I enjoy talking with my father in law. He's so nice and accepting...except when it comes to mental illness. GAD has been apart of my life since I was in 3rd grade. I've gone to counseling, been diagnosed, and strive everyday to not have a panic attack over minuscule aspects of my life but will never beat myself up about it if I do. From my husband's explanation, from my father in law's experience, he's never been able to fully understand what mental illness entails and has been to exposed to a person with an unhealthy approach to depression.
In the past, I've had times of deep depression and anxiety has been something I need to address and control on a daily basis. Especially with it being someone that I care about so much that is now my father in law, I want him to be able to understand me. That this is a real issue that is hereditary and something that his grandchildren might have when they grow up. To know that there is a way to explain anxiety disorders and panic attacks that he can understand that this isn't for attention. I tell people that I have anxiety that really need to hear it because if you were to hear me on the street, you'd never know. But that's because I have to go above and beyond to handle simple stresses in life. To force myself to think about my needs.
Because of his experience, I'm nervous about not being taken seriously. I'm nervous that'll go by the way side and never be discussed again. But I want him to be able to know because it's a part of my life. And I don't like hiding that from people that I'm close to.
Feeling ill and anxious 
I’m confused/ worried 
New to here and desperately needing to know if anyone relates
