Hi

[JungleJulia]

Hi all, I'm new here but I've often ended up viewing the forums when I start googling things about my anxiety. I've had anxiety and depression and some other mental health stuff for the past 12 years. lately I'm really struggling with my health anxiety. I saw my doctor who confirmed that my symptoms are anxiety but I'm struggling to believe him. The symptoms are really distressing me 😞 I feel like it's hard to focus on getting on with my life so everything ends up at a standstill while I'm anxious. I haven't worked a "normal" job since my anxiety started due to this. Anyway, I'll stop rambling, it'll be nice to connect with others who understand!

[Matchy69]

Hi Jungle Julia how are you this morning I had a busy morning out in the garden and paid some bills online and am about to do my online shopping.I really don't have to go out much at all these days.This helps with my anxiety not having to go out as much.Its only when I have to take the kids to the big town for appointments that I get really anxious.
Take care,
Mark.

[JungleJulia]

Hi Mark! I'm ok. My anxiety about physical symptoms is still there but I've been trying to focus on other things (walking my dog and doing a bit of work). Gardening sounds great! I hope that moving regional allows me to have a garden too 🙂 yeah everything can be done from home now. It helps my anxiety too. I prefer shopping online. The silver lining of coronavirus is that so much more is available from home now (especially Telehealth and more work from home opportunities). Do you have agoraphobia? Or is it the driving? Or crowds? Personally, I have some agoraphobia 😕

[Matchy69]

Hi Julia yes I have been diagnosed with agoraphobia years ago I certainly don't like crowds and try to avoid them if I can.I get very anxious driving when I am in traffic.Out here is ok as their is hardly and traffic but when I go into the big town I get very anxious.Thats good you have a a dog they are great company and good exercise for you when you go for walks.I have a cat that came with the house when I bought it.
Take care,
Mark.

[Guest_4643]

Nice to meet you too, JungleJulia

[JungleJulia]

A cat came with the house! That's so cool! Pets are a great distraction and support.

Yeah I get panic attacks while driving these days. I used to be ok but the last 6 months or so it's gotten so bad. I panic if I get a red light. It's pretty unavoidable so I pretty much don't drive any more 😞

[Matchy69]

Hi Julia yes when bought the house their was a stray cat hanging around starving so I adopted it.

I can understand about the panic attacks while driving.I really am so grateful to get out of the city and on these quiet country roads but unfortunately I have to take the kids into the city for appointments.It might be worth trying driving around the quieter streets if you have some around you and just avoid the bigger towns.

Tale care,

Mark.