How can I make my sisters understand?

Hi everyone,

I have a problem maybe someone can help me out with. I have what my therapist calls a "social phobia" because I am extremly nervous around people except for my wife and children. I can't go to holiday gatherings or reunions and when one of my sisters call and want to go out to eat or something I go into an instant panic attack. I can't even go see my mother in the nursing home for more than 5 minutes or I have an attack. Even if they come to my home I have to go outside to get away from them for a while.

I want to spend time with them but I just can't bring myself to do it. How can I get them to understand?

hi Tat,

 I to get anxious and panicy when too many people are around, i find it very overwhelming, and can feel panic attacks coming on. I do an exersice which is clenching and relaxing my fist, (the same as you would if using a stress ball or something similar), also i raise my toes and stretch them then relax them. I've found that this can be relaxing and relieve the anxious moments when too many people are around. I am also currently using this technique when i go outside and there are alot of cars driving by, as that triggers attacks with me as well, Hope that may help you, if not i suggest letting your sisters know exactly what the problem is, if they know they will be able to understand, and may even have ideas to help you through.

I am also one that cannot handle too many family members or ppl around me and in my house .............
In my case they KNOW I break out in sores from the Pyoderma and they are getting better at not staying for too long and ALSO keeping my place the way they found id it
I am severe OCD........and I will not allow ppl to touch my nic nacs and things ya know its just me

I have a ROUTINE I follow daily and they have been told this point blank so like I said it is getting better ..........now it seems I need to remind them I barely have an immune system and NOT to bring their sick kids here.........I know am living in Hades with Pneumonia and I have never felt so miserable ....My temp was so high the other night I had a small seizure but came out of it quick
Cait looked after me all night

I think your best bet would be open and honest letting them know it does stress you out ..............yes they can visit but you make the boundaries clear..........

Keep us posted .........

Luvs
LYN

Great to hear you are gonna check out book