How do I tell my wife that I have social anxiety?

Question

We have been married for 5 years. Since my childhood social anxiety is with me and I have been suffering for long 20 years now. I used to take medication for my anxiety disorder and I remember that was the only time I felt good in my entire life but I discontinued it after a couple of years for some reasons. Now I am in a point in life where I really need medication again to calm my nerves once again or may be the rest of my life. But I am married now and I don't want to let my wife know I have some kind of psychiatric disorder where I need medication to survive. But I cannot avoid her I cannot go for a doctor and get medicine prescribed without she knowing I know I must tell but I am afraid being a man I lose my respect it may badly affect my macho man personality (bad ego) cz the society always have a bad attitude towards mental illness especially when men suffers. But my illness severely affects our quality of life. At least for my family I need to be healthy minded but I am afraid to open up to her. How I do I gain courage to talk to her about it. Is it a bad idea telling her? I would greatly appreciate any advice here!

Pearl · Answer

the same way you told us

linkus86 · Answer

Your imaginary wife doesn't need to know.  If she really existed, she would be already aware of it.

g · Answer

Your wife already knows, may not know how to approach you without causing offense. Just talk to her about this.

drip · Answer

She is your wife, your spouse and she has a right to know about all mental or physical problems you have. Do you seriously think this is not affecting her? 
As a wife, You would loose my respect by lying to me and keeping secrets from me. 
Tell her the truth.

bluebellbkk · Answer

I'm sure she's already noticed your problem long, long ago. But why not just show her this post? It's very clear.

The First Dragon · Answer

If she has been married to you for 5 years, she knows already that you have a problem with anxiety.  She will respect you more for dealing with it properly than for denying it.

Pat Wooden · Answer

Anxiety is a personality disorder, which is NOT a mental disorder.  You are perfectly sane, but need to know how to handle social interactions.  A macho man would do what is necessary, such as getting medications or finding alternative solutions such as yoga or meditation.  There are also many self-help books out there that will give you useful information, most of which you can download as ebooks.  Click on the link below for suggestions

Robert · Answer

Well if you have "social anxiety" or whatever you are self diagnosing yourself for, she'll probably notice.  So go to the doctor and get the medicine so you don't have to agonize over it.  Problem solved

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How do I tell my wife that I have social anxiety?

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