Hello Tallglassofwater,
I think your concerns are legitemate and I am glad you shared them with us. I wish I had great words of wisdom for you, but I am afraid I only have so-so ones...
First I want you to know you are not alone. I have had experiences where trying to make myself and my anxiety/panic to others was just very difficult. Know that most of us here probably have shared that experience with you. I am sure others will follow my post with good advice.
Second, there are places where you can find pamphlets and information (this site is a good place to start), information that might help people understand what you are going through. Print some stuff for them from the session and such and let them read it. Maybe then they can understand this better. Also, some clinics and hospitals have pamphlets about panic disorders, the National Institute for Mental HEalth website has good info, etc... Maybe if they see objective info first, they will be more prone to understand your feelings afterwards. Education is a powerful tool.
Third, this might not be what you want to hear but in my experience some people, you end up choosing not to be around anymore. I have had some people who juzst refused to understand and believe I really wasn't "faking" or something. No amount of information would make them understand. So I eventually decided I was better off ending that particular relationship. The good news is I lived and to this day I don't regret my decisons on that.
Well, I hope this helps a bit. More people will answer you with more advice I am sure. Till then hang in there and remember, this too shall pass!
-Diva
