Daughter with anxiety

[Moonta]

My 22 year old daughter has anxiety & minor depression. This all started 2 months ago when she went on a camping trip with her boyfriend of 2 years & had a huge panic attack. Since then it has brought on anxiety & depression. She is on medication & seems a lot better with day to day tasks but is anxious when she has to spend time alone with her boyfriend. He is a lovey guy & is very caring & supportive but she is pushing him away. Any feedback/helpful suggestions to help her overcome this would be great

[Flowertop]

Hi Moonta

This sounds really tough for your daughter. If her boyfriend is a really nice guy he should understand, want her well and not put any pressure on her to spend time alone with him. It looks like she is doing everything she can to address this and it’s great she is more functional day to day . The pressure of a relationship may be too much for her at the moment and I think you need to follow her lead and support her with this.
It’s tough on everyone when someone you care about is not traveling well.

[SarahZ]

Hi there Moonta,

Thanks for reaching out!

I agree with Flowertop! Im sure your daughter's boyfriend will understand and respect the fact that your daughter feels more comfortable going at her own pace. Anxiety is really debilitating, and any slightly up-setting thought can trigger a whole range of negative emotions. I'm sure your daughter doesn't want to push her boyfriend away either, but anxiety is something you really can't control. Have you potentially asked your daughter why she feels anxious spending time specifically alone with her boyfriend? Was the panic attack something that was related to her boyfriend? or something completely different?

I think just being supportive of your daughter and letting her know you are behind her each step of the way will be super beneficial!

Wishing you and your daughter all the best x

[PlainJane01]

Hey Moonta,

as a young adult with similar mental health circumstances I hope I can help.

Its great she is receiving medical help to improve her wellbeing! That shows she is willing to help herself.

Unfortunately in moments of sadness and anxiety, I too push people away from me that I care about. It’s not necessarily reckless behaviour, but she may fear she will emotionally hurt those close to her and she wants to push them away before they can do the same to her.

You have got to reassure her everything is ok! She is still the same strong women she was before the camping trip and her boyfriend is still a lovely men who has her bests interests at heart.

You’re a great Mother! Good luck 🙂