Anxious about birthday party. Any tips to make it through?
Posted , 2 users are following.
I have to go to a birthday party for my sister in law tomorrow night and I'm feeling very nervous and anxious about it. Its just a small gathering with my parents and brother and sister and law. I've always been nervous in social situations but this is the first social gathering I've had to attend since my anxiety kicked into high gear about a month or so ago. I fear what could happen at the party., I could become light headed or short of breath, have a panic attack or even pass out. Anyone have any tips or advice for how to make it through the party without anything bad happening would be greatly appreciated.
0 likes, 2 replies
jan34534 kade25605
Edited
well it’s good that you are going because the worst thing you can do is avoid social situations because it tends to make it worse. Keep in mind that these are people you know very well and it’s a small gathering.
avoid things like caffeine before you go and also alcohol.
Challenge your negative thoughts and your what if thoughts.
You said what if I get lightheaded or short of breath or have a panic attack or pass out. Challenge that and say to yourself what if I am just fine.? what if I actually start having fun? don’t try to predict what will happen because you just may be totally wrong. You may actually be just fine.
another thing is there’s nothing like a good laugh to relax someone. Don’t take the party too seriously. Smile. Laugh or tell a funny joke.
You can also control your breathing if you ever feel anxious or short of breath. . It’s relaxing. Breathing in slowly through your nose to the count of four. Breathing out through your lips to the count of five or six.
Take The focus off yourself. Start asking people questions about how they are doing or what plans they have etc. That will put the focus on them and not yourself.
you are going to be fine. Just try to have some fun and relax. This is your family. You don’t have to prove anything to them. Just be yourself and enjoy!
kade25605 jan34534
Posted
Thank you so much Jan for the thoughtful reply. You've helped to put my mind at ease a little bit. I'm hoping to get a good night's sleep tonight before the party. I haven't been sleeping well at all lately and that just makes my anxiety even worse.