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Anxiety and living alone.

Denv12Senior Contributor22 Aug 2014, 7:02 am AEST

Anxiety and living alone.

Considering what I've been through and how I'm coping now its been a long road.What gets me down in my moments of weakness is the fact that I live on my own with anxiety.I had a carer but they themselves became ill.I get by with a little help once a week and the local supermarket delivers.Means I just order and they deliver the groceries.I have to get people to do my other outside chores for me like checking my postbox,etc.

As I budget carefully I can afford some things.I have the internet here at home.I can acess these forums so at least I have some contact during the day.I can be of help to others at least which stops me focusing on my own problems.

When I switch off the computer at times I realise I'm on my own again.That need for companionship arises.The need for people and communication and a chat over a cuppa.Just someone who isnt the other side of a computer.A person,a friend to spend time with.I can get through most days at the best of times but its the isolation that makes me realise how fragile our lives can be.

Chris.

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In response to: Anxiety and living alone.

NebSenior Contributor02 Sept 2014, 7:33 am AEST

Re: Anxiety and living alone.

I agree, I find a walk when I am feeling low or lonesome is very therapeutic . I love watching the seasons flow having come from the subtropics, charming spring green of new leaf and the budding of annuals,also the cats I meet, I always say hi to everyone I pass, particularly the young men who should be working but unemployment is very high in my town.....no- one should think that they are invisible, I can walk usually through my daily rosary and I am fortunate to be able to drop in and see folks at home with little ones.

It is ridiculous what gives me anxiety attacks, but it still does. I hate to be seen at times and so going for a walk requires a great effort!

In response to: Anxiety and living alone.

Denv12Senior Contributor03 Sept 2014, 3:05 pm AEST

Re: Anxiety and living alone.

After posting this I started looking around through the online bookshops trying to find books just for people who could benefit from relearning social communication.Just books to learn just basic communications skills so just having a conversation with new people would be easier.I did find several.I listed a few of them above in my post.Here's the one I bought this week:

"What to talk about :on a plane,at a cocktail party,in a tiny elevator,with your bosses boss".By Chris Colin.

Ooops.Just realised I had mentioned it before.I bought the book because I needed help with the situation too.

In response to: Anxiety and living alone.

jimmy1982Contributor09 Mar 2015, 7:56 pm AEDT

Re: Anxiety and living alone.

Hey Chris
I Know How You Feel , Ive Lived Those Feelings To,
Im Not Sure If You Are In A position To , But Have You Considered Getting A Dog ? Great companions , Can Help You get Out Of The House To , A Good Walk , Fresh Air Or Even a Run Can Work wonders On The moral ,
Hope Things Get better
Jimmy

In response to: Re: Anxiety and living alone.

Denv12Senior Contributor10 Mar 2015, 6:56 am AEDT

Re: Anxiety and living alone.

Hi Jimmy.

Thank you for your reply.

I have chronic fatigue syndrome,that in itself makes going anywhere due to the severity of it.I'm in cfs groups/forums catering for it. I get outside and walk within the premisis. I have various volunteers who visit.Not having a social life is annoying.

Where I live I'm not able to have a pet such as a dog or cat.Pet birds are okay.Strata regulations.Not really in any hurry to get a pet bird despite having bought a few books on them.

Chris.

In response to: Re: Anxiety and living alone.

kenny66Senior Contributor10 Mar 2015, 10:27 pm AEDT

Re: Anxiety and living alone.

I have 3 cats which are my best company. I know quite a few people, most of whom have an MI.

It sort of gives us a common purpose and interest, so those relationships are great.

I had my birthday today while I was at my compulsory clinic stay, and it was great. The nurses and even the psych tuned up, apart from all my MI friends/acquaintance's.

I wander around the shops up the road a bit so I can meet people that way. I am in a small village so mostly people, like the chemist, post office lady and the butcher etc know me.

I leverage these contacts a lot because it gives a communication point of contact. I am probably a little too forward in talking to people but I haven't had any bad experiences yet from it.

There are a lot of nice people on the form to talk to as well. Where i live is very isolated but I try to communicate with whoever I can, when I can.

I have a friends who has a parrot that sings a lot. He seems to find having a companionship bird rewarding.

An inner realisation of the value of my worth somehow lessens the feeling of loneliness.

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