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Social anxiety over attending birthday party

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Posted 10/11/2014 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
As some as you know, I don't especially enjoy going to functions away from home. Today is my little nieces (hubbys side) birthday, she will be 1 yr old. I do want to go but my husbands family use every family function as an excuse to drink. I don't drink like I did anymore ( thank the Lord) and hate the nasty hangovers that cause my anxiety to be really bad. I just want to stay home in my safe place but need to go to this. I can't wait till tomorrow.
Posted 10/11/2014 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
Deb

I know how you feel. I don't like leaving my house for any reason at all! Usually if I make myself get out, I usually almost always end up really enjoying myself!

You mentioned that your husbands family are drinkers. Have you ever had any addiction issues with alcohol? If so, your husband needs to tell them not to drink around you and if they respect you at all then they will abide. Celebrating a one year old's birthday with alcohol doesn't sound kosher anyway.

If you do not have any issues with alcohol, just don't drink! You said yourself that when you drink you have terrible hangovers and it makes your anxiety spike. Keep this in mind when someone offers you a "cold one"!

I am going to encourage you to get out of the house today even if you don't choose to go to the party. For crying out loud, it's Saturday! Get out in the sun, take a walk in a park, go to a movie. It's hard to get our butts out the door but once you are out and enjoying yourself, you will be so glad you did! Remember, move the muscles and the mind will follow!

You are such a "strong" woman. I read about your struggles and my heart goes out to you. I wish you a fabulous day! You deserve it!

God bless

Cornell

Post Edited (Cornell) : 10/11/2014 12:28:01 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/11/2014 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi D.S.

I hope that you can come to a decision that you are comfortable with.

Even if you go for a short time, you have made an appearance, and can at least see your niece and drop off the gift. In this way, you can get out before things get uncomfortable with the imbibing that can be a trigger.

Make a code or signal with your husband (double hand sqeeze or similar cue) that lets him know that you need to go...and just say your goodbyes, mentioning how packed your Saturday is.

Whatever you ultimately do...I hope that is is a good for you.:)

S.C.

S.C.
Posted 10/12/2014 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
I made it just fine don't know what I was so afraid of. The only time I got a panic attack feeling is when we got to their house and I saw all the people, my head felt full of pressure and my my stomach knotted up. But after that I did fine. Thanks for the support and boy I'm so glad to be home. wink
Posted 10/12/2014 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah!!

Great job!!!

So glad that you went and pushed through the initial worries.;)

Now you are stronger than ever before...and can use this experience to remind you that you CAN do this in any similar future concerns!

S.C.
Posted 10/12/2014 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad things went well for you. I do that ALL the time too. Anticipate being nervous, having a panic attack and yet most of the time things go fine. Sometimes I even have a good time! Glad you made it through. Now you don't have to deal with the anticipatory anxiety today. :)
Posted 10/12/2014 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Deborah, every time you win one of these uncomfortable issues you will get stronger, learn to trust yourself a little more each time, Peace.

Larry ***
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