Not myself

[nimz]

Hi! I just found this site and thought I’d put this out here. I’m single and my company sent everyone home to work. It does have some advantages but I don’t think it’s the best thing for me. Day in and day out it’s just me. I get up, work, log off, nap, eat, go to bed and then start it all over again. I have an appointment with a therapist on Monday, if she doesn’t cancel on me again. With all this alone time I spend too much time focusing on negative things. I’ve become a recluse in some ways. My depression and anxiety have gotten worse. I’m not sure how to break this cycle and get back to how I used to be. Any insight? Thanks!

[BowVegas]

I can relate. I also work from home and find that during the slow times my mind feels up with unwanted thoughts and it's difficult to stay focused. Have you tried switching up your work spaces? I sometimes move between three or four different workspaces in the house for some variety and changing background music as well. Also, I use the local coffee shop for 90 minutes or so each day to work from. I keep noise canceling headphones on to dull out out the background sound but find that getting up getting out of the house helps as well.

[nimz in reply to BowVegas]

Thank you. I don’t really have the option to move around but will look into finding a coffee shop that I could go to. I usually have the TV on to some game show or something but will try some music today. It just sucks!

[Ashfaren]

i too face similar issues and sometimes i feel like i am living in unreality, like i am not doing anything, everything is happening on its own. I never thought it to be depression or anxiety. I feel like i am cursed.

[EleanorRose]

I hate prolonged periods of being on my own, I understand how you feel.

Is there anyone else you work with who might be in a similar situation? It might seem ‘weird’ at first but perhaps you could meet up and work from ‘home’ together.

I’d also suggest getting out of the house when the work day finishes - meet up with a friend/family member, go for a walk, join a sports club, even pop to the shops - something so you don’t spend your whole day in the house. Change of scenery and fresh air is good for most of us.

It’s hard just being alone with our own thoughts at times and we need to break the cycle.

[RoseyViolet]

It's definitely something you have to learn to get used to when you make that type of change in workspace. I stay home full time and find that I have to have a sense of purpose and accomplishment tasks to maintain sanity. Perhaps setting up a differing routine each week where you get out and do different things regularly, like a special place to eat out after work on Tuesdays, join a spin class, learn pottery etc... Something to break up the mundane and to look forward to on your time off. Perhaps listening to soothing music in the background while you work or running a Himalayan Salt lamp which cleans the air while also providing a nice ambient light. Deep breathing and taking lots of visual eye breaks throughout the day to break up the sitting and staring at the computer all day. I hope some of these ideas are helpful to you.