Anxiety and loneliness

[Fibby55]

Hi, I'm a 69 yrs old female, I first dealt with anxiety with the birth of my first child 41 yrs ago. That was due to a thyroid condition that I had surgery for, but continued with anxiety and panic attacks. I couldn't drive, hyperventilated, could not go grocery shopping due to panic attacks. After understanding anxiety and also help from xanax, It took me 5 yrs and I was fine and happy. Now fast forward 36 yrs I'm dealing with anxiety again but I'm feeling lonely. I'm a widow, have a boyfriend( my old high school sweetheart) but we don't see each other too much. We talk daily on the phone. After we broke up and got back together he decided to stay in Arizona where he is from and commute to L.A. every month or so. I'm an introvert so I don't have many friends.

At times I find myself crying of loneliness and anxiety in this house. My Mom passed away a yr ago I took care of her after she broke her hip.

People tell me to join a club, church events etc, but easy for them to suggest that.

I see a therapist once a month, she's no help. I'm on Buspar for anxiety that has helped. I see my adult Son whose divorced with no kids daily for a while due to his busy work schedule.

How do other people deal with loneliness and anxiety?

Today I'm feeling very sad😒

[Dolphin14]

Fibby55

I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom. Do you think any of these feelings stem from losing her? Being a caretaker gave you purpose and now you don't have that anymore.

I know first hand that getting out into the world is hard. It's something that needs a push. Anxiety and fear are going to come with this, that's normal.

When I hear a therapist is not helpful I often wonder has this been discussed. A therapist needs feed back about his/her practice. They should shift things and make a new plan when a client states there is a problem.

In answer to the question, what to do. I pushed myself out of the house for a simple volunteer job. It gave me purpose and got me back out in the public

I wish you well

🐬

[Fibby55 in reply to Dolphin14]

I thought about volunteering. Maybe a couple a days a week. I'll look into it, see what's out there. Thank you

[SayNOtoPanic]

Hang in there Fibby, that’s a lot to deal with emotionally. Especially as a caregiver and then loss of your mom, and losing your spouse prior. All just triggers that anxiety and crap all over. Is there anything you enjoy like hobbies indoor or outdoor? Sometimes art is calming and helpful whether it’s drawing or sewing or crafts etc. Going to see a movie maybe, or a book club that meets if you’re into reading. Prayers up for you. 🙏🏻

[catsrock]

Just wondering if you've ever tried tapping meditations? They have helped me a lot. I just do the free ones at the site. thetappingsolution.com/

[Fibby55 in reply to catsrock]

Hi Catsrock. I heard about it. So it does work? I'll definitely look at the website. Thanks

[catsrock in reply to Fibby55]

It works for me and for a lot of other people. I like it because I can use it anytime and it doesn't cost me anything.

[Williams3lw]

Hi Fibby, we are on the same boat trying to figure it out. I'm here if you need a ear,friend or distant hug.