The Top 10 Reasons Why We Feel Anxious When We Go Home for the Holidays

The Top Ten Reasons Why We Feel Anxious When We Go Home for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of anxiety and stress. If you're someone who struggles with anxiety, you're not alone. Here are the top ten reasons why we feel anxious when we go home for the holidays.

1. We're afraid of what our family will think of our new haircut/outfit/tattoo/something deeply personal.

2. We're worried there won’t be healthy food choices.

3. We're afraid we won't know what to say when we see old friends.

4. We're dreading having to make small talk with distant relatives.

5. We're worried we'll accidentally drink too much and make a fool of ourselves.

6. We're anxious about spending so much time with extended family members in close quarters.

7. We're concerned we won't be able to find a good gift for that one person who's impossible to shop for.

8. We're petrified we'll get roped into attending some sort of holiday event we really don't want to go to.

9. We're dreading having to face our childhood bullies who will be home for the holidays too.

10. We're terrified we'll get asked some nosy personal questions that we really don't want to answer.

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun—but they can also be a time of anxiety and stress. If you find yourself feeling anxious this holiday season, take comfort in knowing that you're not alone! And try to focus on the positive aspects of the season: spending time with loved ones, eating delicious food, and exchanging thoughtful gifts.