How do you explain anxiety to your significant other?

[ande1455]

I'm new here. I've been struggling with tremendous anxiety lately. I've been getting really behind at my work. I haven't really been able to get anything done. I just can't seem to bring myself to work on stressful tasks. And then the stressful tasks pile up and get more difficult to deal with. Most of the time I feel physically sick about it. I'm self-employed and about to lose my practice.

I have a great girlfriend who is really supportive, for the most part. I can't imagine how difficult it is to be with someone who can literally not accomplish anything. Lately I've been struggling and it's been really difficult for her to see me so unmotivated. And she is worried about the financial issues if I lose my job. And I feel really bad for stressing her out. I think she is regretting being with me. I fear that I may lose her too. How do I handle this?

[kinikia95 ADAA Volunteer]

#1 Take care of you. Talk to her. If she's not with it go back to #1. Love is not financial.

[Bailey_Kay]

My boyfriend is exactly the same way! I definitely understand! I learned that if he isn't able to handle me while I am going through this, there's nothing I can do, and I have to focus on myself to get better for myself! good luck!

[TAPNewEngland]

Ande1455: as far as work goes, can you meet with HR? If you have been diagnosed with anxiety, there are protections in place so you can't lose your job. You do need to talk to her as well. If you see a therapist, bring her with you so she can really understand what's going on.