Anxiety
Template for Disclosing a Panic Disorder to a New Partner
This template provides a clear and structured way for a client to explain their panic symptoms to a.
A client with a panic disorder wants to share this part of their life with a new partner, but the prospect of the conversation itself can be overwhelming. They often struggle to find the right words, worried they will either minimize their experience or present it in a way that alarms the person they care about. This anticipatory stress can become a major barrier to intimacy.
This directive provides a structure for that conversation, helping the client organize exactly what they need to communicate. It separates the facts of the condition from the emotional weight of the disclosure, framing the information in a way that is direct and accessible. The client is prepared for a discussion that feels manageable, and their partner receives the information they need to be supportive.
Template for Disclosing a Panic Disorder to a New Partner
Use the following text as a starting point for a conversation with your partner. You can read it aloud, send it as a message, or use it to organize your thoughts. Fill in the bracketed information with your own experiences.
I want to share something about my health with you. I have a condition called panic disorder.
For me, this means that my body sometimes has a sudden, intense physical reaction even when there is no danger. When this happens, which is called a panic attack, I experience [list your primary physical symptoms, e.g., a racing heart, difficulty breathing, dizziness, a feeling of losing control]. These attacks can be triggered by [describe your triggers, e.g., crowded places, feeling trapped] or sometimes they happen without any clear reason.
The attack itself is not dangerous, and it always passes. It is a physical response, not a reflection of my feelings for you or our relationship. You have not caused this.
If an attack happens when we are together, the most useful thing you can do is [describe what helps you, e.g., speak calmly, remind me that it’s temporary, give me space, hold my hand]. It is not helpful if you [describe what does not help, e.g., tell me to calm down, ask a lot of questions, assume something is wrong between us].
I am telling you this because I want to be direct about what I experience. It is something I am actively managing. I wanted you to have this information so you are not alarmed if it occurs.
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