Dreading Thanksgiving, Social Anxiety, No Holiday Cheer

[Obo]

Is anyone else super anxious when it comes to the holidays? Thanksgiving is tomorrow and my family was invited to my pastor's house. Of course, my parents accepted the invitation. I love my pastor, but I am dreading the event. I have severe social anxiety. I don't like gatherings like this. I do not share in the holiday spirit either...I used to. But the trauma seems to have stolen it from me. Now, all I feel is numb. I don't care that Christmas is just around the corner. I'm not ready! My birthday is too and I just don't even care. I'd rather not even celebrate it...how do you go about these sorts of stressful situations?

 

[Hemaz]

Can you excuse yourself from the event after time you handle?

Maybe just dropping by, not staying for the full time, showing interest in the people but prioritizing your health and how much you can handle.

 

[Obo]

Can you excuse yourself from the event after time you handle?

Maybe just dropping by, not staying for the full time, sh...

I agreed to go...to make my parents, and them, happy. I don't want to stay long...making conversation is so incredibly difficult. Why can't I just BE normal...

 

[Wimer]

I am with you when it comes to the holidays. Last year I tried to do a combined Thanksgiving dinner with my neighbor. I cooked the entire dinner (sh...[/QUOTE]

 

[Wimer]

crap, I was trying to fix something and my last post got messed up. What I was saying was that I cooked the entire holiday meal and took it to her place and then freaked at the strangers she invited. I left the food and went home and hid the rest of the day. I know how you feel.

Normally, I abuse my meds to deal with the holidays. It is wrong but being numb and avoiding feelings is what I do.