Scared of the old worries coming back

[Bookmage98]

Since about a year ago, I've had a lot of anxiety concerning being alone and feeling miserable. It's gotten a lot better in the past few months, so I thought I would be able to handle being left alone in the house for a week while the rest of the family goes on vacation. However, today I've had a lot of trouble eating and sleeping, I've felt really depressed and lonely and I've had a couple of small anxiety attacks. It seems like being on the phone with mom or dad is all that helps me feel better, but obviously I can't do that for a week straight. It feels like I'm losing control again. I'm just so scared of having to go through this all on my own, with no one with me to help me through. And I'm scared that what should've been an easy step forward will set me back months instead.

[EndUser13]

Try to stay positive about your situation, I know this can be an incredibly difficult thing to do though, especially when you feel that you are all on your own. I have talked myself into having a panic attack or a difficult situation far too many times. It's worth the effort to look for the silver linings in life and try to make the best of what you have.

What kinds of healthy distractions do you have in your life? Or would like to have?

Do you have friends you could text or call to help ease your worries? Maybe folks on social media you can talk to, hopefully without feeling judged...

I understand how comforting it can be to have a safe person around, someone you can confide in. I've heard it so many times, "there is no such thing as a safe person, other than you being your own safe person". Sure, someone can offer you comfort but ultimately you'll have to practice being your own source of reliable comfort. When your mind is running too fast and full of worries, it can be hard to have faith in the things you may tell yourself, I know this too, all too well... but it's a worthwhile habit to build up over time.

What kind of healthy distractions are open to you outside of people- like reading a book or getting involved in one of your hobbies? Many times I've managed my anxiety by doodling or playing simple puzzle games.

I am asking questions but really what I hope to offer is food for thought, you don't need to answer me so much as offer yourself options.

Personally, I can appreciate all too well how nice it is to have someone to count on when you're feeling really anxious and turned about. I have someone like that in my life, someone I can call hyperventilating and just babble to about all the stupid little things that are getting to me. It's really useful to have a support system like that, so I would encourage you to extend that support system, even if it's people online you can send a text message to, sometimes it makes all the difference in the world just to be heard.

[BrainIsFull]

Hi Book! I'm sorry that you are feeling so shaky right now.💚You are brave to take the step of staying alone for the week. It's a great challenge for you- even if it is hard and it feels like you are moving backwards instead of forwards. The only way to know how hard a challenge will be is trying it. And just bc it's hard, doesn't mean you've failed! People say "one step forward and two steps back" but it always feels to me like the "backwards" steps are so many more than the forwards ones.😖 But I imagine that is due to my more pessimistic leaning worldview.

Do you think it could help to break things down into more manageable periods of time? Like don't look at a whole week😱 but instead make a schedule where you plan from hour to hour. Write it down!

I know it feels impossible and scary, but you can do it!

Keep checking in here!

[Broken1971]

Hang in there. You have already succeeded by staying at home. As others have posted try and distract and keep busy. I always feel like I'm taking steps backwards in my healing too but I remind myself that improving and fighting anxiety and depression is an up and down process and you can't let the downs "get you down"....that's a lot of downs, I know.You always have support here.