Helping a Loved One Overcome Panic Disorder: Expert Advice and Strategies

Panic disorder

Hello, Dr.
Yeh...
My girlfriend was diagnosed with depression about a year ago, and her treatment has been inconsistent over this past year.
Recently, due to some factors, she believes that the girlfriend of my brother (who is also her friend and colleague) is undermining her position at work and in my family, stealing her happiness and damaging her image in my family.
About a month ago, her doctor diagnosed her with panic disorder, and she often experiences fear and anger, among other symptoms.
Since her family is unable to care for her, I would like to know how I can help her through this.
She is currently taking her medication regularly and attending follow-up appointments, but there seems to be no improvement.
Could you please provide me with some professional advice and methods on how I can assist her? Thank you very much.

Mark Yen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/11/02

Dr. Ye Yuki reply Psychiatry

Hello Mark, panic disorder and depression can indeed occur simultaneously, a phenomenon known in medicine as "comorbidity." However, I must apologize as I cannot determine from your description whether your girlfriend has panic disorder, since the primary symptoms of panic disorder are not "fear and anger." You may refer to the course content from the 94th year of Taiwan's e-learning academy for related information.
Therefore, it would be best to discuss the diagnosis with your girlfriend's physician first.
Is the physician aware of her suspicious behaviors? Has she communicated this to the doctor? Mental health disorders often require a combination of medication, psychological support, and assistance from friends and family to see significant improvement.
If you feel that the treatment progress is limited, you can also discuss this with the physician to understand why there hasn't been any improvement.
Sometimes, it takes time for the medication to take effect, and other treatment modalities may need to be integrated.
I hope you can find the most helpful treatment approach for her.

Reply Date: 2006/11/02

More Info

Helping a loved one overcome panic disorder, especially when they are also dealing with depression, can be a challenging yet crucial task. Your girlfriend's situation, as you've described, involves a complex interplay of emotions and mental health issues. Here are some strategies and insights that may help you support her effectively.

Understanding Panic Disorder and Depression
Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills, or hot flashes. These attacks can lead to significant anxiety about future attacks, which can further exacerbate feelings of helplessness and depression.

Given that your girlfriend has a history of depression, it’s essential to recognize that these conditions can often co-occur, leading to a more complicated recovery process. The interplay between panic disorder and depression can create a cycle where one condition exacerbates the other.

Strategies to Help Your Girlfriend
1. Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for her to express her feelings without judgment. Let her know that it’s okay to talk about her fears and anxieties. Sometimes, just having someone listen can be incredibly therapeutic.

2. Educate Yourself: Understanding panic disorder and depression can help you empathize with what she’s going through. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms, triggers, and treatment options. This knowledge can also help you provide informed support.

3. Support Her Treatment Plan: Since she is already on medication and attending follow-up appointments, encourage her to stick to her treatment plan. Remind her of the importance of consistency in taking her medication and attending therapy sessions. If she expresses concerns about her treatment, suggest discussing these with her healthcare provider.

4. Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Encourage her to engage in activities that promote overall well-being. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Exercise, in particular, can be beneficial for both depression and anxiety, as it releases endorphins that improve mood.

5. Practice Relaxation Techniques Together: Introduce her to relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or yoga. These practices can help reduce anxiety and improve her overall mental health. You can participate together, making it a bonding experience.

6. Be Patient and Understanding: Recovery from panic disorder and depression can be a slow process. There may be good days and bad days. It’s essential to remain patient and avoid putting pressure on her to “get better” quickly. Celebrate small victories and be there for her during setbacks.

7. Encourage Social Interaction: While she may feel isolated, gently encourage her to engage with friends and family. Social support is vital for mental health. However, respect her boundaries and don’t force her into situations she’s uncomfortable with.

8. Seek Professional Guidance: If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to help her, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional. They can provide strategies tailored to her specific needs and help you understand how best to support her.

9. Take Care of Yourself: Supporting someone with mental health issues can be emotionally taxing. Ensure you are also taking care of your mental and physical health. Engage in activities that you enjoy and seek support if needed.

Conclusion
Helping a loved one with panic disorder and depression requires compassion, understanding, and patience. By being a supportive partner, encouraging treatment adherence, and promoting healthy habits, you can play a significant role in her recovery journey. Remember, it’s essential to communicate openly and seek professional help when necessary. Your support can make a meaningful difference in her life, but it’s also crucial to recognize your limits and take care of your well-being.

Similar Q&A

Overcoming Panic Disorder: Helping a Loved One Conquer Fear of Leaving Home

Hello, doctor. My mother has heart disease and has undergone two surgeries. After the second surgery, she was diagnosed with panic disorder and anxiety disorder. For the past few years, she managed to control her symptoms with medication and even stopped taking it, but in the las...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
It's good for netizens to encourage her, but it's important to remember that mental health issues still require appropriate treatment. If she feels very anxious and is afraid to go out for medical care, she might consider taking some anti-anxiety medication before headi...

How to Encourage a Family Member with Panic Disorder to Seek Help?

My mother has had an autoimmune disease for many years. This year, after reducing her steroid medication, she began experiencing dizziness and discovered occult blood in her stool. She has been silently worried for a long time, which seems to have triggered panic attacks. In addi...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, you can encourage her by saying that nowadays, many people with insomnia seek help from psychosomatic medicine specialists, just like how surgical procedures work: the more surgeries a doctor performs, the more skilled they become, leading to higher success rates and lower...

Coping with Panic Attacks and Anxiety After Betrayal: A Healing Journey

I would like to consult a doctor because my partner, with whom I have been together for 13 years, had an affair and spent a night with someone else while I was at work. After I discovered this, he promised me that he would never betray me again. However, I now experience panic an...

Dr. Bao Zhijia reply Psychiatry
It seems that you have already consulted a physician regarding your concerns. Both medication and psychotherapy are excellent recommendations, and given the severity of the symptoms you described, pharmacotherapy may be essential. Of course, a combined approach of medication and ...

Supporting a Friend Struggling with Anxiety After Traumatic Events

Due to the murder case on the Taipei Metro a year ago, the prison escape incident, and the recent random stabbing case, my friend has been unable to sleep at night. She says she unconsciously feels like she is in a very dangerous place and could get hurt at any moment, which make...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, seeing that you are only 15 years old and so concerned about your friend truly touches my heart, it really does! Under normal circumstances, when faced with the impact of horror movies or news events, we tend to return to our daily lives quickly and gradually forget, resto...