Dear Kleighs~
It sounds as if your partner has to deal with quite a severe case of anxiety, something that can not only make day to day living very unpleasant but, as you are saying, limit what he can do.
Do you mind if I ask is he under treatment for this? I have anxiety, depression at times and PTSD and found there was no way I could improve until I had the right medical help. For most people anxiety can be effectively treated.
I would imagine difficulty with travel is only one aspect of the illness and by having the anxiety condition itself dealt with such things as getting on a plane and away from home will become more manageable.
You have put your finger on one difficulty those trying to support someone with anxiety face, not really understanding what is going on. This is something my wife had to deal with, and while she was never able to know what was in my head she was a tremendous support, basically leaning by trial and error.
A couple of things: where when I was struggling to do something like use the phone she might take over. On other occasions when my thinking was affected by anxiety she was able to provide perspective and common sense. Actually her love and being there for me made a huge difference.
If you look at the thread:
Forums
/
Anxiety /
SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIETY
You will find a great many techniques and activities others have found very helpful. You might also suggest your partner read it with you so you can discuss together the various alternatives.
Tony has also provided a useful link
Feel free to talk here as often as you wish
Croix
