Songkran is coming. For many, it's a joyful time of water fights and reunions.
But for others, it's a countdown to dread. The thought of going home doesn't bring warmth—it brings a knot in your stomach.
Where does the tension live when you think about going home?
Why homecoming anxiety is real:
Not all families are safe havens. Some family homes are sites of:
- Constant criticism disguised as "concern"
- Questions that feel like interrogations
- Comparison to siblings or cousins
- Pressure about life choices (career, relationships, children)
- Triggering old wounds that never quite healed
If this resonates, you're not ungrateful. You're not a bad child. You're someone with complex family history, and holidays amplify everything.
Try this reflection:
On a scale of 1-10, how anxious does the thought of Songkran homecoming make you feel?
If it's above a 5, that's information. Your body is telling you something.
This week, we'll explore ways to protect yourself while still honoring whatever family obligations feel right to you.
When family triggers anxiety, Calm Loop Toolkit offers grounding exercises you can use anywhere.