Hi,
I have joined this site because my partner struggles with anxiety, depression and agoraphobia and I suppose I am looking for some advice and support. I never really labelled myself as a carer before, partly because I don't know if I do enough to be described as such and also because I am reluctant to characterise my relationship that way (no disrespect to anyone who finds that word helpful, this is just my personal honest feeling). But the fact is I feel I have some responsibilities to him above and beyond what I would if he didn't have these difficulties.
I want to be able to help my partner with anything he needs but I also hope I can support him to make some progress, especially about going out (after lockdown of course!). I find it really hard to strike the balance between not doing enough and feeling I am neglecting him or letting him down, and doing too much and therefore disempowering him or creating a situation that doesn't help or encourage him to overcome anxiety and agoraphobia. I find it so hard to know the right way to deal with this and feel a lot of guilt whatever I do. I haven't been able to get any advice about this so far.
Thanks for listening
I have joined this site because my partner struggles with anxiety, depression and agoraphobia and I suppose I am looking for some advice and support. I never really labelled myself as a carer before, partly because I don't know if I do enough to be described as such and also because I am reluctant to characterise my relationship that way (no disrespect to anyone who finds that word helpful, this is just my personal honest feeling). But the fact is I feel I have some responsibilities to him above and beyond what I would if he didn't have these difficulties.
I want to be able to help my partner with anything he needs but I also hope I can support him to make some progress, especially about going out (after lockdown of course!). I find it really hard to strike the balance between not doing enough and feeling I am neglecting him or letting him down, and doing too much and therefore disempowering him or creating a situation that doesn't help or encourage him to overcome anxiety and agoraphobia. I find it so hard to know the right way to deal with this and feel a lot of guilt whatever I do. I haven't been able to get any advice about this so far.
Thanks for listening
