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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How to support and give space to my boyfriend with anxiety?

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Depression Mental Health
    I suffer from anxiety as well and so I guess I can relate and understand what he is going through (its new for him, where as I have learned coping skills).

    We are new in this relationship and he started panicking wondering if he can be in a relationship and then further panicked about some work stuff (which he is a short term disability for, while he gets back on track). We haven't broken up, nor do either of us deep down want to break up. I have told him many times that I am here for him and won't judge him - I just want to lend him an ear.

    Its been 2 days of silence. Can I or should I reach out? A simple text to say hi and ask how he's doing… Last thing I want to do is add more stress to him right now, but I don't want him to feel like I've abandoned him either.

    Please help!
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    Cathie Hutchinson

    Counsellor, Social Worker

    I am an accredited mental health social worker and Medicare provider and am committed to ongoing continuing professional development. After teaching for many years and … View Profile

    It sounds like you are genuinely concerned and empathetic towards your boyfriend. and the anxiety he is experiencing. Sending a text message or touching base would communicate to him that you care. I am reminded of the recent R U OK campaign where people are encouraged to ask others if they are OK. https://www.ruok.org.au/.  This question can provide an opening for him to talk if he wants to. and for you to just listen. You will also communicate the care that you feel towards him by touching base.
    It sounds like your boyfriend might benefit from counselling and could do this by seeing his doctor and obtaining a Mental Health Plan which would enable him to access counselling through Medicare. If he is not ready  to do this, he might benefit from gaining some knowledge about anxiety and panic. There is information available from Beyond Blue on Anxiety http://www.beyondblue.org.au/ .
    Sometimes when people know they are not alone with their suffering and that what they are exeriencing is validated, they can gain some relief.

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