5 Things To Remember When You Have A Family Member With Anxiety Around The Holidays
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Health Wellness

5 Things To Remember When You Have A Family Member With Anxiety Around The Holidays

Them walking away isn't being rude.

Mikala Mays
Nov 21, 2018
West Virginia University
106
5 Things To Remember When You Have A Family Member With Anxiety Around The Holidays
20 Century Fox

I have been having issues with anxiety for about nine years now and trust me, it's not fun. It causes walls to be built up between you and others, it causes unnecessary fights, it causes a lot of problems you don't intend to happen at all. But, it happens and there isn't much you can do for it.

But, for all you lucky souls who don't deal with this demon, here are some things you need to keep in mind when you have a family member who does have this demon on their should day and night.

They DO like being around you, their anxiety makes them think you DON'T

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There have been many times that I have been with family at a birthday party, a dinner, etc. and everything was going good. Then, a little voice speaks to me saying "Hey, they actually dread talking to you. Leave them alone" and then I shut out. It's not them, it's me.

They are paying attention to what you're saying, they just don't like making eye contact 

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I cannot tell you how many family functions I have been to where I literally just don't look at who is talking to me, but I could tell you every word they said to me.

Them walking away isn't being rude - they know their limits 

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There have been plenty of times where I have been at my house with family over, or at my Nana's and I just leave. I go upstairs, I walk outside, I just have to go away. It's not because I don't like being around my family, but because I know when I need my space so I don't have a blow up.

They already feel bad enough for not talking, don't make it worse. 

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Everyone needs time to themselves, not just people with anxiety. But, people who do suffer need a little extra time away from people, in the quiet and that's ok.

They don't want you bringing up their anxiety in front of everyone

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Just because someone in your family is dealing with some demons, does NOT mean it needs to be the dinner conversation.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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