Adults with Anxiety Disorders
It's not just our children who struggle during the holidays. Many of us parents suffer from our own anxieties and issues. In fact, there are 40 million adults in the country who deal daily with an anxiety disorder. And the holidays trigger even more stress! This month on the ADAA (Anxiety Disorders Association of America) Web site you'll find helpful information on what triggers anxiety and how to relieve it.
For example, here's their advice on handling holiday parties:
* Identify what you are specifically concerned about. Are you afraid you will say the wrong thing? Embarrass yourself? Ask yourself what if any of these things happen: Will you lose your job, your family, your friends? Tell yourself, “So what!” The worst that will happen is that you will feel uncomfortable, or maybe very uncomfortable.
* Take the pressure off yourself. “Don’t be a perfectionist. If you set high expectations for yourself and for others, you increase the chances of being let down,” says Jonathan Abramowitz, PhD, ABPP, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Anticipate that some things won’t go exactly as planned — and that’s OK.”
* Remember that most people aren’t paying as much attention to you as you fear they are. In fact, most other people are actually wondering what you are thinking of them, so try complimenting them. Making other people feel good during the holidays will make you feel good and reduce stress.
* Don’t look for relief in alcohol or drugs. Although it can be tempting to “take the edge off” in holiday situations, alcohol and drugs can make anxiety worse and may trigger panic attacks in people who are prone to them.
* Do smile, make eye contact, and ask questions at holiday gatherings. Most people like to talk about themselves and their interests. Ask what their holiday plans are, what their kids are up to, or what book is on their nightstand. Avoid topics like religion or politics that can be stressful or make people argumentative.
Read more on How to Handle the Holidays.
