Christmas: A social anxiety minefield

[annie]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25416835

As Christmas approaches, many people will be experiencing a mixture of excitement and trepidation. But for many sufferers of social anxiety, this can be the most traumatic time of the year, writes Olly Ricketts.

It is estimated that social anxiety disorder affects up to 10% of the UK's population.

[maureenho]

I think Christmas is the most stressful time of year for anyone, TV and media add to this expectation.

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[annie]

I agree  Mo, although I do love Christmas, the constant barrage of"perfect Christmas ads" , raises false expectations & for carers the reality is far from perfect & for many , bloody awful.

[wendy]

It seems to me we are on a treadmill, and cant get off.  The true meaning of Christmas is gone.

[JaneJ]

k6hb

I know what you mean.

The true meaning isn't allowed to be advertised. certainly in most schools anyway. The pressure to produce the "Hollywood" Christmas is immense but one we all strive for so many things to do for just one day of the year but is made to seem an insurmountable task.

And why do family members put such pressure on and not consider how difficult things are on a daily basis and some how think that because it is Christmas caring duties and carees problems must magically go away!!

[daisy]

I agree with all the posts here - I love Christmas Day itself, and what it stands for, but I get so fed up with all the run-up, hype, advertising etc.     

[debzsanderson]

I'm just trying to plan Xmas day and Boxing Day knowing I will have little input from the care agency we use due to sickness and no family support. Xmas is totally over rated with expectations and spending meaning people go into the new year in debt and a lot of the time very unhappy.

[Jeanne]

I agree with all of the above. I suppose most people would agree that Christmas is too commercialised now, and all about profit, profit, profit for the shops. I remember, years ago, it was more about spending time with family and friends, going visiting relatives, a new set of clothes, if you were lucky. And didn't you feel good going out in a new coat or pair of shoes! I used to love getting an Annual too.
Now kids expect more and more, because of brain washing by the media. Personally, I know that this Christmas is going to be hard on George, with so many children around and also for me, cooking for 12 of us, when I can barely stand up sometimes now.
The girls do offer and the boys wash the dishes, but it's the shopping, preparation, decorations, trying to please everyone, I have promised George that, God willing, it will not happen again next year!
But wishing everyone here a peaceful and calm one. x Jeanne

[wendy]

a reminder.

[JaneJ]

It has come round again so quickly.

It is such a hard time for so many. i dread it.

thinking of everyone with worries this time of the year

xx

hu****

[Honey]

I agree with everyones posts
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