Seriously can't concentrate and going frantic trying to

[Purrsona]

I can't believe I used to work eight hours a day. My concentration is shot. As soon as I finish with whatever I'm using to distract myself--book, movie, video game--I spiral into anxiety that's really hard to bear. And when I try to deal with the unemployment disaster that's my #1 stressor, I start shaking and crying. When I try to work on a different project, I can keep it up for maybe half an hour, typically less. I'm trying meditation but it only helps so much. I'm beginning to think I have undiagnosed ADD, or maybe anxiety is making it impossible to think. I just want to do nothing for a month. I wish I hadn't done anything since May, since apparently doing an hour a week of freelancing was enough to lose me all my benefits. If I'd just been completely, 100% lazy all this time, I'd be okay right now.

[Rickenrolls]

When anxiety hits, first try "quieting" your environment. Turn off any and all sources of extraneous noise. Then sit straight up and take deep breaths for at least 3-5 minutes while listening to nothing but the silence around you. At this point, continue to deep breathe but now try and think about as many positive aspects of your life as possible. Be grateful and try to focus on the good things in your life, and think upon those things that you are truly thankful for for another 3-5 minutes. Finally, prayer and meditation to God (I am personally a Christian) is a great way to end and really helps too! Repeat these steps if necessary. Hope you feel better soon!

[Hidden]

Hi, Purrsona! You’re definitely not alone in the way you’re feeling. After reading this post I thought it was something I had typed because I feel the same exact way! I try and keep myself busy but I am not interested in doing anything lately due to my depression. I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. I don’t have much experience with work since i’m still living at home with my family but hopefully I can start at some point working to keep me busy. What was your job?