Holiday Dread: Coping with Family Anxiety

I dread it and being around family but not just for having to see them. For different reasons.

i’ve definitely been there 😮‍💨 even though it doesn’t always work, i’ve tried setting boundaries with my family ! it often doesn’t work the first time, but i’ve found that the boundary kinda stays in the back of their head and it slowly gets better? i wish you the best of luck !!! 💕

It springs on me from time to time every year. I had one of my worst panic attacks a couple Christmas Eve's ago, where I had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital. I have no recollection of it, as they said I was in a catatonic state. I only remember being around so many family members and being overwhelmed with emotions. It could have been any little memory that sprung on me at the moment because of childhoo trauma. So I always kind of dread it now, or remove myself when I need to do so.

Yes, definitely. But I’ve gotten better and coping before and during family meetings and creating a plan to remove myself from the room if things become triggering.

Yeah Tip: pretending/acting ..... it becomes easier year by year. Xx

Yes. I used to ask for OT to work through the break (my company gives us 7 work days off into the new year). But my current partner doesn't have any local family, so we're always traveling. It's incredibly stressful. It's gotten better since I now know to rent a car so I can escape (or have an escape option).

Yes

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