Fay13
08-03-16, 07:15
So, I am just wondering how (or even if) anyone has discussed their panic attacks with their family? I am 24, and have lived away from home since I went to university 6 years ago. I was diagnosed 2 years ago, but I think it was going on for a couple of years before that. (Sorry about the long post)
The reason I am feeling like I should say something to my parents now is that my mum's 50th birthday is coming up and my dad and sisters want to arrange a whole day out in London, including a trip to the theatre. There is really no way I can handle that right now but my dad is getting really angry at me for being reluctant to arrange it with my sisters, saying I'll ruin my mum's birthday if I don't sort it out. I generally struggle with long train journeys, and the underground, and would definitely struggle in the theatre. Normally I try to not avoid things, but on a whole family day like this there would be little opportunity for me to take time/space if needed and I just can't see it going well.
The reason I am reluctant to tell my parents is because I'm not sure how they would react. I have always thought of my parents as very understanding but about a year ago I was having dinner with them and my mum was asking about some of my old school friends. One of the girls she asked about has just been sectioned for the third time with quite severe mental healthy issues and when I explained this to her, my mum said that she was grateful her children were all "sensible". I queried what she meant and she said that there must be some choice in mental illness as, if it was all chemical, they'd be able to treat it with drugs all the time, and they cant. I didn't challenge her as much as I should have on this, partly because I was basically speechless that someone could have an opinion like that, but it means I am slightly apprehensive that I will tell them and get a reaction along the lines of "well you should just get over it."
Has anyone else had issues with parents not being very understanding, and how you do you deal with events that your panic effects, but where you don't feel you can explain to those around you the situation. I am very open with my panic attacks and anxiety in the rest of my life, most of my friends know, as does my work place.
Thanks
The reason I am feeling like I should say something to my parents now is that my mum's 50th birthday is coming up and my dad and sisters want to arrange a whole day out in London, including a trip to the theatre. There is really no way I can handle that right now but my dad is getting really angry at me for being reluctant to arrange it with my sisters, saying I'll ruin my mum's birthday if I don't sort it out. I generally struggle with long train journeys, and the underground, and would definitely struggle in the theatre. Normally I try to not avoid things, but on a whole family day like this there would be little opportunity for me to take time/space if needed and I just can't see it going well.
The reason I am reluctant to tell my parents is because I'm not sure how they would react. I have always thought of my parents as very understanding but about a year ago I was having dinner with them and my mum was asking about some of my old school friends. One of the girls she asked about has just been sectioned for the third time with quite severe mental healthy issues and when I explained this to her, my mum said that she was grateful her children were all "sensible". I queried what she meant and she said that there must be some choice in mental illness as, if it was all chemical, they'd be able to treat it with drugs all the time, and they cant. I didn't challenge her as much as I should have on this, partly because I was basically speechless that someone could have an opinion like that, but it means I am slightly apprehensive that I will tell them and get a reaction along the lines of "well you should just get over it."
Has anyone else had issues with parents not being very understanding, and how you do you deal with events that your panic effects, but where you don't feel you can explain to those around you the situation. I am very open with my panic attacks and anxiety in the rest of my life, most of my friends know, as does my work place.
Thanks