Stress and relationships

LegacyUser

I’m with my partner 3 years. For the most part things have gone really well.
Lately, we had a couple of weeks were we were both concerned how the other was feeling in the relationship. This caused a certain amount of tension but we had a chat at the weekend and cleared the air. We’ve agreed that we both want to stay together and try and get things back on track.

However, while this was going on, I became very stressed with the situation. This has led to a couple of panic attacks over recent weeks and last night, I had some breathing difficulties in bed.

I tried explaining to my partner this morning, that even though we’ve resolved our differences, the stress of the last few weeks is still lingering.
He feels that since we had the talk, things should be able to go back to normal. He’s frustrated that I can’t switch off from the stress, and this in turn is making me feel more stressed.

It got to the stage where I had to leave my desk this morning after we’d been texting, because I couldn’t breathe properly in work.
Can anyone advise how to handle this situation, as I don’t want this to become a viscous circle of stress leading to frustration, leading back to stress, and setting us back.
Thanks

Oryx

If you have agreed on where your relationship is going, and are happy with that, what is causing your continuing stress? I accept you might need a bit of wind down time, but why does texting him still make your blood boil? I dont understand, unless there are still issues you havent addressed.

doctor_gonzo

I understand where you're coming from, as a fellow panic-attack sufferer. I wouldn't worry too much about this. Your body has become sensitised to the bout of panic attacks and this often takes a week or two to settle down. You'll find yourself getting stressed and panicky more easily. Your nerves just need to settle. My advice would be to try and acknowledge that the panic is there without saying 'Oh my God I'm having a panic attack!' and getting yourself into a higher state of tension. Take a few deep breaths, go for a walk - even down to the bathroom and back - and they will pass.
Just explain to him that these feelings will pass, and not to stress over them. People who do not have attacks often don't understand what they're like. You will be ok though, I promise!