Thank you for this. I think I am so used to just trying to get on with it and not let people see how I feel that I really struggle when I see the psychiatrist. I only see her really to try and sort out some medication that works, but I get sent copies of the letter she sends the GP after each appointment and they all start by saying that I am well dressed with no signs of self-neglect and am able to have a coherent conversation with appropriate eye contact. The problem is that I hate talking about myself and I get very anxious talking to her and I can't make her understand how bad I feel most of the time.

Thanks. I actually do a lot of walking as I walk my dog twice a day. Usually I have to force myself to do it but I have to as it is not fair to make him suffer because of me. I do feel less stressed when I am walking but then I get back home and it all just hits me again.

Thank you for your post, there is a lot in there to think about. I have to admit that this bit made me laugh - there has been a joke going round this week in the UK: I don't know why Americans are making so much fuss about the eclipse - we haven't seen the sun since June!