[lucami]

Im terrified of christmas. I dont want to have christmas dinner this year.. But grandparents comes here so i cant run away from it.. I used to feel better in summer but since winter came im getting worse and worse.. I always tried to think 'its just anxiety and panic' when i had tons of symptoms, but on the last session few days ago therapist said he thinks its not only disorders, he thinks i may have sth wrong with hormones etc.. So it makes me feel even more scared ahwrrr i dont want christmas

One of the best ways I have of soothing my anxieties or even dread of something I would rather avoid, is to deconstruct my feelings by completing a De-catasrophising Worksheet (google it). It makes me realize the worst case scenario is unlikely to occur.

Are you in a position to limit your involvement for the Day? For instance, make only a cusory token appearance. I wonder, is your family aware of your mental health situation? I am sure they would understand if you find yourself in a position of needing to leave.

I have found that keeping myself occupied greatly helps me get through the big Day. As such, I tend to take over the kitchen. I don't neccessarily do everything, but I find myself supervising much of what happens. I find too being able to separate myself from everyone by standing behind the kitchen island to also be of great healp. I limit the time I am present. We eat for 3pm. I arrive about 2pm and leave right after the clean-up is complete. I am fortunate that my family is greatly understanding. I admit that there were a few years that all didn't work out so well despite the above suggested efforts. There was one year I locked myself in a spare room.

[ComfortablyNumb5]

I'm having intense anxiety today because I have to go to my dads. And after how he treated me on thanksgiving, I'm freaking out. I don't care about the good food, I rather stay home and eat a peanut butter and jelly lol.

[lucami]

Thanks guys i googled it, survived dinner with family.. But before everyone came i tried this damn paroxetine doc gave me and now i feel horrible, got crazy panic, im shaking, feeling like dying omg im so ****ing scared...

[lucami]

RxQueen so maybe stay at home if you dont feel like going there..

[handheart]

I am sory for you as this its horible ,but what problems you have at dinner ? you feel bad etc ? Try to imagine a happy situation in that moment and maybe your negative ideas will change

[Isolated One]

There's nothing wrong with having anxiety about Christmas. The illusion created by the media that everyone is joyful and not alone creates unrealistic expectations for everyone but especially for those of us with depression and anxiety. Same with New Years. January 2nd is always the day I look forward to because the whole charade is finally over. It's better to be alone than to force ourselves to be in social situations that make us feel even more alone.

[lucami]

@handheart i have severe agoraphobia so even sitting in a room full of people makes me anxious.. not to mention that my grandma is always very mean to me and makes me feel even worse.. but anyway i survived christmas eve.. but after few h starte to have horrible effects after paroxetine and still dealing with it... its so horribe...