Don't know what to do about my husband

GracieP

When he went to the doctor did the doctor do any physical tests? If not, when he returns to the doctor I'd suggest asking for the doctor to do a full round of blood tests to rule out a physical cause. The symptoms you are describe could have a cause like a hormone imbalance or iron or riboflavin deficiency. All of which can be treated very easily if diagnosed and should be ruled out before prescribing anxiety medication.

As he is having dizziness, he might also want to ask about having his inner ear checked as an inner ear disorder like M!nière's could also match his symptoms.

universalady_2

The worst thing for me was the dizzyness during my panic episodes. It transpired I was actually hyperventilating through anxiety and so becoming dizzy, which in turn made it worse. I did see a respiritory physio, which helped so much, after a few weeks of following the exercises I had much more control over dizzy spells and also learnt about breathing correctly, this coupled with relaxation techniques (which again I practised daily) helped tremendously. I also gave up all caffeine, alcohol and processed foods where I could, and I think this has also helped

I was adament that I didn't want to use anti-d's or any other drug, I thought (and still do) that it would only mask the problem. I do see a CBT therapist, which again is brilliant, and using some self help thought sheets from www.getselfhelp.co.uk is excellent for narrowing down why I start to get panicky, and also to provide some perspective on a given situation.

Time is a great healer, but for me, I definately needed to alter how I look at and think about certain situations. 6 months ago, I would have had problems going to the shop for milk without breaking into a sweat and 'having to get out' and now I can happily wander round Saino's looking for a bargain or two, so things will get better

I think for you, being the partner, all you can do is be there, be sympathetic, but not allow him to withdraw completely. Again, for me, my OH was brilliant, he understood why I felt like carp/dizzy/tired/depressed cos I told him, so hopefully your OH will be open about how he's feelings, and that way you can help more than you realise {{hugs}}

Desperado99

I've found this one good:

http://www.selftherapy.org/

it's a free course that I found after looking for anti-anxiety/relaxation meditation on youtube, which has also helped.

kezzygirl

Can I just say,anxiety and panic are two different things?
Panic is characterised by a misinterpretation of physical symptoms and the accompanying thoughts such as 'I am dying, I am going to have a heart attack' etc

anxiety on the other hand is a response to negative thoughts or worries., which can cause physical symptoms and manifest in an anxiety attack NOT a panic attack.

The worst thing he can do is avoid the situations that make him anxious as this in itself will create more problems.

One can assume from your post that he has had bloods etc done if he was cleared of vertigo?
CBT is recommended for the treatment of depression and anxiety, you will have a service near you but it may be a wait.NICE do not recommend counselling for anxiety.
good luck and tell your hubby there is a way out, he might just need a little help thats all.
kezzygirl

fannyanna

Thanks for the further messages of advice.

Hubby had a good breakthrough yesterday. He managed to do something that he'd been avoiding because of anxiety and he can now see that he can do things and having done this it's made things look more achievable.

Obviously he's going to have his bad days but having accomplished something has made him feel more positive.

He's starting to read up on anxiety a bit too (as you guys suggested) and I think that's helping him. Although despite me telling him and then him reading it in black and white he's not yet convinced that when he has dizzy spells they wont lead to him passing out.

dumpy

If he is worried about passing out would be be worth him planning what he would do if he is feeling dizzy and thinks he will pass out?

So sitting down if walking, pulling over if he's driving etc etc. Putting an ICE number on a mobile phone (in case of emergency)

If he feels he has a plan to deal with it then that might take some of the anxiety away? Then when he doesn't pass out, he can start to do whatever he was doing when the moment has passed.

londonsurrey

Just a quick double check. Is he talking to the GP about all these symptoms, or just mentioning a bit to the GP?

What I'm wary of here is the possibility that you are told everything, you are the responsible one that he turns to, and the reality is that he can't get any real help unless he takes full responsibility for his treatment. You can't do it for him. Even if you went to the GP with him, they'd just consign it to a case of overdependence.

Errata

If all physical reasons for the dizzy spells have been checked out and nothing found, is he over-breathing? (breathing far more frequently than he needs to). Breathing into and out of a brown paper bag usually fixes that, as it lessens the amount of oxygen getting into the bloodstream and brain.

Molly41

Really good website called Dizzytimes.com. Dizziness does cause anxiety so sometimes it is difficult to know what comes first. Dont discount the dizziness having a physical cause - it is often difficult to diagnose.