((((((finestitcher))))))) i too deal with severe chronic back and leg pain. throw depression and anxiety in the mix and what an aweful cocktail that is. i feel your words and know where you are coming from. i too locked away myself from the world (see screen name). it seems like the thing to do at times and maybe even the easy thing to do rather than deal with life's blows. i am glad you found us here. atleast you have an outlet. but please dont completely isolate yourself. cutting yourself of from the world will only make the depression and anxiety worse. i know from experience. we sometimes think we can go it alone. do it all on our own. but the truth is, we do need others in our lives. which is what initially lead me here.

gentle hugs to you
recluse1