Although I have not been a visitor to this site for a long time, I used to be a regular and so will be bold and wish you welcome to this great place.

Somehow, the magnitude of the problem, when both halves of a partnership are having difficulties of any kind, is greater than the sum of its parts. I know this is making it even harder for you than it otherwise might be. But on the other hand, such a couple has the benefit of being able to turn to each other. My advice is to be as open with your partner as possible about anything that is bothering you. Try not to let it build up until it becomes a huge issue. I know this can be very difficult. I often have such a tendancy to avoid confrontation that somewhat minor problems turn into major issues for no other good reason.

If I may, I'd like to suggest something to you regarding your husband's anxiety disorder and treatment. I can relate to difficulties with sticking with any treatment. It means making regular trips outside and dealing with people you don't know very well on a frequent basis; these things have a nasty way of constantly reminding you of what you are seeking treatment for in the first place. In my case it makes me feel conspicuous, like everyone knows, thus heightening my anxiety. Of course, this is my own experience only. But I think that from that perspective, this behaviour in your husband my be a symptom of the illness as much as a lack of will to get better. In much the same way that you might wish your husband better understood some of the less attractive quirks of your illness, I ask that you consider this in the same light in order that you may find it easier to support him in continuing treatment. That's just my opinion, of course, so please, make of it what you see fit.

On the whole, I think you have a lot of good things to look forward to so take heart. You said you are both young so that gives you plenty of time to get things under control. I am 40 and was only diagnosed correctly a couple of years ago (and not at all a few years before that) and I still feel I have time to gain control and have some quality of life. I sincerely hope both of you are able to do the same. Coming through it together may even strengthen the bonds between you and make you richer for it. Let's hope. Good luck and take care.

Kerry