Hi there, I'm so sorry to hear about your predicament.

About the neck pain, I really don't have enough context to say what could be causing that ... I really feel you should get that checked out by a doc.

Now, coming to your exercise program: Yes, start very slowly, and work your way up as you feel ready for it. As for your fear of collapsing, I seriously doubt that. Don't be afraid to take that first step. This is really the wisest thing I could recommend to anyone on this planet. Exercise does absolute wonders for us. It saved my life. I cannot emphasize this enough. Let exercise form the foundation for your recovery.

In general, I think what's missing in your life is a sense of having control. When we feel like we don't have control over our lives, we can begin to feel overwhelmed and helpless and powerless.

Some ideas to help regain control:
- Exercise, good nutrition, 8 hours of sleep: This is the foundation ... good health.
- Better time management: Come up with lists of things you do that you shouldn't, and things you don't do that you should. Make time for the more important things and cut out the non-essentials. For example, less time for Facebook, more time for exercise and preparing healthful meals.
- Better organization of things at home: A filthy or cluttered home can be very depressing to live in. Throw out or donate things you don't need, organize things so they are easy to find.
- Decorate your home: Make your home an soothing and comfortable environment for yourself. Pot a plant, get a few candles, put up some art work on the walls, etc. This can make a huge difference. Make your home a place you want to come home to.
- Regularity in your daily routine: Establish a well-defined yet flexible routine, that will give you a sense of stability and predictability and control. Plan your sleep, your meals, and be consistent. A routine can really help restore normalcy in a life otherwise full of chaos or emptiness.
- Find a hobby or hobbies: Stay occupied. An idle mind is the devil's workshop. There are a million things to do in this world. Find a few that appeal to you and make each day count. Do something you find interesting, whether that's knitting or playing sports or learning to dance, whatever.

Hope this helps.