Seeing my family is a huge stressor, what can I do to decrease the tension?

It is very essential to understand that certain things are not within our control. Even though its immediate family there could be certain things affecting you badly and you wouldn't be in a position to do anything. Hence giving the remote control of your emotions to situations like this will add on to your stress. You must therefore avoid being dependent on the situation and create moments of joy for yourself.

I completely understand and have the same problem. For me, I had to exam the following inside myself: 1) What control to I have? The answer is none, the ONLY thing in life you can control is yourself... period. You can not control they're action, comments, criticisms, expectations of you (how you succeeded or failed), and just the simple day to day way they talk to you and make you feel (in some families it's very supportive, in other's it's always tearing down, and other's it's somewhere in between). 2) Since you can't control them, you have to be honest with yourself and ask how much of them can I take and live a very happy, successful, satisfying life? Your first priority is YOU!!!!! You are of no help or comfort to your family (or anybody else), if you're wreck. So.... that leaves you with the following 4 options which depend totally on the depth of discomfort, meanness, care they really have for you, etc... essentially you have to gauge their intentions based on everything you know, have gone through, and gut feeling about them for the future. Options: 1) In a phone call, be 100% honest. Start the conversation by saying "I'm having a real problem and need to know if you're willing to calmly discuss it with me, even though it may be very upsetting to you." If they are willing to talk, be completely honest, tell them you can hardly bare to be with them because it's so stressful, and above all tell them EXACTLY why it's so stressful.... pull no punches, because at this point there's no going back to the way it was... it'll end however it ends. 2) Depending on you, do the exactly same thing as above, except in person. This is tough (generally better in the long run), but not for everyone... you'll have to gauge for youself. 3) Tell them you're having some problems and was wondering if they'd be will to help you by coming to a therapist/counselor with you. In this case you'll have to decide on whether or not to tell them what's it's really about... in other words, you may need to sort of white-lie, or maybe you tell them straight out what it's about. 4) The final option is pretty simple. If none of the above seem viable for your situation and family... just don't talk to them or see them. Depending on your past situation with your family, and your personality that may mean calling them, telling them you want nothing to do with anymore, or maybe it's gentler like making up excuses that your busy, etc. Anyway, in real life I believe those are all the options, and the correct options depending on the persons ENTIRE, life long experience with their family and they're own personality and ability to face things head on or not.

It may be difficult to avoid seeing your family, but perhaps consider minimising your visits to them or setting aside certain days. That's of course very difficult, and only a short term solution. You may find it helpful to approach some of your family members individually and mention some of your worries and stresses to them, if you feel you are able to, as they may be willing to help. Perhaps also try gaining strength from other relationships in your life, perhaps by bringing a friend or partner along when visiting your family.

have a sit down with them and explain how you fill about this situation and if that doesn't help seek out future help with a therapist with family issues or some of our forums

If they expect you to see them often, go as much as you like but keep visits brief. Also, if you have any "allies" in the family -- people who support and care, who don't stress you -- try to talk with them about your feelings ahead of time in private. Perhaps they can help you spend less time with the most stressful relatives or situations. Respect others, but do what's best for yourself too.

Figure out the reason that seeing your family is a huge stressor and try to prevent the problem. Family is supposed to be fun!

If possible, divide and conquer... try and break it up so you don't have to see everyone all at once in the one hit.

Communication is probably the most important part of any relationship. Finding the root causes of the the tension and working together to reduce it is a great first step forward.

Perhaps you could try and look at the positive side of things, when you have to see them,instead of focusing on the negative thoughts/feelings associated with them, you could try and remind yourself of why you're grateful to have them in your life anyway. You could also try and spend more time with your friends or loved ones whom you feel more positive around so you'd get that support you need. Probably being in your room, spending some good time with yourself and doing things that you enjoy doing and those that make you smile could help.

Hey, personally when I feel bad I practice sports, or I write all my feelings in a paper and then I throw it. I feel so good after doing that ;)