getting my spouse to take the leap

[layourburdendown]

My wife has been suffering from anxiety , specifically driving panic attacks for about 7 years and recently she has gotten worse. Rich everything you say I truly believe would work but she has gotten to the point of not even trying to make trips beyond the town. We even agreed to try to take more trips , a little at a time going further and further down the road but its hard to motivate her and even the best laid plans crumble. I stay positive but its frustrating. Any thoughts on getting her to just say f' it and get in the car and drive? Sometimes I would just like to put her in the car and drive til we are miles from home but I am afraid that might scare her more


oh yes nice job with the forum :)

[Fiore]

Hi,

It sounds like you are extremely committed to wanting to see your wife improve, but I would not recommend trying the diving in the deep end approach by going to some very distant place. If that were to be me, it would only increase anxiety levels. Unfortunately, the only one who has the power to create change is the person who feels the fear, but your on-going support is bound to be helping even if you are not seeing any tangible returns just yet. When I first started experiencing fear and my then husband never once offered a modicum of support. Perhaps, one of the reasons he's now my ex!!

Fiore

[melissanecz]

You sound like a wonderful husband to be so concerned. Im lucky too, my husband it very supportive and understanding of this problem. I think Fiore is right, she's going to have to do it in her own good time. I've had it for about 7 years now as well and its just now Im getting to do something about it. I think most people just get sick and tired of not having the freedom they once enjoyed and will address the problem when they are ready. I know from my husband how frustrating it can be for a spouse but hang in there and you know what direction to point her in when she is ready.

[Rich-Admin]

Yeah, you're being great being supportive, but it has to be her choice. Just knowing you're there should be a big help.

Rich