Intro and Welcome

[frankapotamous]

Hello! I figured it was time to try some peer therapy. I have had anxiety most of my adult life. It seemed to always stem from health related things. When I turned 25 it started to ramp up a bit. Always would try some treatment and then nothing. Anyways, Covid came and that led me down a spiral. Started on 50 mg of Zoloft. I was doing pretty good by summertime. August of 21 my wife got diagnosed with melanoma. Unfortunately she lost her battle in August of 23. I am now a single dad of 2 young kids. My anxiety has still been wreaking havoc on my life. I have been using the dare program and talking to a counselor. It seems as if lately I am more anxious. Every couple or months I start to spiral. Thanks for listening!

[gajh]

Hello and Welcome. I am so sorry for your loss. Covid lockdown did a lot of damage on a lot of us here. I developed agoraphobia from it and am still trying to recover. What helps you get out of your spirals? I am glad you have joined us.

[frankapotamous in reply to gajh]

Hello! Thanks for the reply. It depends on the situation but trying to accept the feelings and thoughts seems to be the biggest help.

[gajh in reply to frankapotamous]

Yes acceptance is a huge thing. I have been reading about ACT Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and working on that with my therapist.

[Agora1]

Hi frankapotamous...my sincere sympathy in the passing of your wife. You have taken

the first step in finding a caring community who understands.

You have a big responsibility in caring for your children alone and it doesn't surprise

me that you would spiral down at times.

As you go through life each day, know that you are not alone. We will walk with you

knowing and respecting your difficult path.

I'd like to Welcome you to the forum. xx

[Mountainlover57]

First of all, I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your wife and the mother of your children. It's very understandable to have anxiety at this point with the grief and responsibility of being a single parent. I have been a single parent and with anxiety and I understand. Cognitive behavioral therapy is very helpful for anxiety. Have you thought about joining a gym because I know that exercise is something that I have had to push myself to do for my anxiety. Having a good therapist is important too. Do you have a good support system?

[faucet]

Hi, very sorry for your loss but welcome to the group. I hope you find some help through the group and other resources for your anxiety. i know it can be debilitating