Family get-together coming up in 2 months. And I'm already experiencing anticipatory anxiety.
The abuse has stopped over 12 years ago, and at the get-together things will be just fine. My folks have really made a huge turnaround, are supportive emotionally and financially. Wow! I can't believe it's actually true! The belt has been laid to rest, so has the hot clothes iron, the flying objects, the spankings, the rage, but the terror has remained ingrained in the very fiber of my being. Nightmares and flashbacks will be common fare the next 8 weeks, as usually happens prior to a family get-together.
What I would like help with is ideas on how to manage the anticipatory anxiety. Any ideas would be much appreciated!
I thank you all in advance!