[Nikki57]

I have anxiety, depression, and OCD. I might also be bipolar but we are not sure. I have been with my boyfriend for about six years and I have had these problems since we've been together. I was very open and honest with him about this from the beginning. I feel like he used to try to understand, but lately he's been very short with me. Everytime I tell him I am not feeling well he simply says "sorry". If I wake him up and tell him I feel like I'm having a panic attack he gets very mad and tells me I'm doing it to myself. He says he is annoyed with me because I haven't had a job in awhile, I have not felt well enough to work. I'm worried that I'm not explaining things to him correctly. How can I express my feelings to him so he will try to understand again?

[gma45]

That is a hard one. Most "normal" people don't understand. Maybe you can find some information here that might help. Or maybe try to have a third person (doctor,therapist,counselor) help explain it to him. Seems like he thinks it is not for real, which WE know is very much REAL! or maybe he is frustrated because he can't do anything to help when you are having a panic attack. If this is been going on for 6years or more without any relief I do think you need to see someone. It can be really difficult for someone that has never been depressed or had anxiety, OCD. to understand. I wish you the best and don't give up on your relationship it can work out.

[whoflungpoo]

you said he used to try to understand but lately has been short with you.. this isn't really your problem, it may be difficult to accept that he isn't motivated to help you as a partner. or maybe he doesn't understand and has given up on trying to understand.. but if i were you i would try the following; carry a little notepad and pen around with you and when you have an episode i would make a log of it. note everything you can, time, date, your current mood whether it be happy/sad/depressed/surprised/anxious/hopeless/frustrated, what may have trigged the episode and maybe even what your boyfriend can do to help in that specific situation. at the end of the day when he gets home from work or whenever you guys are in bed before going to sleep share these notes with him.
i think this may help him better understand what you go through on a daily basis and how intense these thoughts and feelings are for you. it will even give him insight on what he can do as a boyfriend to help you through different situations. of course, i'm assuming he'd be willing to do this for his partner.

again, this is something i would try myself... just sharing my personal point of view and i hope it helps. good luck!