Dear JayHawk
Hello and welcome to the forum. Anxiety can be so all-consuming that you cannot work out how to manage. Having some pre-planned activities to turn to when you feel distressed is always a good thing.
If you think online activities may help I suggest you go to the BB Social Zone. You can chat in the virtual cafes and play a number of games that various people have set up. It is quite a lively area. There is also the forum called Young People for those aged 12-25 though this is by no means an exclusive area.
Do you have friends reasonably nearby? Perhaps you can go out for a day somewhere. Pleas excuse me if there are no recreational places near you. I do not know where you live. Staying in the house on your own may be a bit dodgy as it will give you time to brood and get upset.
Do you have hobbies of any sort? Mostly I have house centred activities as this is what I like but you may be a completely different person. I do agree that any form of exercise is good for you, from going for a walk to joining the local gym and getting fit. Exercise releases endorphins into the body which makes you feel good. Two for the price of one. Fitness and happiness.
How do you go when out on your own? Does this cause anxiety? I am wondering, assuming you have one, what about going to the cinema? There have been times when going to the cinema have saved me from being at home when I was less able to cope with it.
This is a long term suggestion, although you could start now. Have you thought of meditation? This is not for when you are all jangled up as we so often are, but a long term practice to help calm the inner you. Once you 'get it' then you can use the process to calm yourself at other times.
Has anyone given you any mental pictures to help carry you through a bad time? I have often recommended a small book called Living With IT by Bev Aisbett. IT is anxiety and how to manage. It's an easy read with a few cartoons to keep you amused on the way. You may not be able to get this before your parents go away but look out for it as it will probably be useful on your journey. There is a great description about floating down the river away from IT.
Hope you will continue to post here.
Mary
I want to also suggest you look at this time as a way to measure your progress. You have written in here which is a huge plus. What else can you do? Can you stay in a comfortable area of your home such as the verandah and watch the world? Would this be bearable for a short time?
