My anxiety gets worse in the Winter time

[davidthecoder]

I missed Thanksgiving because I was too scared of getting sick (I take care of an elderly person). I have felt extra anxious every year in the winter time since 2020.

Now people don't really message me because they think I just didn't want to be with them for the holidays. That wasn't the reason.

I told them I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. And I am talking to a therapist every week. Plus daily meditation for around an hour. But I still don't think people understand, and it feels like they just want to avoid me because I have a lot of concerns.

The stigma and misunderstanding is real.

[Agora1]

Hi davidthecoder, you are so right in that the stigma and misunderstanding of anxiety

can leave us feeling more alone than ever. I think you are being very responsible in

that you can't get sick (if you can help it) because in taking care an elderly person.

That is reason enough but add to it your anxiety disorder and people don't seem to

know what we are talking about. Some may think we are crazy because they can't

see our inability to get out with others. Add to that the anxiety symptoms alone and

it's a double whammy.

Unless someone has experienced these symptoms themselves, there is no way they

can understand.

I close my ears to people's comments. What they think is their problem not mine.

When you do have to go out, do you wear a good mask and surgical gloves. That could

help reduce infection/virus while shopping etc.

I totally understand how you feel. Keep your standards strong after all, it's your

body, your livelihood. xx

[davidthecoder in reply to Agora1]

Hi Agora,

I just wanted to say thank you for your kind and thoughtful response. It is people like you that I help me the most. Someone that understand first hand, and shows compassion towards another suffering. It reminds me that I am not alone and I am grateful for you.

Tomorrow I am going to come back on here and try to write some meaningful responses to others as you have done for me. I just joined today and I also gave a donation to support the mission.

[Agora1 in reply to davidthecoder]

davidthecoder, thank you for being here and making a donation. Many people need

help in this world and it's a community like this that can start the ball rolling.

I'm happy you are a part of our virtual forum of friends xx

[LadyZen]

I can understand that. I decided to miss this year's office party for similar reasons.

[davidthecoder in reply to LadyZen]

Thanks for the comment LadyZen. It is sad because this time of year used to be my favorite. My birthday was recent as well. But now I always get worried about pathogens, and they spread the most in the winter :\

[LadyZen in reply to davidthecoder]

Maybe you can wear a mask?

[BedBug]

Yes I hear you. Alot of people don't understand and don't want to understand. I think winter time is harder because you are more confined and more sickness out there. You have to do what you have to do for yourself. If other people don't understand it's their problem not yours. Take care.