Feeling frozen

[Lost_in_life]

I feel "frozen" by anxiety. I can't seem to bring myself to do things I really need to do. I keep focusing on "distractions" and coming up with excuses not to proceed with the really important stuff that scares me. Does anyone have any advice on how to overcome this... other than "just do it" ;-> ?

[Jae5]

Hi what helps me is to stop thinking of all the stuff i have to do and pick one thing to focus on. Even if its just a phone call i have to make. We can get so overwhelmed when thinking of all we have on our plate. Today i paid one bill, tomorrow i can call my mom (major anxiety). Hang in there and take it slow.

[Lost_in_life in reply to Jae5]

Thanks. It's good advice. I sort of do that. Unfortunately, I use that method to put off doing the REALLY important things -- mainly, finding a new job. I worked for the same company for 26 years. The company closed in April. I haven't looked for a job since '91! I'm terrified I won't be able to find something... and I have real hard time handling rejection. That has a lot to do with why I feel so frozen.

[StressedJess37]

I'm sorry to hear how you're feeling and I know how that feels. From my experience I write things down that I need to do from important to least important and work on them one at a time. If I get too overwhelmed, I just take a break and get back to what needs to be done. There's times it doesn't get done and that can happen with this illness. Try not to beat yourself up over it.

[Lost_in_life in reply to StressedJess37]

Thanks. I've always had a real problem with prioritizing things. Of course, as I mentioned above, my highest priority is finding a job... which is seriously overwhelming to me.

[Hidden]

I have various diversions I can do. yes I watch tv, work out in the garden or even take the dog out for a walk. This afternoon we went out for a drive and went shopping. We did not go to our normal town, we went somewhere different.

Tonight, I am on these site and watch TV, later I will look through my Picture Books that show the places I have been, that takes my mind of my Fears and Anxiety. You need to focus or do something you enjoy. I am an OAP now and I still divert my thoughts to things I enjoy

BOB

[Lost_in_life in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I'm having a REAL hard time enjoying anything -- EVEN my diversions -- due to my anxiety and depression.

[Lost_in_life]

Thanks.

[baileyf14]

I am sorry you are dealing with this. Sometimes it is really hard to focus on what you need to do. Try taking things slow and one at a time. That way the work does not seem so overwhelming. It also helps me focus when I go outside or exercise for a little bit every day. I hope this helps!

[Lost_in_life in reply to baileyf14]

Thanks. I'm just really being "avoidant" about looking for a new job. It really scares me. I have serious issue with putting myself into situations where I might face rejection. I feel like a rejection could make me feel more depressed and anxious than I already feel. But, I also realize that putting this off is making me extremely anxious.

As for exercise, I've been doing it almost daily for over the last 6 months -- not a LOT but still. I don't find that it focuses me but it usually does help get my mind off the anxious thoughts. I'm real bad about getting outside. I keep reading that sun light is supposed to help with anxiety and depression.