Stress Center Peer Support

Currently my spouse and I are both frustrated by what they can or can't do for me when I am anxious or panicked. The other night when I woke in a panic, they wanted to help but weren't sure what to do nor was I sure what they should do.....I think the end result was we were both frustrated. In general, while my spouse knows I have this issue, they don't really understand it nor typically want to discuss it (this may stem though from not knowing what they should do). I'm not looking for my spouse to help with avoidance or become a sacred safety spot. I'm just wondering if there are some positive constructive ways to enlist my spouse into helping me get a better grasp on this. Soemtimes I think just random, every so often asking of "how are you doing with anxiety lately?" would be better than avoiding the subject. Thoughts?

My husband has been incredibly supportive for years now. But I think after years of dealing with the frustration of changing meds, attacks, flip outs, depression, lack of motivation, self medicating, etc. I feel like he's distancing himself for his own sanity. Very lonely feeling. I want to get better for myself, but he's the greatest thing to ever happen to me. Cannot afford to lose him.

My husband is my "safe person", my rock and who I depend on for just about everything! If I had a nickel for every time he has repeated the phrase "You're Okay" I would be rich. Usually that is all he does now - just looks at me with a calm look and says that phrase. I do the rest. He knows he can't fix me! If they get really bad he will try to help me through the breathing and say what does your cards say to do? - but even though it frustrates him so much after 16 years of marriage (and I have had it the whole time!!) he knows he can't!

I know in this program we are suppose to learn that we are our safe person and our rock! That is really something I am working on and struggling with. I pray you find things your husband can do that helps you.

Blessings,
Leah