Battling anxiety
Hello. I'm 26 years old and have lived with anxiety for most of my life. I've learned to manage it really well over the years but lately it's been peaking to new levels.
I moved out on my own for the first time about two months ago (moved in with my partner), in a new area and farther from my family than I'd like.
I feel like there are too many emotions and feelings bubbling under the surface that are now coming to a head and I am struggling with dealing all of them.
My anxiety is getting to the point where I feel afraid to leave my apartment alone and Sometimes I won't leave the house for days at a time (which is a new experience for me.)
I feel lost, alone, confused, sometime angry, and helpless.
Hello @Julycrab0722 ~ Thank you for sharing and know that you are not alone in feeling this way. I have also struggled with some mild agoraphobia (fear of leaving your house) in the past and it can be ridiculously frustrating and difficult to overcome. From your thread, it sounds like you are undergoing a large amount of change all at once. Moving on it's own is an extremely overwhelming and hard transition for anyone to make, but also significantly changing your living situation inside and outside the home in regards to your partner and being further from your family makes it that much harder. It sounds like any sense of stability you had has been swept under your feet and your just trying to find the ground again. I think what I would do if I was in your situation, which is merely just one person's opinion, is try to regain some of that stability. Establish a routine and follow it to create some kind of consistency in your every day life. And maybe that doesn't involve leaving the house much right now, don't beat yourself up, you will eventually overcome that, but sometimes all you need is to just feel safe and not have anymore change for a while. I would also try to visiting/calling/facetiming your family or anyone who is a comforting, supportive and familiar face in your life. And journal, write it all out, release any fear, concerns, worries, and just put it on paper and read it. Lastly, explore your new neighborhood. Is there a cute cafe, restaurant or park that you can visit by yourself? Find out what your new favorite places are and go there often.
Hope my words bring you some comfort during this difficult time. Have a beautiful weekend :)
