It's My Party and I'll Panic If I Want To

Send us Fan MailBirthday's are supposed to be fun... right?So why do so many people feel anxious, awkward, overwhelmed, guilty, lonely, or emotionally exhausted when their birthday comes around?In this episode, Sarah and Crystal pull back the curtain on the psychology behind birthdays, gift-giving, social expectations, and the surprisingly complicated emotions tied to celebrations. From the history of birthday traditions to the anxiety of opening gifts in front of a crowd, they explore why a day meant to celebrate us can sometimes feel like a social performance.Whether you're the person planning the party, hiding from the party, or trying to survive being sung to in public, this episode is for you.ResourcesSocial Anxiety & Anxiety InformationAnxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — Anxiety DisordersAutism & Neurodiversity ResourcesAutistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)Autism Society of AmericaMental Health Support988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Mental Health AmericaThe Marionette Dolls Podcast is educational and discussion-based and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric care. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional or one of the resources listed above.Support the show