My boyfriend is getting more and more frequent panic attacks. He’s at the end of his rope. I’m trying to get him therapy, but it took almost a year to convince him to let me sign him up for some. Today they contacted him to schedule an appointment…for a month from now. And he panicked about it so badly that he started sobbing at the end of his workday (while still at work).
He can’t afford therapy, so I offered to pay. Which makes him feel guilty. His constant anxiety is keeping him from getting help for his constant anxiety. It’s only going to get worse. And there’s nothing I can do about it.
I just realized I didn’t directly answer your question: terrible.
You’re doing a lot. Don’t let yourself tell you otherwise. My wife had lifelong GAD and panic disorder that was almost completely untreated for most of her life. Getting help wasn’t easy but, it has literally been life-changing. Getting him help IS also helping you as it is very stressful to be the partner of someone with untreated mental illness.
Make sure to give yourself care too. You can’t help if you’re driven to breakdown yourself. It’s hard and there are ups and downs but it will get better for both of you.
My boyfriend is getting more and more frequent panic attacks. He’s at the end of his rope. I’m trying to get him therapy, but it took almost a year to convince him to let me sign him up for some. Today they contacted him to schedule an appointment…for a month from now. And he panicked about it so badly that he started sobbing at the end of his workday (while still at work).
He can’t afford therapy, so I offered to pay. Which makes him feel guilty. His constant anxiety is keeping him from getting help for his constant anxiety. It’s only going to get worse. And there’s nothing I can do about it.
I just realized I didn’t directly answer your question: terrible.
You’re doing a lot. Don’t let yourself tell you otherwise. My wife had lifelong GAD and panic disorder that was almost completely untreated for most of her life. Getting help wasn’t easy but, it has literally been life-changing. Getting him help IS also helping you as it is very stressful to be the partner of someone with untreated mental illness.
Make sure to give yourself care too. You can’t help if you’re driven to breakdown yourself. It’s hard and there are ups and downs but it will get better for both of you.