[Insignificant other]

I'm wondering how many of us experience extreme anxiety over Christmas. For me it's a trigger for sexual abuse I experienced as a child. How can I get this dam tension to just go away? Anybody got any ideas? Anybody else want to talk about it? I feel so alone in the crowd during this time.

[Miss Laura]

Hey Insignificant other,

I get anxious about the crowds in the shops..... I know it's nothing compared to what your probably going through but I thought you might like to know people do suffer with anxiety

[Perna]

Whenever I am anxious about a future event, I remind myself "it isn't here yet/now" and keep working on what I'm working on. Yes, it comes eventually but then it is over until the next year and by then, there is hope one will be that much further healed. Look beyond the event/date/situation, find something to look forward to in February.

[OurLadysTears]

What have you tried to divert your thoughts away from the past? Have you ever considered doing some volunteer work over the holidays? Perhaps you could help others who have suffered from abuse?

[bluemountains]

The holidays get me, too. I don't know if it is really the blues, although Thanksgiving is the season I delivered a stillborn child and my mother passed away.
The memories of Christmas are of having to rush off to see my abusive father and pretending all is alright because of the season. The toughest thing for me is trying to create wonderful childhood memories for my children when I don't have many of my own traditions to recreate.

[Insignificant other]

Thank you for the responses. To make myself clear here .. I dont dwell on the past but around this time of year .. its just there.
I have been in therapy for years and I really do believe I'm ok with it now because I am making an effort to be more involved with the happier side of the meaning of the season. I guess what I'm trying to find out is : how do others cope? I'm open to any and all suggestions that will direct me in a positive way.

[beauflow]

Insignificant other-- I have hard times around these fall and winter months as well, for a few years I did not even acknowledge holidays, and just tried to work through them and what not... Then my boyfriend came a long, his family celebrates them, and I am not allowed to work christmas any more (LOL This year I am furloughed so can't any ways if I wanted to). but I have found these past 2 years, if I can get myself to get started on doing some things-- Projects!

Last year 2010 I got me a knitting board and made bears, scarfs, just little things, that I was amazed that I could do

This year I don't have the energy for the knitting, it takes long, and I can't seem to sit down that long to finish my projects-- SO Making Cards this year! I try to spread it out and decide of people to whom are worthy of a Home made Beauflow card and try to come up with some other ideas... It has taken some time away from trying to chart, remembering why I don't like to celebrate....

I could say also to see friends and family if you can... I tend to stay away from my own family but my boyfriend's family is a-ok

I feel like an old lady saying to do crafts, but idk--- it is something

[whisperingwillow]

It is good to know we aren't alone with our Christmas stress and worries. I would get through Christmas better if my husband appreciated what is involved in making things go ok. He moans and says we should have done this or that. Christmas to him is about presents.