Introverted at Christmas
 

Hi

I'm feeling really introverted right now and social situations are hard and draining.

There's two big Christmas events coming up with family and one has extended family I don't know well so I find it awkward.

I have had a lot of events this last week and last nights was tiring so I'm not looking forward to the family one. I thought of drinking a bit of alcohol, but if I'm anxious I might worry about being ill.

Any tips for dealing with it?

I feel the same. I would love to just isolate myself over christmas but I cant because family are coming to visit.
Please try and use alcohol sensibly because you don't want to trigger illness.
Can you tell close family how you feel at all so they can give a bit of support?

Do you have any family members you are closer to that you can give a heads up to so they can keep an eye out for you and come and rescue you if look overwhelmed etc?

I can find some work things a bit overwhelming at times but one of the girls I'm close with is a smoker so some of the times when she nips out for a cigarette I go out with her which gives me a bit of a reprieve. Sometimes claiming to have a bit of a headache and needing some fresh air helps too.

I find things like that a lot more manageable if I can commit (for myself) to staying for a set period of time , keeping in mind how many other events I will need to attend. Also doing a calendar of events helps me so that I can visualize a bit better.

Would something like that help?

Thank you all that is really helpful :)

Ama I do have a calendar which helps me see where my down time is, so that's helpful. I'm Likely going to these events with others so I may have to commit the same amount of time they do (I just realised this may be why I'm feeling uncomfortable about going with them).

Sarah and Kate thank you, I could let my brother know. I also read that helping out with a job helps so I might tell my Aunty who is hosting one of the events.

It just creates another layer of anxiety, I'm already anxious about driving home my brother and girlfriend after they've been drinking and eating a lot (my fear of vomiting makes this an anxiety of mine).

Thank you xxxxx

I might also pretend I'm coming down with a cold so I can avoid close hug-and-kiss contact (and any germs resulting). One lady seems to have gastro several times a year with her son, who has severe autism, so in case they are ill I'll play it safe with everyone.

Bathrooms are a good place for some down time!

I'm looking forward to tonight (Christmas eve) a bit more as I changed my kris Kringle present last minute. We do it for family members and this year I scored myself so I was just going to give myself gloves...but changed it to an Olaf plush that comes apart :D :D I literally just purchased it and I can't wait to open it.

There's apparently a huge increase in gastro cases now so that doesn't help my fear of getting ill :( I've bought a lot of cleaning products and new soap though which helps me. I'll still pretend I'm getting sick though so no close contact.