Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to their home, experiencing difficulty traveling from this "safe place."

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I have to go to a Christmas party on Wednesday

carolk1955
carolk1955

I suffer from social anxiety and agoraphobia. In addition, I am still grieving the loss of my husband in 2017. The holidays are a difficult time for me--I wish I could just avoid them altogether. Unfortunately, living in a personal care home, which I hate, we all have to attend a Christmas party this coming Wednesday. It will last 2-3 hours and include a buffet meal, gifts and singing Christmas carols. I am dreading it and am feeling extremely anxious. Also, I'm not close to any of the home residents who are also attending. And not attending is not an option. I wish it were. 

GirlinCalif
GirlinCalif
I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband. Going to the Christmas party at the home will be okay. Just get some of the buffet, open your gift, you can stand off to the side. Maybe you will see one person that you can say hello to. 2-3 hours is not that long and you will get some food and so maybe it won't be so bad. I hope you enjoy it somehow. Might be a chance to say Hello to a new person there. You will be okay, you can do this. Best wishes to you.
veggiequeen
veggiequeen
I am sure it will be hard but girlincalif is right... go for your dinner , a few hellos , and opening your gifts. (Remember there are probably lots of others who are just as nervous as you) Maybe make it a game to see just how long you can last? Through the carols-- think of them as your own private Christmas concert.
You are still in your building but taking a brief break from your same four walls. You can see there are others just as lonely who could also use a friend.

Love and hugs, Kim
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