Big Ball Of Holiday Anxiety

[Aribear]

The last week or so, my anxiety and other PTSD symptoms have been completely off the charts. I come close to or have anxiety attacks over the smallest things - the dog barking, things being out of place (I have OCD tendencies when I am stressed), even someone walking into the room while I am watching television ratchets up my anxiety. I keep finding myself trying to use every tool in my "anxiety management" tool belt just to avoid a complete meltdown. It happens every year around Christmas, probably from the stress and expectations around getting presents and family getting together, so I know it will pass, but it seems particularly bad this year.

The question is, how do I get through the next week without being a big giant prickly ball of anxiety? I feel like it is unfair to the people around me and the people I am avoiding being around because I am stressed and in semi-isolation mode.

 

[Aribear]

Sorry if that wasn't very clear... I re-read it and it isn't my best writing. My question is more about how to navigate the week with people who are expecting holiday cheer without offending or anything rather than actually managing the anxiety itself.

 

[new gamma rays]

I would just devote more time to self-care and let the people around you (or the ones you feel like sharing with) that you are on more edge and give examples of the things that make you more on edge. Take care of yourself.

 

[Bosco2153]

With each day towards Christmas I'm more aware of how isolated I am from the world. When it's the hour before my husband returns from work my anxiety flies off the scale and this week am needing to medicate in order to alleviate the feeling that my heart is going to burst out of my chest. He needs happiness and is married to ME of all people. The little tree outside wants to come in and be decorated...and my grandkids need gifts...and my daughter's birthday is tomorrow...and it's December 21. I'm unbathed, unfed and paralyzed with anxiety and lack of motivation. I really REALY want to hide under a blanket until it's all over, but people seem to 'need' my presence and will worry and come 'find' me....sigh.

 

[Aribear]

Thanks New Gamma Rays. I've been trying to at least take an hour of just me time without feeling guilty for taking time out. I turned my phone completely off for an hour today... it was a little scary, but it definitely made me feel more like it was MY time. Unfortunately sharing the things that cause stress with the people around me feels a little awkward... the people around are what causes the stress. It isn't necessarily anything I can point a finger directly too (except for my family), but even my friends tip me over the anxiety threshold these days. 5 more days until life goes back to it's usual self.

really REALY want to hide under a blanket until it's all over, but people seem to 'need' my presence and will worry and come 'find' me

That's pretty much how I feel. I'm sorry you are having pre-Christmas anxiety trouble too deelerock. ((big hug)).

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I think that you need to have a exit strategy to remove yourself from the room when things get to be too much for you. You could go to the bathroom and collect yourself. Mabe you could go and take a nap. Mabe you could go outside and gather your wits. You can practice self care and keeping yourself safe. Safety is a number one need and it sounds like you need to feel safe. Take something small with you that has special meaning to ground yourself.

Dress in very comfortable clothes. Do whatever it takes to give you breathing room. Do not talk if that makes you feel unconconfortable. Do whatever it takes to get through the day.

I hope you have pockets of relaxation and peace and wholeness. Just do your best and be yourself, no one can tell you that you are doing it wrong. I am wishing you the best. Let us know how it went.

 

[Aribear]

Made it through the holidays:) Finally the anxiety has released it's hold and I feel more myself. Thank you all for your support:)

 

[Bosco2153]

Made it...