First & Foremost HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! I hope everyone has a great day. As with most holidays, Thanksgiving is a day to spend with family and friends. A day of reflecting on past memories and also making new memories.
For someone who suffers from PTSD, it can be a week of panic leading up to the actual day. Before I started going to therapy I had the hardest time figuring out “Why don’t I like the holidays” I thought I was just being a party-pooper. But once I realized that I suffer from PTSD and being in crowds caused me anxiety and panic. I was able to handle it better. I was also able to be aware and start to prepare myself.
I am very proud that I am able to handle holiday gatherings better.
Another struggle for some people the holidays can be a day of obligation. A day of a pressure of doing what others expect instead of what they want. To me spending time with family should not just be for holidays. It can be the second Tuesday of the month or the third Friday of June.
I think there is a HUGE pressure from society that YOU MUST PARTICIPATE IN HOLIDAY EVENTS.
I don’t think spending time with friends and family should be scripted or scheduled. It should be a desire, something from the heart.
I struggle with the fact that we can live so close to friends and family. We don’t see them on a regular basis during the year but the holidays there is an expectation to spend it together. We can feel comfortable spending holidays together if we don’t see each other on an ongoing basis.
I think there should be a compassionate understanding that not everyone is okay with big gatherings. We should be willing to meet them halfway sometimes. Take Care. Much Love.
