Dear Abby: Five years ago, I was diagnosed with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). It often manifests itself in sudden outbursts of anger when you’re stressed. I have three sisters, two of whom are bossy and try to take over and control the smallest things. I’ve always had a difficult relationship with one of them. When she stresses me out, I tend to quickly take out my anger on her.
The other day we were in a stressful situation and I ended up taking out my anger on my girlfriend. I then apologized and explained her concerns. She replied that it’s not my insecurities, she doesn’t want to accept any of her help because I want to be the boss. Then she ordered me to do something exactly as she wanted.
I want to cut ties with her because she is affecting my mental health and sanity. But she’s still my little sister, and there are times when I have to be by her side. please let me know. — Anxious West Virginia
Dear anxiety sufferer: You are not going to change your sister. An obsessive desire to control is ingrained within her. Avoid her girlfriend as much as possible. However, if there are circumstances where this is not possible, be polite and maintain a certain distance. Don’t argue with her. Please remember. Just because someone tells you to do something doesn’t mean you have to do it.
Now that you have been diagnosed with GAD, I hope you understand that there are treatments available: medication and talk therapy. If your symptoms affect other relationships, consider talking about it with the health care professional who diagnosed you.
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