going through the panic attack symptoms.

What to do when your partner is having an anxiety attack

Many years ago, I had a panic attack in the middle of the night. I felt so out of control and like I was going crazy that I had to wake my husband.

I could feel he was calm which made me think that “I can’t be that bad”. He said to me I was having a panic attack and suggested that I focus on my breathing. I kept talking but his patience and compassion helped me calm down.

See, when I was experiencing a panic attack I preferred to be talked to help distract my mind. However, other people want to be alone to recover.

If you have read our article “How can you help someone having a panic attack“, you have learned how important is to help your loved one to go through this horrible moment. The helpful tips specified in the post can help you understand panic attacks and how to help your better half.

The more supportive and calm you are the better your other half can confront their intense fears which can improve the relationship as well. They will feel comfortable expressing how they feel. In other words, don’t freak out because this will only make the situation worse.

If you don’t know much about panic disorder, it is best to learn more about it understand it. This is very important so you can help your partner. Our website is a great place to start.

How you can help your other half beat intense nervousness?

No matter how terrifying panic attacks can be the good news is that they can be beaten. Your support is very important in helping your partner fight them.

These tips can help you not only understand panic attacks and support your partner but bring your closer:

• Read more about panic disorder

Learning more about panic attacks is an excellent way to understand them and discover new ways to help your partner going through this.

Our website is a great place to start with. As former panic attack sufferers, our blog is a great place to learn how to beat intense nervousness following simple and easy-to-follow suggestions. Our life experience with panic attacks can help us do something about them.

Also, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America is a great source of information that in their own words “works to prevent, treat, and cure anxiety and depression.”

• Listen to your partner

When someone is experiencing panic attacks they tend to be more sensitive about it. Therefore, do not assume they’re overreacting and hear what they have to say. They will trust you even more.

Sometimes they will need to reconfirm that everything will be fine. A word of support can heal in many ways. Been there. Done that!

• Be there for your significant one

If this is the first time they are experiencing a panic attack tell them how important is to go to a doctor to run blood tests to rule out any possibilities.

Keep in mind that a love relationship is a journey full of great but challenging moments as well. Being there through the thick and thin will strengthen your connection.

Show your special one they can count on you and tell them you love them. This kind of support is great medicine in fighting panic attacks.

• Don’t let panic attacks take a toll on your relationship

If you found the love of your dreams you don’t want this beautiful connection to end just like that. Do all the best you can to support your partner. Keep in mind that panic disorder can be beaten with patience, love, and determination. Encourage and motivate them to keep pushing forward.

• Don’t judge

People think that a panic attack is something you can control with a “relax” button. However, when you experience one, the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol are released into your bloodstream. In imminent danger, this is normal because the body is preparing for danger.

However, during a panic attack, the individual can experience shallow breathing, sweating, palpitations, and numbers, among other symptoms. Sudden and intense nervousness can last less than half an hour to an hour depending on the severity.

• Empathy is the key

It is very important to know more about panic attacks so you can understand what is happening to your better half. This is one of the best ways to help them cope, strengthen trust, and stay closer.

• Loving your other half is not enough

Even if you love your partner so much, you still need to do more to help them manage their severe anxiety or nervousness. A relationship is a wonderful experience that can be full of difficulties. Show them they can count on you and how important they are for you. It is essential to do all the best you can to help them beat panic attacks.

• Understand their feelings

Those who have experienced panic attacks like us, know that some days are better than others. One day they may want to go out but the next may want just to chill. It is important to be patient while you can encourage them to go have some fun. Don’t push them or argue with them.

People react differently to panic attacks. Many want to be alone during a panic attack while others are just the opposite. Keep in mind that they will feel better eventually.

Also, if your partner may react angrily don’t take it personally. However, express your frustration and help them find ways to control their emotions.

• Help them relax

If your partner doesn’t mind your company during a panic attack you can ask them what they need. You can massage their arms, tell them they are safe, or go for a walk. Keep in mind their reaction and ask them how they feel.

• Make them laugh

Laughing can be great medicine. Having a good sense of humor can reduce stress levels and eventually help fight panic attacks. Depending on their mood watching a movie or share a joke.

• Affection is great, too.

Attachment is very important for any relationship especially if your other half is experiencing panic attacks. Believe it or not, hard times can make a relationship stronger. Hence, it is important to maintain closeness and tenderness. Being caring, empathetic, understanding, patient, and supportive can help your partner stay inspired to beat panic attacks.

• Encourage them to look for help

If they feel depressed or cannot deal with the panic attacks it is best for both of you to get therapy. You must go with your partner so you can help with the treatment.

Dating someone with anxiety and panic attacks

You just found that special person that you have been waiting for all your life. Everything is going wonderful until you found out that person is a panic attack sufferer.

Perhaps you knew it because they told you or had a panic attack in front of you. It is hard to “hide” a panic attack unless you don’t spend lots of time with your date.

Now that you’ve been made aware, it is very important to follow the suggestions above. Like I stated earlier, it depends on how both of you cope with this situation.

The reality is, depending on the intensity and frequency, panic attacks affect not only the sufferer but also the partner and the rest of the family/friends. The relationship’s stability and how you are willing to help can also determine if you can make it work.

Keep in mind that everyone has experienced high levels of stress or panic attacks in some way or another. Know that they are not a sign of weakness or that the person is making them up. Panic attacks are real and horrible but they can be beaten.

It is worth knowing that people who experience panic attacks might be having negative or worrying thoughts. For example, they may think you are lying, hiding something from you, or even that they are afraid you will leave.

Therefore, it is essential to have good communication with them. Let them express their feelings without judgment.

What you can do to help yourself?

As we said before, panic attacks can affect not only the person who experience them but anyone around them especially their spouses or partners.

It is great that you are there for them but you must learn how to cope. Trying to help your partner fight panic attacks is no easy task and can be overwhelming.

Remember that your wellbeing is as important as your partner’s. These suggestions can help you stay strong and positive:

• Know that panic attacks are beatable

Your support and patience are essential to your partner to fight this horrible and sudden nervousness. However, know that this situation can be resolved. You are not alone in this.

• Keep enjoying your hobbies

Your life should not be altered while you help your better half go through their panic attacks. Give yourself some time to do what you like. You deserve to have a fun time. It will help you focus and remain optimistic.

• Exercise and eat healthy

For the sake of your physical and mental health, engage in fitness activities and eat a balanced diet. Opt to eat fresh vegetables and fruits as well as lean protein. Cut back on sugars, salt, and processed foods. If you drink do it in moderation.

• Talk to someone who you can trust

During these difficult times, you may not be able to count on your partner like you used to. Confiding with a friend, relative, or church pastor is important. You will not feel alone by receiving their support.

• Get therapy for yourself

If you are becoming anxious or depressed, it is imperative to look for help. You can speak to your doctor or mental health practitioner to get the help you need.

What if your spouse or partner does not want to do anything to improve?

There is no doubt that your much-needed help and support can help your better half recover from panic attacks. However, what you can do if they don’t do want to help themselves?

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, one of the things you need to do to help yourself is “decide where your limits lie and inform your partner.”

Keep in mind that although you are there to help your partner, it is their job to do everything they can for a full recovery. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with them.

Try couple therapy if it is necessary. However, If your partner does not want to go, you can get help on your own.

Closing words

Panic attacks can be beaten with the support of their partners. However, those who are experiencing panic attacks need to learn new ways to confront their fears with persistence, determination, and positivity.

Learning more about panic attacks can help partners and spouses understand challenges and how to overcome them together.

We hope our post “How can I help my partner cope with panic attacks?” can be of a great start to help your other half to win the fight against panic attacks.

Sources:

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

BLA

B.L.A. is a web developer/designer and writer who enjoys country life in western Pennsylvania, USA along with her husband C.C.A, who is also a contributor, co-author, and editor.

Check out their other blog SmartAroundyourWrist.com.