Anxiety and Depression make the holidays harder

[Dreamer27]

Growing up, my favorite tradition of Christmas was waking up early to open presents. This was usually around 5 or 6 am before breakfast. Before brushing teeth or hair. My sister and I would be so excited and tried to stay up late the night before to catch Santa dropping the gifts off at our place. Families have changed so our traditions have changed. Life has moved on and we're adults now with priorities surrounding finances, own families, and jobs.

I admit to being a scrooge around the holidays, especially Christmas. Instead of warmth, I just feel anxiety around this time. The expectation to celebrate in happiness and around family and friends also makes it hard. When I experience anxiety or depression, being alone often helps me be at ease. Worst thing is to put me in social situations where I may snap. Worst thing is when no one gets it and then I'm stuck looking like the ungrateful individual who doesn't want to join in on family functions.

This year, my family and I celebrated our christmas a week earlier. It was a bit chaotic and I was happier once everyone left. Then I get news that my brothers want to invite my mother and I over for brunch and the other for dinner on eve and christmas day. I've already had my share of the holiday. I did my part. The idea of having more than one holiday event is nuts to me. Add the anxiety of holidays plus my inability to say no and it's the perfect combination of pure misery.

[Agora1]

Hi Dreamer27, I too have those nice memories of childhood. Both my parents worked,

had financial difficulties as well as a family to contend with and yet life seemed simple.

I often sit back and wonder how my parents did all the things they did for my sister and

I as well as having company over quite often. Family staying overnight during the holidays

made it so much fun.

Somewhere along the way, I lost that ability to do the same. Anxiety played it's role

in that. Life is different now. So many demands, worries as well as not enough time to

sit back and enjoy anything. And yet we have the conveniences like never before...

Believe me Dreamer, you are not alone. Many people feel the pressure of holidays. xx

[Dreamer27 in reply to Agora1]

It's hard to explain the struggle with holidays for me because most people's struggle come from not being able to afford spending the money around this time or it comes from being forced into a familial situation that causes a lot of drama. My situation is neither - it is just internally and it's hard for me to explain it to people. I appreciate the note and support. that's why I shared it on here because I knew others could relate.

[Ryanlion]

Just do it! Just say NO your not up to it. You will feel so much better for it. You need to take care of yourself. Be brave!

[Dreamer27 in reply to Ryanlion]

I did this and am so proud of myself! I was also pleasantly surprised that my siblings nor my mother guilt tripped me to go. Instead I stayed at home and cleaned my space a bit, read, took a nice bath, and worked on a puzzle. It was incredibly relaxing. I so appreciate the support. Thank you!

[scansnap]

For many people, the holiday season is very stressful. We are led to think that it is a joyous and happy time filled with fun family events, but the reality is often quite different. You are not alone in feeling anxious and depressed during the holidays. This is a time when a little bit of studying self help books could be very useful. I almost always recommend the book Feeling Great by David Burns. It could help you deal with your anxiety and depression.

As far as getting together again with your family, it's perfectly OK for you to say no.