Anxiety in a serious relationship

[Lara1]

Ive suffered from severe anxiety for the past 3 years and my boyfriend has been there through it with me the whole time. My anxiety first triggered when i found out my mother was diagnosed with cancer and ever since then its been extremely overwhelming, but he always stayed by my side. 

Now lately I'm in a really stressful period of my life and all the negative thoughts are snowballing in my head and i feel my emotional state is really impacting on our relationship so i can't stop worrying that i'm going to lose him. I don't know what to do anymore - i love him very much, to me is my everything however since i've been in this really stressful period our relationship keeps making me upset. I don't know what to do, i've tried to explain to him how i'm feeling but he can't really understand. I try to challenge the negative thoughts but I'm in such a dark place right now its really hard.

Any advice on what i should do?

[Unforgettable]

Hi Lara, naturally I don't have the answers as a fellow sufferer but purely to offer support as you are not alone and despite the dark times never will be! Hopefully your mother is still with us and recovering though you did not indicate how she was going? We all hope she is tracking well despite the huge battle she is enduring? I understand the negative thoughts you mention and the stress you are under. Your boyfriend loves you! From what you say he gives you that unwavering support so please don't think for him! He wants to be by your side and will accept what is thrown at him as you would do for him? Mental illness is always difficult for some people to accept and sadly, I believe despite the best efforts of many through public awareness might always be the case? Never ever feel guilty or feel ashamed.

What help have you sourced thus far? A great GP who is on the ball is a great start. Any referrals medications as appropriate will start hopefully a road to recovery. You are upfront and honest with your boyfriend, even though it is hard for him he will stick by you. When seeking help which I hope you are doing, then include him? Bring him along to your appointments whenever you can whereby I trust this will help him understand and so he simply won't let you go! You will note there are many people here on the Beyond blue website who know what you are going through and will always understand. You will never be alone!

Please take care always

Unforgettable