Terrified of living alone

[mschloe]

My anxiety is increasing as the days get closer that I'll be living alone for the first time in my life; I'm 65. I work part time & have friends, but being totally alone is making me stress all the time. I've always hated being alone for long periods & don't know how I'm going to do it. I'm starting with a new therapist on Sat.

[Hidden]

Do you have any family or friends you could stay with for a while or potentially move in with?

[mschloe in reply to Hidden]

I have a sister & niece in FL, but moving in with them is not an option.

[b1b1b1]

There are some nice benefits to living alone. You don't have to please another person. Can you get a pet?

[mschloe in reply to b1b1b1]

I lost my two senior pets two years ago which contributed to my full breakdown & two weeks in the hospital. If I get a pet now, it will prevent me from spending alot of time away from home; I love pets, but I also worry about them obsessively.

[Hidden]

It gets better the longer you be do it. You learn more things about yourself and develop hobbies. Plus you can decorate in your own way. You can always invite your friends over

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

That’s one of the things I’m looking forward to the most. Having loved ones over to share my home and essentially myself with them.

[KrierandRosie]

I am the same age, but my husband is still with me. Without him, I have no one. I know how you feel. What changed for you recently? Where do you live?

[SirGrits]

Well mschloe, I'm sorry you're on the wrong side of this obstacle. Things should improve once you get on your own and settled. And obviously, investing in your therapy is the right course. My hunch is that if you list out your concerns for being alone you'll realize that you're ready for this and it's the right, next step for you.

Have you asked any of your friends to check in on you? Maybe you can schedule some visitors and spread out the visits to break up the alone time and get some friend-encouragement.