Top 10 Ways to Cope With Holiday Party Anxiety
Guide Picks
From Cathleen Henning,
Your Guide to Panic / Anxiety Disorders.
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At this time of year, we may feel obligated to attend many parties. With or without an anxiety disorder, it can be stressful figuring out which ones to attend, what to wear, what to bring, and what to say when we get there. You don't have to do it all! Whether you're mildly stressed or severely anxious, you can learn to cope by taking care of yourself with these suggestions.
1) Don't overbook yourself -- set boundaries
You don't have to go to every party. Decide which parties are truly important to you. Often, you can give a lot of yourself by being choosy. You don't need to attend all family get-togethers, for example. Have an excuse prepared for when you say "no," and it's OK to stretch the truth a bit. When you put yourself first, you'll have more to give everyone else.
More: How to cope with family during the holidays
2) When you do go, set time limits
You don't have to be the first to arrive and the last to leave. If people make demands on you, be ready to set limits. If you can't get to your mom's early to help set-up, say so, but bring an extra dish to pass. Always decide in advance when you will leave. If you're relaxed and want to stay longer, you can. If you need to leave, you won't feel badly because you promised yourself you would.
3) Have a safe place for every party
If your anxiety is severe (particularly social anxiety and panic disorder), you need a safe place. If the person having the party knows and understands your anxiety, you can ask if there is a room you can use if you need it. When that's not possible, be imaginative. Make your car a cozy safe place. Knowing that you have a safe place is often enough to make you not ever need to use it.
4) Bring someone who understands
If at all possible, bring a friend or family member who knows about your anxiety. To work well in this situation, the person must understand that you need to leave when you say so, and the person should know about your safe place. You don't want to over-rely on this person, but having a "safe" person there may make you comfortable to enjoy yourself.
5) Make the event special for yourself
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