How Do I Explain To My Family?

[another niki]

So, I finally opened up to some of my family members about my PTSD. They are really the only three people in my family I trust and they know about many of my past traumas, many of which occurred during the holidays. I have only had PTSD since the beginning of this year and didn't anticipate the holidays being so triggering. Because of this, I didn't spend Thanksgiving with them because I was a complete paranoid, hypervigilant wreck. I told them afterwards why I didn't go to their house and I tried to give them my honest explanation, but they seem to think that the thought of being with them stressed me out, which isn't the case but now they're upset and seem to think that I can't handle any stress during the holidays and won't see them for Christmas (or any future holidays either). How can I explain these triggers to them? I can't think of a good way of explaining this since this is something I never could have imagined or wrapped my head around before I got PTSD. Any advice helps! Thanks!

 

[Friday]

I like explaining with pictures :)

The Ptsd Cup Explanation

Also the fact that good stress, things we want (and will fight to have in our lives) fills the cup, too? Tends to soften responses. People generally associate stress = bad. Nah. Fun & excitement = stress, too. It's not about having no stress. It's about managing stress :D

 

[Cavegirl]

It's expectations and what ifs. I totally get it. I'm sorry they don't understand. I wish I had some wise words but I don't. I'll be looking back here to see if there's any good ideas.

Hang in there. Even if they're upset you are taking care of you and that is most important.