Had anxiety occasionally over twenty years . It hasn't stopped me doing anything except for a few weeks off work three times over the years. Just retired fom my job as a drug counsellor which was stressful . Much much worse since then !!!!!!!! No distraction is probably the problem . Any other folk had similar experience.
yes. being on your own with nothing to do is a bit of a nightmare. best to be occupoied. Maybe you could volunteer somewhere to keep occupied, or take up a sport or a hobby. Drawing and painting work for me as you have to focus on what you are doing and get a sense of achievement. Any exercise helps a great deal even if it only going for a walk. Join groups like a local theatre group or a choir perhaps depending on your social anxiety. Perhaps if not too stressful you could use your experience to give advice on forums about drugs. Join a book club or creative writing group. Get out and about as much as possible without tiring yourself out. Dont stay stuck at home. Good luck.
Hi Sue.
I retired from Social Work after 45 years and started another job where I have had nothng to do. The pace has changed from manic to sta with nothing to do.
I have been through the worst nightmare in terms of stress and panic atacks.
It has been absolute hell.
I am a little better now but have a long way to go.
Let me know how you go.
Christine
Its perhaps because you have, like me had more time to dwell on your own thoughts and not having to spend time on other peoples problems. Since my retirement from a consultancy nearly 15 years ago, I've found that I had to fill my time by quite a lot of physical activity each with an end in sight. I've spent much time walking the local unused footpaths and joined a group that does that; as a side line to this I studued the local wildlife, especially plants with the results being kept in the local reference library. All with the help of my black labradors which have proved invaluable in being constant companions. Whilst these specifics may not be for you, I think in general terms you need to set limited objectives for youself with timescales in some matter that has previously taken your interest. From pne others can develope giving you a new sense of self worth and less time to dwell on your own worries. Best of luck. Bendog