I can't be alone

[Whatsinaname]

Hi,

I hope everyone is well, I'm in rural victoria so heading into lock down again.

I've been working from home since march, in the office on and off. I always thought it would be great to work from home but turns out if I'm alone to much my anxiety sneaks up on me.

I have a bad habit of ruminating and distractions are what stops me. If I'm alone there is nothing stopping me.

The idea of being locked down from seeing my parents and even my inlaws is terrifying.

I'm lucky, I'm allowed to work from my parents house, due to my anxiety. But it does make me.wonder, how happy can I ever be if I cant be alone?

[Emmen]

Hello Whatsinaname,

I'm really to sorry to hear about your situation. Thank you for reaching out to us today.

The lockdowns are something that is out of our hands and we have to think of ways to cope within it. You sound like you know very well what works for you and what doesn't. I wonder if you've considered other ways of achieving the same 'effect' of a distraction while being alone. For instance, activities like jogging, art or even playing mindless, repetitive mobile games can have a therapeutic effect when you feel like your anxiety is rising. Another suggestion would be to video call your parents or in-laws and have them simply be 'present' on your phone since they can't be there in person. I personally also like video calling friends and having online games sessions with them. It's not the same as being together physically, but it does lift my mood.

You most certainly can be happy once you've found a way to cope with being alone, please don't lose hope. I hope some of the strategies I've suggested help, or give you more inspiration on what to try. If you need to talk more, do post in this thread.

Warmly,
M