They say that connecting with others is a basic human need. That's how I ended up here on this site, and I'm thankful. I've been feeling disconnected lately. I live alone, except for my dog. At one time, it seemed like a paradise. Lately, my peaceful solitude has morphed into feelings of isolation and loneliness. Logging into FB makes it worse as backwards as that may sound. Also have some health problems and a paralyzing phobia of doctors. There's a word for it, and yes I definitely have it. I confided in a couple of people about the health problems, worked up the courage to call and make an appointment with a doctor, and then spent the next few days unable to eat, sleep, or focus on anything except the panic and terror I felt about going to the appointment. It connects to my feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Now, the people who I confided in can't understand why I cancelled the appointment, and are not happy with me, thus isolating me further. Some days I'm fine with it, other days I struggle. Today is one of the harder days so thank you for letting me share.
Social Anxiety, Living Alone, and Lac... - Anxiety and Depre...
Social Anxiety, Living Alone, and Lack of Connection
Hi Struggling, I can relate to social anxiety and lack of connection. I hate feeling so alone, and I cannot log into Facebook anymore either so that doesn't sound backwards at all. Depression and anxiety are monsters. Are you able to get out for a short walk some days? You are not alone. Hugs to you!
I can sympathise. I am married with a family and have a dog, but have no local friends outside of that. Never could fit into the local community, no matter what I tried. I sometimes wonder how I would cope if I someday end up alone.
I probably would take some time to adjust. You say it was paradise at first. I think maybe the COVID situation has highlighted feelings of isolation in us. Perhaps what you have is White Coat Syndrome. I have an almost paralysing fear of supermarkets, I think it's because I'm often poorly treated by staff in them.
I am like you even down to the dog. Each day is kind of painful having no real purpose, nothing to do and having no one to do it with. I never smile or laugh anymore. Covid has only intensified things. I speak with a therapist nd take medication. Exercise every day and am completely stuck. I wish I had an answer.
I scrolled through your profile on seeing your post. You really have been through the mill. You write well. Glad to see you're into reading and podcasts. I must try that talk sometime. I'm not American but have recently discovered Joe Rogan. He might not be for everyone but I find his talks on discipline full of kickass good sense. I can laugh because I'm really into comedy, find it a brilliant diversion.
It's good that you exercise every day. So do I. Like you though, I find it can become mundane. Do all your kids still live with you. Two out of three of mine do. They are good. It can be hard to find an answer. It has taken me most of a year to work through my latest issues. I feel a good deal improved, thanks a great amount to this site here too. I have found there are some very kind and wise people posting here. I am always here to listen
Thank you.
Hey car103. I know how it feels to experience what you have been experiencing. I generally have days each week where I think about what brings my life meaning and purpose and struggle with the feelings that arise. I've had days where I don't smile or laugh, not one time. I've had days where I worry so much about purpose that I get no joy out of the day whatsoever. I try to remind myself to appreciate every laugh, every smile, every time I find a new outlet for constructively spending time without being stuck in my head. I don't have much of a support network. I think this site will help a lot.
Thank you Roxylox. I think you're right about Covid and White Coat Syndrome. I can relate with the fear of supermarkets too. Being around more than a couple of people is not a pleasant experience for me.
Hi. Welcome to the site. I hear you I know exactly how that feels. It's okay. Give yourself space and do it when you're ready. I'm sure if you explain how you're feeling to them and your thoughts, they'll understand. We always make it sound worse in our heads
Hi, so sorry your experiencing this, Im sure so many here can relate to how you feel, I was thinking that if your unable to physically get to your doctors because of the anxiety etc, perhaps you could request a telephone appointment? I've done this myself for various reasons but I just thought it would enable you to speak to your doctor without having the trauma of attending the doctors surgery? Xx
Thank you for the suggestion suzie482. I appreciate it.
Would seeing a female doctor help at all?
I think a lot of us dread the dentist Bobbie
I am so sorry to hear that
Hey man, seems like "exposure therapy" might help. I read about it a while back, I hope it's still called that. Anyways, it's just doing the thing that causes the anxiety. Once you go through it, you'll have a data point for your brain/self-conscious to reference and refute the negative thoughts about the Dr. appointment. From you op, I'm guessing you're a long way from being able to get to your first visit. Try bringing this idea up to your therapist and see if he can give you some strategies/scenarios to "stick your toe in the water". Once you get on the other side, I hope things start to lighten up for you.Prayers bro.
I deal with loneliness too. I only have one friend and most of the time she has work. I don’t want to appear desperate so I don’t text her that often so I’m so lonely and depressed :/ I can’t make new friends because I do online school and I’ve tried to get a job but I never get hired..I’m miserable
Social anxiety has ruined my life when I had all the opportunities in the world. I was terrified of sitting in a room if more than 2 or 3 people were present. My only cure was alcohol or prescription drugs so for over 40 years I’ve been on diazepam & Codiene. All my friends thought I was a waster & an alcoholic but all I wanted was self confidence to deal with any social situation.
this is very serious issue . social anxiety can lead u to depression . u may feel like being cut from society. there are lots of therapies that can help depression. best of them is expressive therapy for depression. check it out once if u realy want to get help.
expressive therapy for depression
[url=" healthline.com/health/depre... Therapy For Depression [/url]
Thanks for the advice. Very much appreciated .
I am late to this post, and new to this group. I hear you, i avoid sharing with people when I am holding more than I can ....because it becomes about them and how they feel and what they want at a time when I need support and have nothing more to give. This is so painful for me - to have a connection and some relief and then - the opposite.
((hugs))
I don't know if you're still on this site, but I just posted something similar and am wondering how you're doing, and what migh have helped you.
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