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My Partner has anxiety
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Good Afternoon all,
Just want to discuss with others out there who are living with a partner who is suffering from anxiety. I have unwaivering support for my partner and do as much as I can for her and my family, however, she is constantly saying I am the cause of her anxiety. I attempt to talk to her about this, but I feel I am not getting anywhere..what else can I do?
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Hi Jess
I have an ex wife and a son from that marriage and my partner beliestand up to her believes I do not stand up to her enough in regards to the custody of my son...she believes I bow down to her in regards to everything.
From my perspective this is not the case, however, when I try to discuss she does shut me down.
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Yes she is seeing a counsellor
Every day things that we all go through ie Money issues, Late Bills etc are a major event and cause a massive strain.
I am the main income earner and lately I am now the main carer for the kids, bathing and feeding them, pick ups and drop offs from school / childcare and entertaining them on weekends.
This may sound very selfish but it is all becoming too much and to be blamed every day that I am the cause is heartbreaking
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Hello Craig, I don't think you sound selfish at all and it sounds like you need some extra support for yourself. Is there anyone else in your family that can help you out with the children?
I imagine you have done this already with your attempts to talk with her about why she is blaming you, but have you asked her outright what she would like you to do to support her more? You could gently point out that you understand she has an anxiety condition and you are not blaming her, and that you are already doing all the things you list above. What else would she like you to do?
Anxiety and depression has a nasty way of making us say things that we don't mean and lash out at those closest to us in a very unfair way. This doesn't justify the behaviour of course, but it may help take some of the sting out of her words for you.
In counselling your partner should be learning about her anxiety triggers and how to deal with them. If those triggers are related to things you are doing, then some open honest communication has to happen around those to allow either (a) you to change your behaviour or (b) if that is not possible, for her to accept that there are some things that cannot be changed, like for example your relationship with your ex-wife around your children, which in my opinion is not her business. If your ex-wife were being rude or difficult with her I could understand, but I don't see how that particular arrangement is affecting her.
The blame game helps no-one. Try and let her know that you are interested in talking about solutions, but you will not accept blame for things over which you have no control.
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Thanks Jess...
I want her to get better and given the constant blame I see only one solution. I need to end the relationship to see if this improves the situation
It may sound harsh but i do want her to get better...the ex wife will always be there as we have a child, I cannot be expected to be the main income earner and carer etc.
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yes and she tells me to go, then if i do go I am abandoning her and our kids
I am in a no win situation.
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