I Have Anxiety

Does anyone else find that their family laugh at or belittle them because of their anxiety?

It's been an ongoing thing that I'm "silly" and "I'm so overdramatic" and anything I say is ridiculous when it comes to how I feel. My feelings are never valid because everyone has always been too busy saying "no you're wrong that's not how it is". It's got to a point now where I can't tell if what I'm saying or thinking is bad or not and I have to check with my husband a lot.

I just spoke to my sister about it, after my mother said no wonder my in-laws didn't want to stay at the house because of the state it was last time. I was going through a very difficult time and the house was a mess, but her saying loudly so everyone including my aunt could hear "and they were sitting in your room amongst underwear in filth" when she knows I have/had PTSD/PPA from my daughter's birth and really struggled with her diagnosis, let alone not knowing they were going to go up to our room 🙁. My sister has gone off on me, saying that's wrong, I didn't hear right and now she's ignoring me. I feel like I want to hurt myself, I'm going to try very hard not to but it's just too much. I'm so embarrassed.

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trackman11 · 61-69, M

It’s not unusual to make light of what we don’t understand. For them it makes it seem less threatening. Of course for you it’s hurtful and I’m sorry. Familiarity often dulls our sensitivities. I hope you can find a way to educate them.

Starsandfire · 31-35, F

@trackman11 thank you, that's a good perspective. I don't think I'll ever be able to have them understand sadly 🙁

trackman11 · 61-69, M

@Starsandfire I suggest and know it’s hard, but give them some grace. Instead of seeing them as belittling you. Recognize that they are wrong and flawed and choose to forgive them. It might help you feel less vulnerable.

Starsandfire · 31-35, F

@trackman11 thank you, I will try. I'll maybe also be a bit less emotionally available for them when they come to me with issues. See how they like it.