How to deal with someone else's anxiety?

I am the wife of a man who suffers from anxiety and panick attacks. I also think he may be depressed. He has been through counseling (helped a little) and is now on meds. He seems to be getting worse and I don't know what to do for him. He isn't interested in going back to counseling and doen't like taking his meds. He has been feeling really sorry for himself lately and I'm not sure if I should be going along with him or telling him he should be thankful for what he has in this life. He is really sensitive about the whole thing and I feel like he thinks I am unsupportive and don't care about him. How can I show my support? How should I react to his self pitty and axiety issues on a day to day basis? Any advise would be appreciated.

Support from his side of the fence is the best advice that I can give you right now.... do not push or suggest things that your friend cannot do right now - just hang out with him in his house until he is ready to venture past the front door.

Good Luck....

LoVe,
Rhapsody - ((( hugs )))

Ok.

I think him not taking meds and not seeing counsellors is a bad thing- how is he supposed to get help?

Further, how are you supposed to help if you can't encourage him to do these things?

Perhaps what you could do, is find some books on anxiety and panic attacks and try and teach him some things you have learnt, or perhaps give him some books or resources. I think ideally he should be seeing someone-anyone, and whether he takes meds or not is a personal choice- some people are opposed to it, although i would not have got to where i am without them.

I am sorry you are in this position. Keep posting to let us know how you are doing.

I wouldn't necessarily support his not going to counseling or liking his meds but I would try to be warm and friendly to him, personally. Hugs, little pats on the back every now and then, little surprises like favorite meals, etc. would tell him you're thinking of his comfort. Would he do family counseling with you? If he felt like the two of you were in "this thing" together, might help.

Yes good point, Perna - 'family counselling'