How to help a partner with panic disorder

(Apologies if this is in the wrong spot )

Hey everyone,

My boyfriend and I have been together 4 years and living together for the last year and a half (he's 27, I'm 25). He's been having trouble with anxiety and panic attacks as long as I've known him, but it's gotten a lot worse over the last year or so.

He was formally diagnosed with "general anxiety disorder" a few months ago by a rather dismissive therapist (didn't actually inform my bf about the diagnosis-- we found out about it later when he asked a receptionist about his file, and spent most of the counseling sessions talking about himself) and was put on a low dose of celexa. I'd be hard pressed to say that the medication made a difference to the panic attacks or depression at all. There was never any mention of CBT, or trying other medications.

I was hoping some of you who have experienced this could give me some advice on how to help him-- he's gotten so depressed and feels so hopeless that he has trouble getting motivated to do anything at all (he hasn't had a job in well over a year, and failed all of his classes this semester at school-- which hasn't helped with the depression, I can tell you!) I realize he's sick and needs help, but I've gotten so stressed and impatient over the situation (I'm a full-time student and the sole breadwinner) that I'm finding it really hard to be sympathetic anymore when he has a full blown "tantrum" over nothing. I'm not trying to be insensitive here-- this is just my perspective.

How do I deal with someone who's in the midst of a panic attack? How can I motivate him to seek help? What sorts of things should we be looking for in a "good" therapist?

Thanks so much in advance for any advice you can offer!

Hey,

I was given a diagnosis of anxiety and OCD a few years ago, but I subsequently had CBT. It's a shame that the therapist he had seemed to be incompetent. What is essential is that you're partner doesn't feel as if he's going nowhere in life. He needs to have a plan in place, be it about getting a job or getting 'recovered' from his mental issues. What I would do is go back to the GP he first went to and explain everything that has happened. Be aware that depressed people need a lot of encouragement and help at times. So, you might have to arrange the appointment yourself because he might not be motivated enouigh for it. Also encourage him to then make a list of things (or issues/problems) that he wants to talk about to the GP, and to then bring that list with him. I don't think it'd be too bad if yuo tagged along too.

What do you think?

Kevin

Thanks for the advice, Kevin!

I will make an appointment to talk to a GP, and see if I can help him make a list of things to ask about... Hopefully we can get this turned around!

Yes, things will work out for you both I hope. I will be logging out shortly as it is approaching midnight here in the UK (I must stress th at I lived most of my life in Ireland though!). Keep me up to date if you remember. You seem like a very nice person and I can only feel jealous that your boyfriend has you as his girlfriend.

Take care,
Kevin