BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Mental Health Anxiety to the max!!

My fiancé's brother and his family are moving into our home. Currently it's just me, my fiancé, two dogs and a cat. We have four bedrooms and definitely have room for his brother, his wife, and two babies. My anxiety is through the roof because my household is no longer "my place". I need to worry about the dogs and the babies, laundry schedules, dinner schedules, showers etc... At this point it's supposed to be a temporary situation until they find a home but I don't know how long that's going to take. My fiancé said I am giving off the vibe that his brother is not welcome and I should try to be more accommodating. He doesn't understand that it's my anxiety that's making me stress!! How can I learn to adjust to this new living arrangement and make everyone feel welcome??

You have good reason to be anxious! Maybe you'll feel better if you sit down with the sister-in-law and work out details of cooking, cleaning, etc. It could turn into a nice thing if you only cook 3 or 4 days of the week and she's a good housekeeper.

The one time I had someone live with me (son's girlfriend), she left her clothes in the washing machine and dryer constantly. It drove me a bit nuts. Good, open communication could solve some of your anxieties in advance.

Maybe if you think of her as an adopted sister, it will help.

Part of the stress of having company for a few days or longer is the feeling we are losing our personal space. This tends to raise feelings of anxiety in even the most anxiety resistant person.

Try to make time just for yourself. This can include a long, hot bath or a walk in the neighborhood or a trip to the local coffee pub to read a book. I agree that making a written schedule can make a chaotic situation be and feel more organized.

Thanks doctor. I did try that but my mind keeps coming back to home, like I dread going there because of the "crowded" feeling I get. My anxiety has gotten really bad, to the point where my sleep and eating habits have been affected. I thought this was something I could handle, but I can't. I need my space in order to be relaxed. And at this point I feel like the only place I can go is my bedroom, which makes me feel closed in. I have told my boyfriend that I don't think this situation is going to work and I need them to move in with his parents.

I made an additional post on the other thread.....