| The stresses and strains on today's couples seem | | | | the sufferer is having real symptoms of a real |
| endless: financial woes, the demands of child-rearing, | | | | diseaseo there is nothing shameful about the |
| work-related stress, the uncertainty of the future, | | | | conditiono acquiring knowledge about the condition is |
| merging values, merging families. The list goes on and | | | | the first step in treatmento a need for understanding |
| on and for some, the picture is infinitely more complex | | | | of how panic attacks and the fear of the next one |
| if a partner suffers from panic attack symptoms. | | | | affects the family as a whole and steps to take to |
| An initial occurrence will most certainly be terrifying for | | | | lessen the impacto your partner needs and deserves |
| the victim: a feeling of sheer terror with no apparent | | | | your support |
| immediate danger, gasping for breath, shaking almost | | | | You must also take care of yourself witho maintaining |
| violently, perhaps experiencing nausea and abdominal | | | | a good support group of family and friendso |
| distress, feeling freezing cold or intensely warm, | | | | participation in outside activities and interests that you |
| suffering a kind of mental paralysis that allows only for | | | | find satisfyingo not letting your partner's affliction |
| the struggle for self containment. It can also be very | | | | become the center of your relationshipo finding |
| scary for the victim's partner, unsure of what is | | | | activities that are pleasing to you both and spend |
| happening and what do do about it. Is it a heart | | | | quality time together |
| attack? Should I call an ambulance? Act immediately | | | | The good news is that panic attack disorder is one of |
| or wait and see? | | | | the most treatable of anxiety disorders. Your |
| Even after the attack has passed and the sufferer | | | | understanding, knowledge and involvement with your |
| has stabilized, there can be a myriad of reactions | | | | partner's treatment will immeasurably help overcome |
| including one of guilt both by the sufferer and his or her | | | | the condition. The experience of working together can |
| partner. Some things important for both to understand | | | | deepen your trust and appreciation of each other. |
| areo panic attacks are not specifically life-threateningo | | | | |