Family Pressure and the Silent Anxiety No One Talks About

If the thought of walking into a family gathering makes your chest tighten, you’re not imagining it.

And you’re definitely not the only one.

Here’s something I wish more people understood:
The hardest part of the holidays isn’t the chaos. It’s the pressure to be someone you’re not.

To laugh off the hurtful comments.
To keep the peace, no matter what it costs you.
To put everyone else’s comfort above your own.

But what happens when you do that year after year?

You disappear a little.

You start to question who you’re even allowed to be in certain rooms.

And that’s the weight I wanted to talk about in this week’s episode:
When people-pleasing turns into self-abandonment, especially around family.

It’s not a flaw. It’s a response. A pattern. A survival skill you picked up because it helped you stay safe.

But here’s what I didn’t say in the episode:

The moment you realize people-pleasing isn’t protecting you anymore is the moment you can start protecting yourself.

That doesn’t always mean confrontation.
It might look like leaving an hour earlier.
Changing the subject.
Giving yourself permission to not go at all.

It’s not about creating drama. It’s about creating peace (your own peace).

So if you haven’t listened yet, this episode might feel like a breath of fresh air in the middle of the holiday noise.
If you already have? Come back to it when you need a reminder that you’re allowed to exist in every room as your whole self.

Listen to the Latest Episode Here

With you in this,
Jessica
Mindset Coach for Anxious Teens & Young Adults

P.S. This podcast is still in its early days, which honestly makes it even more special—because it means I can offer more personal feedback, and really get to know what you need.

So if you have thoughts, questions, or something you’re working through…I’d love to hear from you

Just hit reply—I read every message or drop your thoughts here! 💛