It is concerning and not acceptable for someone, especially a partner, to dismiss or invalidate your experiences with panic attacks by calling you "crazy." Regardless of whether he also suffers from panic attacks, it is essential to treat each other's mental health challenges with empathy, understanding, and support.
Here are a few potential reasons why someone might respond in this way:
Lack of empathy: It's possible that your boyfriend might not fully understand or empathize with the intensity and distress of your panic attacks. He may be struggling to relate to your experiences, even if he goes through panic attacks himself.
Projection: Sometimes, people project their feelings and insecurities onto others. By labeling you as "crazy" for having panic attacks, he might be trying to distance himself from his struggles or may feel uncomfortable facing his own emotions.
Misunderstanding of mental health: There is still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health issues, including panic attacks. Some individuals may resort to hurtful language or dismissive behavior because they lack education about mental health conditions.
Coping difficulties: Dealing with someone else's panic attacks can be challenging, especially if your boyfriend doesn't know how to handle his own anxiety effectively. His response might be a result of his own struggles with managing emotions.
Communication issues: In some cases, communication problems can lead to hurtful remarks. It's essential to establish open and compassionate communication within a relationship, especially when discussing sensitive topics like mental health.
Regardless of the reasons, it's crucial to address this issue in your relationship. Here are some steps you can consider:
Communicate openly: Talk to your boyfriend about how his comments make you feel. Express your need for support and understanding during panic attacks, just as you would support him during his struggles.
Educate about panic attacks: Offer resources or information about panic attacks to help your boyfriend gain a better understanding of what you're going through. Knowledge can promote empathy and dispel misunderstandings.
Seek professional help: If both of you are struggling with anxiety and panic attacks, consider seeking professional support together. Couples therapy can be beneficial in enhancing communication, empathy, and coping skills.
Set boundaries: Make it clear that using hurtful language or dismissing your experiences is not acceptable. Establishing healthy boundaries is vital for a supportive and respectful relationship.
Self-care: Focus on your well-being and mental health. If you find it difficult to communicate with your boyfriend or if the relationship is consistently causing distress, consider seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist.
Remember, supportive and caring relationships are built on empathy, understanding, and open communication. If your boyfriend is unwilling to change his behavior or shows a lack of empathy consistently, it may be worth considering whether this relationship is right for you in the long run. Your mental health and well-being deserve to be a priority in any relationship.