Afraid to go to a family get together tomorrow.

Congratulations Deborah. I knew you could do it. I feel the way you do sometimes when I feel my dizziness and "brain fog" and feel and the what ifs start to happen and I feel like I can't leave the house. I force myself out to teach myself that nothing is going to happen and that just being cooped up is not healthy. It's very difficult, I know. But the alternative to letting this render you a shut in or a slave to it is not a viable option. Keep it up and always sending you positive energy and thoughts!

Thanks Dizzydude. I'm glad it's over though.

Among my list of "problems" (I really don't know what to call them!)....I also have agoraphobia.

Now, for me, I think it's more complicated than that, as there are other issues which greatly affect and compound that as well.

I have never liked group gatherings, and have always preferred a small circle of friends, especially one on one relationships.

I am extremely close to my in-laws, and love them dearly! THEY are the ones I truly (in my very heart of hearts) consider to be my Family. I'm comfortable with all of them. I'm fond of each of them. They're quite a group, let me tell you!

But one thing I *still* am working on is....despite how comfortable I feel with them, and how much I love and trust them,....I'm *still* not comfortable at big family gatherings. I get uneasy very quickly, find I keep staring at the clock to see if I've spent enough time there to observe respect, and keep eye-balling my Husband as if to silently indicate: "Can we go now? Can we go now?"

He "gets me" and works with me on this. But I have to do my part as well, which is to at least try. I'll admit, there are still family functions I turn down.

I'm only now (through my new therapist) understanding *part* of the reason I have aversions such as these. My hope is as I understand the *why* I can then work with the *how* part. He utilizes CBT, so I'll let you know how that goes!

There's lots of us in that boat!











M.

Merrida you sound like a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person). I'm one too, and big crowds, groups overwhelm me, and I'd rather have a few close meaningful friendships rather than a bunch of people I "hang out" with.

Well, maybe.. :)

It helped me to know there were others like me.