anxiety and neuropathy

Hi Cathy,

Family and social situations such as these can be hard on anyone...let alone someone with physical/anxiety issues.

You will do well to address both your physical and mental health needs to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during your trip. Doing this will keep you healthy and as sane as possible.;p

I know that when I am in uncomfortable social situations, breaks from the stimulus are necessary. Taking just a few minutes here and there to decompress could go a long way in helping you to cope. Ask your husband to help you with this. Explain that you want to be there for him and his family, but would feel less overwhelmed if you were able to leave the hub of activity occasionally for some time of quiet. Use this time for breathing and relaxation exercises to help you to get centered again.

Also, the idea of sitting back and observing is a good one! I sometimes just let my husband do the socializing with his family and I don't put pressure on myself to try to be fully in the picture. That is not to say that I am aloof or rude...I just keep my converstaions to a minimum and use my best smile and listening skills.;)

Finally I urge you to leave any embarrassment about your neuropathy and the limitations that it causes you far behind! You are a wonderful person who just happens to have some physical issues...that's okay...who doesn't? They may vary by degrees, but everyone has something to overcome, and you should feel proud of what you have accomplished in regards to your condition...not bad about it in any way! The fact that you are willing to make this trip shows how much you care about your husband...and how brave and willing to face your fears you are. Well done you! You are a Rock Star.

I wish you the best on your trip. Take your meds as needed and do the best that you can. Take care of you first and foremost, and the rest will be all right. Keep posting with us if you have your laptop/phone/smart-device!

Much enouragement, support and many hugs!

S.C.

neuropathy10 , Living a fulfilling life with a disability involves erasing any embarrassment your disability might cause and empowering yourself.  You are simply quite wonderful just the way you are so while encountering these negative emotions proves understandable, don’t allow them to linger! When you host such negativity inside your head, you empower your disability. Rather than doing that, engineer your differences to work for you ! You didn't have a choice about being disabled but how well you live with it is a choice, every day. It's much more important to pat yourself on the back for your successes than to beat yourself up for what you percieve as failures.  Don't judge yourself by other people, learn what you can really do and take any progress as something to build on. Go to the family get together planning to enjoy yourself and don't get caught up in the "what if?" thinking.  Don't set your expectations to high but be ready to enjoy yourself.  Your husband will have to deal with his own feelings and how he responds to stress will be up to him but don't let it flow over onto you.  It is not your job to "make his day" - and remember you can always escape to that new camper.    I wish for your life to be calm, Kitt