Resources for spouses?

[StormyDaze]

Hi everyone,
My husband was diagnosed with GAD and panic disorder several months ago. It has had a massive impact on our relationship, and I am having difficulty coping.
I have looked for resources for family/friends of anxiety sufferers, but haven't come up with much.
I wondered if there were any other spouses of anxiety sufferers out there I can connect with, or if anyone can recommend any reading or resources that might better help me understand what he is going through, or at least be able to deal with it without just making things worse.
For those of you with anxiety who have significant others, may I ask how it has affected your relationship? What would you expect or hope for from a spouse to know that they are trying to help and be supportive?

[freebirdsoul]

Ive been with my now fiance for 6 years and he has been incredibly supportive through all of my issues with GAD and panic dissorder. The best thing you can do is first educate yourself on the conditions. You may not undestand what he's going through but if you at least have knowledge of it then you can be more of a help.

When your husband is having an attack you need to remain calm. Do not give off any signs of being upset or scared during his attack. The more stable you can be for him the better. When I am having an attack or extreme anxiety, I need my partner to be strong for me. Its best when he doesnt say much at all but holds my hand, tells me I'm okay, that it will pass, he is there for me, etc. If you get him out of the enviroment his is currently in that can be a big help. Suggest going on a walk together, sometimes getting some fresh air is best thing you can do when having an attack. Sometimes you might have to pull over the car, or leave a restaurant. It may be frusterating but try to be as understanding as possible. Anxiety and Panic Disorder are AWFUL to experience. I know that it must be hard to be on your end. My fiance says what upsets him the most is not being able to fix it for me, being out of control. But him just being there for me is more than I could ask for. I dont know what steps your husband has taken to help himself, but I highly reccomend talking to a behavorial specialist/therapist, and considering going on a medication. I was very apprehensive about going on a medication but it was a life saver. I acually just recently weaned myself off of it which was a big mistake. Lexapro worked great for me besides gaining 20 lbs. But everyone is different.

Good luck to you.