What to do when your chronically ill wife has anxiety attacks?
If your chronically ill wife has anxiety attacks, it is important to understand that her anxiety may be caused by her chronic illness. While it is not known exactly how or why chronic illnesses can cause anxiety, it is believed that the stress of living with a chronic illness can trigger anxiety.
So there is more to that than just a chronic illness. The environment, the circumstances, and the character of your wife also dictate the level of anxiety.
But over a decade of supporting my wife through various challenges associated with her endometriosis and fibromyalgia, I’ve learned one crucial thing from her, which I found works every time. Here’s what you should do every time your chronically ill wife has anxiety flare-ups:
If your chronically ill wife has an anxiety attack don’t try to suggest anything, at that moment she isn’t in a state of making clear decisions, therefore you need to take this burden away by directing her on what to do.
What to do when your chronically ill wife has anxiety attacks?
Aside from directing your wife on what to do, which helps her and makes you feel more empowered and less helpless, there are eight more ways that I found to help my wife feel better when she is having anxiety or a panic attack.
If your wife is anxious because of her chronic illness, there are general things you can do if your chronically ill wife has anxiety attacks:
First, try to understand her anxiety. What seems to trigger her anxiety? Is it specific situations or activities? Once you know what triggers her anxiety, you can help her avoid or cope with those triggers.
Second, provide support and encouragement. Let her know that you are there for her and that you will support her through this. Help her to find healthy coping mechanisms for her anxiety, such as exercise or relaxation techniques.
Third, get help from professionals if her anxiety is severe. If your wife is having difficulty managing her anxiety on her own, she may need to see a therapist or counselor. In some cases, medication may be necessary to help control her anxiety.
Fourth, take care of yourself. It is important that you take care of your own mental and physical health while supporting your wife. Make sure to schedule time for yourself and your own activities. Taking care of yourself will help you be in a better position to support your wife.
Fifth, be patient. Managing anxiety can be a long and difficult process. It is important to be patient with your wife and to understand that it may take some time for her to find effective ways to cope with her anxiety.
Sixth, stay positive. It can be easy to get caught up in all the negative aspects of your wife’s anxiety. However, it is important to remember that there are also positive aspects to her anxiety. For example, her anxiety may make her more aware of her surroundings and more alert to potential dangers.
Seventh, provide understanding and love. Ultimately, your wife needs your understanding and love. Let her know that you understand how she is feeling and that you will always support her.
Eighth, be there for her. your wife may not always want to talk about her anxiety, but it is important that you are there for her when she does. Listen to her and offer your support.
If you want more in-depth information about how to support your partner with her chronic conditions and how to cope with the new normal in your relationship, I wrote a “Supporting a Chronically Ill Partner” e-Book.
You can get the 1st Chapter of the e-Book for FREE, and if you like it, you’ll get a Whopping 33% Discount on the Whole Book, plus discounts on other helpful tools. You have nothing to lose but a lot to gain!
The first chapter alone contains a lot of information for both of you about acknowledging the struggles, including:
- A word to your partner.
- A word to you.
- Stepping on eggshells.
- Understanding her needs.
- How to acknowledge having a chronically ill partner?
- Acknowledging can be hard.
- 15 tips on how to do it!
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Chronic Illness for Partners
Anxiety and panic disorder.
Is there a difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks?
Both disorders share many similarities, but there are also some key differences. Anxiety attacks tend to be less intense and last for shorter periods of time than panic attacks. Panic attacks also tend to include physical symptoms, such as a racing heart and trembling, that anxiety attacks typically don’t.
There are different types of anxiety disorders, and each one has its own symptoms. However, some general symptoms of anxiety disorders include:
- feeling restless, or on-edge
- being easily fatigued
- having difficulty concentrating
- having muscle tension
- difficulty sleeping
- feeling irritable
If your wife is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to her doctor. He or she can help to determine if your wife has an anxiety disorder and, if so, what type.
There are several treatment options available for anxiety disorders. Often, a combination of therapy and medication is the most effective. If your wife is having difficulty managing her anxiety, her doctor may refer her to a mental health professional for treatment.
Anxiety attack usually lasts for a few minutes, but sometimes they can persist for longer. But you must remember, the best thing you can do at the time of an anxiety attack is to reassure your wife by directing her on what to do.
Try to stay calm and inform your wife to slow down her breathing, which will help in reducing the intensity of anxiety. Reassure her that you are here for her and that you will help her through this.
Promethazine for anxiety.
According to this source, “Promethazine is a first-generation antihistamine and antiemetic used to treat allergies, insomnia, and nausea. It may also help with some symptoms associated with the common cold and may also be used for sedating people who are agitated or anxious.”
Unlike many hormonal and pain relief medications, Promethazine is harmless and available over the counter.
How does Promethazine work for anxiety?
Promethazine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking histamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that is responsible for many of the symptoms of anxiety.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects of Promethazine are drowsiness and dry mouth. However, it can also cause dizziness, constipation, and blurred vision. However, it has the least harmless side effects as opposed to other anxiety medications or hormones.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Yes, it is safe for long-term use. However, if your wife is pregnant, it is important to talk to her doctor before taking Promethazine.
Is it safe for everyone?
No. Promethazine should not be taken by people with asthma, glaucoma, or certain heart conditions. It is also not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What should I do if I think my wife would benefit from Promethazine?
If you think your wife would benefit from Promethazine, talk to her doctor. He or she can help to determine if Promethazine is the right medication for your wife and can answer any questions you may have.
A final word on anxiety.
Anxiety is a mental health disorder that can be short or long-term. Chronic anxiety is caused by triggers that may not be apparent. Anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as a racing heart and trembling.
There are different types of anxiety disorders, and each one has its own symptoms.
When your chronically ill wife has anxiety attacks and you find yourself being present with her, the best thing you can do at the time is to tell her what to do, rather than ask what to do or suggest things.
What works is directing your wife to slow down her breathing and maybe even count her breaths with you. This will help in reducing the intensity of anxiety. Reassure your wife that you are here for her and that you will help her through this.
Promethazine can be a helpful medication for anxiety, but it is important to talk to your wife’s doctor before starting her on any medication.
Anxiety is a mental health disorder that can have a significant impact on your wife’s quality of life. However, with your support and the right treatment, she can manage her anxiety and live a full and happy life.
I hope this helps!
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Chronic Illness for Partners
About Me
Hi, I’m Lucjan! The reason why I decided to create this blog was my beautiful wife, who experienced a lot of pain in life, but also the lack of information about endometriosis and fibromyalgia for men…