Hi all, I’ve had a really bad exacerbation of depression over the last 8 months. I also suffer from severe anxiety and OCD symptoms. Due to my illness, I don’t currently feel able to cope with some bigger social plans such as, overnight stays with relatives, parties and gatherings and this has been the case for 8 months. I already feel guilty about this, especially since I used to be a sociable person. I’m having issues with trying to get my family, in laws and husband to understand. I feel they are piling on more guilt and shame. It’s becoming more unbearable…

My family live 2 hours away and my in laws live 5 hours away so visiting the in-laws requires an over night stay at the minimum. My husband is constantly making me feel bad that I’ve missed big family parties and gatherings this year, despite me telling him I don’t feel able to cope with the events and overnight stays in my current mental state.…