Honest and open sharing of my anxiety issues within my therapy support network is my most reliable tool for protecting my family, friends and associates from the collateral damages of anxiety. It provides the double blessing of validation for me and loving detachment for them.

Welcome to the anxiety board at DS.

Instead of making it about my anxiety, I work on ways to be present and do things with the family. It distracts the usual pattern of anxiety.

Best wishes as you find your better balance.

As my therapist says, anxiety is a family disease. As much as we try to shield them, especially kids, from the effects, they still work their way through. The won't shot up for the others the way they do for you, and they will have their own experiences of it, but I've come to believe there really is no hiding it from them.

That said, an open dialog seems to be the best route. I have teenagers, so rarely do I get any real feedback from them. But being honest with them and what I'm dealing with (edited versions, of course), and, more importantly, what I'm donig about it for myself and for them have come to be a part of me getting better. As I said, my kids are teens, and both have dealt with their own anxiety, so I think it's been helpful for all of us.

All that said, that's just one man's opinion. Take it for what it's worth.

Best wishes.