So I think I am well prepared to attend a larger family function and....well I guess the thread title tells it all.

Less than 10 minutes in, if I am honest I was barely in the front door and it began, first my balance is off and then speech issues, stutters and word finding and I have what I call cotton head. I was struggling to look even a little bit relaxed. Less than 20 minutes and I am completely overwhelmed...

Fortunately, I was able to leave unnoticed. Well likely not unnoticed but without fanfare. I wonder if I ever will be able to go out and be able to keep it together. Does it ever get easier?

I barely leave my home unless it is for therapies and appointments, stores are ridiculous, social settings are totally overwhelming to me.

My life feels like a bad Jaws movie 'just when you thought it was safe to go into the water' it isn't!

Have you tried attending these functions with ear plugs ?

or, being selective about where you position yourself ?

I usually have to find a place where I am not surrounded by voices. I also need to be where there is not a lot of visual stimulation.

btw, I'm 15 years since my last concussion. For some of us, we just need to learn how to moderate these events.

Almost,

Last year at thanksgiving in my own home I was overwhelmed and had to,spend time in my bedroom alone and quiet to calm down.

This year will be no problem.

Do I still have obstacles to overcome, yes, but I am in no way the same train wreck as last year or even 3 months ago.

Hang in there, it does get better.

Bud

i'm not one for medication, i hate the fact that i'm taking one, but perhaps an anti anxiety would help while the symptoms resolve? i've seen a huge improvement and can actually go out and see friends versus being unable to go to the grocery store alone a few months ago.

It will get easier...When I first started venturing out 20 min was my limit too before the balance problems and overwhelming visual and auditory stimulation started. (earplugs are a must) I started with leaving an event early then progressed to leaving for a short break and coming back to it and now I can manage a couple hours - for me, this has taken 2 years to accomplish - so think baby steps...

I still get balance problems early on but I have learned that in my case they don't progress and I just have to be careful not to turn too quickly - haven't fallen over yet. Also, don't overdo the social chat as I still find that making conversation is a big energy drainer. Pick your moments and just enjoy the fact that you are out and about again!

I agree. I found that about 90% of my difficulties when dealing with crowds and people were not actually PCS but anxiety related. I am also being treated for anxiety and depression and this has made all the difference in social settings. The symptoms become a lot more bearable when one is less anxious about them. It is a vicious circle in some ways, because, indeed, anxiety is one of the symptoms of a head injury. I would recommend seeing someone to have the anxiety treated, if possible. It has helped me hugely and I feel like I have my life back again!

I have taken anxiety meds for a year and a half and see a phsychologist every two weeks. We will have lots to talk about this week