7 hours ago
7
Hello. I’ve struggled with severe anxiety, particularly social anxiety, for as long as I can remember. Living at home with my mom, I find it especially hard to cope around my two older brothers and their families. My mom has never been particularly supportive of my anxiety - she often reacted with anger or shaming. As a kid, I was humiliated in ways that still affect me today, such as having photos taken of me when I was crying or scared. My parents had tough upbringings themselves, but the impact on me has been lasting.
Since I was 16, I’ve worked hard in therapy and tried medication but my anxiety is severe. I’m currently unemployed, which makes going out both financially and emotionally difficult. Family gatherings have become overwhelming, and I’ve asked my mom to meet family elsewhere so I can relax in my home. This has not been well received. One brother is openly angry, dismissing it as the “same old thing”. I end up hiding in my room, which is deeply humiliating.
I’m trying to set boundaries for my mental health. Am I being unreasonable to ask for my home to be a safe space? The rest of my family lives less than an hour's drive away, and my mom could easily meet them elsewhere. I don’t want to be difficult, but I also don’t want to sacrifice my wellbeing. Shouldn’t there be some compromise?
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