Rachel, That's what moms are for. I am sure one day you will want to support and comfort your children in a crisis situation. Moms want to help it go away, or cure it. They feel your pain too. Try something nice for your husband and mom. Perhaps dinner, a movie, or even gift certficates to a favorite store. Remember, they love you and want to be there for you. A hallmark card says a thousand words! Josie

I have kept my panic disorder pretty much to myself, just for this reason. I don't want others to put their lives on hold for me, for then I will feel guilty. My husband is the only one who pretty much knows my struggles and I tell him how much I appreciate him as often as I can, and everyday I tell him that I love him.....My mom today just found out how bad I have it after 19 years of this, and again I didn't want to bother people and have them feel sorry for me. I see a psychiatrist now (first visit today!) and I am doing this so I won't have t orely on my husband so much, when I am too scared to go to the store or whatever, him having to leave work early to do these things. The guilt is there because i don't wish to drag him down with me, he is the only one I feel completely safe with and the only one I can confide in......I try to keep silent about it though so he won't worry so much about me, so now I lay it all out for my therapist who I adore and trust now as well.....But yes I always do tell my husband Thank you and let him know just how much I appreciate him when he does the things for me I cant, Great post ;)

I don't know about others, but I often feel guilty when I have to have help through my panic attacks-like when I ended up in the ER and my mom came to be with me (my husband had to stay home with the kids). She was up all night and then had to go to work. I felt terrible about it-another stressor to add to the ones I already have. I make an effort to make sure I say "Thank you" to my husband and mom-my two biggest supporters. I do what I can to show my appreciation. Radhel

As a family member and care-giver/support person of someone who suffers from panic disorder -- and former sufferer of panic attacks (12 years) -- I'd like to mention that, although I know it's of vital importance that you (the person who's ill) have continued help and support, but please, all of you remember that many of us have put our own lives "on hold" to help you somehow and, as difficult as it may be sometimes, we certainly appreciate -- and sometimes maybe even "need" -- appreciation from YOU, the panic sufferer. A simple "thank you", or a statement like "I really appreciate all you're doing for me" helps A LOT. And, if we find time to do something "special" for ourselves, please try to remember our plans and work with us -- we need to remain "healthy" physically, mentally, and emotionally in order to continue to help you effectively. From my own experiences with panic, I KNOW that the sufferer may be overwhelmed with trying to cope with "real world" situations, but I also think the sufferer still has to realize they DO live in the "real world" and try, as hard as they can, to interact with others appropriately -- politely, acknowledge assistance, etc. I've seen (experienced) cases where someone helps, and helps, and helps selflessly and the sufferer moves, or "recovers", or whatever and that person just disappears from the sufferers life. In all honesty, if/when a person reaches out that much, they probably don't really want or expect anything in return, but that's exactly when a sufferer should send a thank you note or e-mail message or make a phone call expressing their appreciation. For all your helath professionals and moderators out there, please correct me if I'm wrong, but I do believe sufferers have to reach outside themselves "AS MUCH AS EACH IS POSSIBLE" even during crisis situations and especially during recovery. Most of all, please remember your family and friends and support persons love and care for you, even if they don't understand. I KNOW it's difficult for the sufferer, but it's also difficult for us, too -- we want to help and most of us try to help the best we can. Love and blessings! :)