why doesnt my family understand I have anxiety?

I have anxiety so bad I find it hard to leave town. actually its impossible for me to without having a breakdown. Well my grandma is moving and I love her very much. I would be there if I could. My Stepmother sent me this email saying how many hours she and my sister have put in getting her ready to move.. Even that my dad has and he “didnt have time for it” .Well….They have lived out of town for years ….missing holidays that I am sure they could afford to come home for…just basically not wanting to be around. I feel like its their turn to do something around here. They havent been an active part of the family for so long. I think they should take their part now. Especially since my stepmother has no children to care for or a job…why shouldnt she ??? Am I wrong?? And they know I have this disorder….But seem unable to accept it.

Sometimes its hard for people to take into account of your disorder because they either 1) Don’t Understand it 2) Have all the intellectual facts 3) Have never felt it, so think it’s fake. It’s hard whenever you have any kind of disorder for family members to realize these things are not meant personally.

I’d suggest going on the net, or getting your doctor to hand you some pamphlets on Anxiety. You could even go to your local Mental Health Center (yellow page it, sweets!) and ask them for literature on it. Then go over it when your family members and show them it is a real, diagnosable, credible thing you are going through. Equate the feelings you get; explain because of the wa your brain works, sometimes you feel like you are having a heart attack, or choking. If a member of the family has experienced this, ask them to remember how they felt. Now, tell them your brain makes those same feelings without it happening to your organs.

Most of all, let them know they are loved and you are trying your best to overcome this. It will take a while, but they will come around: they love you for who you are.

But you can’t understand something, if you aren’t educated on the facts. When you know better, you do better

Holiday Depression

Pretending to Be Normal: Living With Asperger’s Syndrome $11.96 Autobiography of a woman and her child diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Author shares her daily struggles and challenges. Includes appendices providing coping strategies and guidance. For the general reader as well as professionals. Softcover….