Struggling through a rough patch

[Ally95]

Hi,

My partner of 4 years is starting his own Business, I am helping him a little financially which I am totally ok with and can afford, however I can't stop thinking about the "what if" and all the negatives that could happen. We had an argument like any couple would, since then then my anxiety/panic disorder has been triggered and I am suffering with constant feelings of nervousness, panic and severe anxiety which affects me getting up in the morning and going to work. When my anxiety gets triggered, it takes a week or 2 to get back to normal.

I know this is only a short term thing amd things will work out, but I fall apart when the thought of something goes wrong and won't be able to find a solution. How can I be more of a support to my partner during this time rather than becoming a broken mess myself?


We are both 24 and he has high functioning autism, has struggled to pass his university course and running his business is the only way he can do his one and only passion.

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Hi there and welcome to the forums 🙂

I imagine that starting a business would be pretty stressful. There's a whole lot of unknowns in there, so fair enough. Unfortunately anxiety likes to go straight for the negatives! I came across a little saying the other day that said "but what if it all goes right?". Wouldn't it be nice if our brains paid equal attention to the best case scenario? 🙂

I think it's wonderful that you're supporting your partner and want to be there for him. I'm a huge fan of yoga and meditation to keep my stress levels under control, and seeing my gp when I don't feel I'm able to. Apart from that having a really good sounding board that's not your partner, so you can let out some of your anxieties, without putting those onto him. And I also think if you're doing some nice things together, to foster your communication and connection, then you'll have a nice solid base to get you through any hiccups together.

Feel free to chat further if you like. Other people here may have other ideas for you 🙂 Kind thoughts, Katy

[Guest_1643]

Hi Ally and welcome to the forum....It is nice that you and your partner are doing this together and giving it a go - you must be very strong and he must have a lot of passion for the field. I would also have a lot of anxiety imaginig the what ifs, and I do struggle with that too, also just with change in general, and going with the flow....I guess one day at a time is sometimes the only way to go, but it's very hard not to look in the future and plan. I definitely recommend sharing with someone experienced in anxiety, either a GP, psychologist, or even calling Beyond Blue, or Lifeline, who have a lot of resources they can link you in to. Thank you for posting.