Hi Everyone, I was doing really, really good, until this past weekend. I decided to confront my fear of socializing, did ok that night, but the anxiety set in "big time" the next day.

I was very angry and upset with my sister's who got drunk the night before, and I was left to drive their children home from the party. I don't drink at all, but most of my family does. This is not new for my family. One of my sister's always gets drunk, along with her husband. They have 5 kids, who tend to rely on me to get them home, when their parents can't drive.

So here I am today, didn't sleep, but 3 hours last night, can't eat (due to nausea), feel very shakey and nervous. I'm doing my best to use the tools learned in this program. I did the relaxation tape last night, and it did keep away the panic attack.

This week is appropriate for me, since I can't seem to control my anger towards my family. I'm so mad at myself for going into the same pattern of taking care of other's children. I don't want to be angry, but this is the way I feel.

Please give me your support/advice, this relapse is really tough.

God bless, Suz

Hi Suz64,
Great job on getting out and socializing! Maybe you should be more selective when choosing who you are socializing with. If family seems to trigger anxieties for reasons that you listed in your writings, then avoid those situations. Maybe choose to see your family in a situation where you have better control. Such as meeting for a dinner or a lunch, etc. instead of a party situation when you know they will drink, and you will have to be responsible for their children.

Hope this helps!
Dana

Thanks Dana for the advice. I need to be selective in the future, and I need to put myself first. I have a hard time doing this, but I need and can do it.

Again, thank you soooo much for the advice. It really helps.

God bless, Suz

I think family is one of the hardest things to deal with. I have permanent custody and raising my step-daughter's 20 month old baby girl. We have always had a very difficult relationship for many reasons, but yet asked me to do this for her. I've had the baby since February, and my step daughter has only visited 10 times. First she abandoned the baby with us, now she resents me for having her. I'll never win. It's just enough to keep anxiety in my life, so I can totally relate to your situation.
Dana