Hi everyone,
How do you guys enjoy the holidays when you’re depressed? I’m nervous to see my family for Christmas since they are very worried about me and I don’t want attention focused on me and what I’m dealing with. It’s the opposite of what I need. Also, does anyone have good recommendations for relaxing/de-stressing music. Billie Eilish helps me since she has the voice of an angel.
I’m skipping some. We have lots of babies now so I’m going to plead illness. I don’t have to say which one. I’m going to call the gathering and chat briefly to tell all I love them.
Of course they are going to be worried. They are your family and you should appreciate that. I know it's hard but try to be grateful you have family to share the holidays with and try to have a nice time with them 
Very boring to many, both my Wife and I do not see family they are to far he brain away and my family are either dead or really nasty, we do not get on.
We both and Pax the Dog watch TV and go for walks with Pax.
We are also planning a holiday for next year, that will take sometime.
Also we have our own library that has a vast collection of books that cover our own interests. So I will be reading several new works we purchased before Christmas. Most of my books are full of pictures because of my Congenital Short Term Memory Disorder, I am unable to remember what I have read pictures tell more of a story if the brain is slower on the uptake.
What will you be up to ??
BOB
I am going to Florida to visit some family. I need some vitamin D.
Hope you have a wonderful time in Florida, the sun shines for you and you able to sunbathe for that vit D.
You can get D3 tablets at health stores that will help you boost those levels up during the winter months, I take prescribed ones that are produced for Pensioners, I think they are trying to chock us the tablets are some size.
Merry Christmas, Prosperous New Year
BOB
Haha thank you, I hope you have a nice holiday and new year as well borderriever
I don't very well. I get anxious and stressed. I am by my brother's family for an early x-mas. I'm a little uncomfortable. Thank God for my anxiety meds.
Sometimes the obligations we have at Christmas are very stressful, Peoples expectations are so very high and been stuck in a room with people related to us just seem to cause arguments and stress. Our Christmas is generally peaceful and we celebrate it in a very peaceful way.
We have no family, Hazel will phone her sister, they also take Christmas as what it is, not as what is expected. Christmas is a time of peace and understanding, not a battle
BOB
I find all the social interaction hard at Christmas. It's hard but I like it and it forces me to get out of my head but it all feels a little odd and it can highlight the difference in me.
We have two teenage kids and there is a lot of laughter, especially at Christmas with all the fun and games. It is glorious. BUT it also makes me very aware that I find it hard to laugh and be merry. I smile a lot and that's good but it's not coming from the heart. It just saves the questions. I don't like people to get into my head. It's not a nice place in there but on the outside, I'm pleasant and sociable.
I don't like people to know too much about what's going on so I tend to pass myself off as okay. Lately, things have been so bad that I have been hospitalised twice and so my parents etc are sort of wondering what's going on right now.
The anxiety took hold a bit this year and the panic attacks got bad. I have been getting anxiety ectopics and they last about 3 to 5 hours at a time. My heart skips every third beat and thumps and it is really hard to do anything else while this is happening and my stomach gets so tight it feels like I am stuck in a tyre swing!
I am struggling to eat a lot right now so I am hoping to get through all the Christmas treats and meals. I have to eat slowly as I am getting full on about 3 bites even though I have really good appetite. Lots of stomach issues this year.
I don't switch off from my anxiety and depression just because it's Christmas but I make an extra effort to be lively. It can be exhausting and I do have to retreat now and then for some me time in a quiet room with a good book. Me and my daughter also love Billy Eilish. She is so talented and such a good role model I think. I really find her latest song so beautiful and relaxing.
I think you will be fine so long as you keep taking mini time outs like I do. If your family ask questions, tell them you are doing okay. I always say I am holding my own. It means I'm not great but I'm managing to keep going and most people are happy with that response as it's a sort of halfway offering.
Have yourself a lovely time and remember to be good to yourself this Christmas. Think nice thoughts and just relax and only do as much as you feel able to.
My mother in law comes and stays with us and there is a lot of chatter and need to entertain. It is draining but I like to have someone visit as it doesn't happen that often. Sometimes I have to just go chill for an hour and I worry she thinks I have gone out of the way or am being rude but if I don't take a minute out it can be overwhelming as I am more used to being with just my immediate family who understand my limitations.
Best wishes for a peaceful and calm Christmas.
To hell with the holidays,Anxiety +++
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Another lonely holiday season!
Holiday weekend blues
