How to not let your anxiety control your life...

Hi

My anxiety and fears have gotten so bad that all I do is sleep, take my meds, eat sometimes but not very much, and let my dog outside every hour and a half.

How do I stop this cycle of becoming a hermit?

I am truly scared.

it took a chance in meds for me to quit isolating, get another job and get out. i still am tempted to stay in, but now i have to go out.........the meds made the difference. xoxoxoxo pat

Good question!

I find it helpful to try Not to focus on the anxiety/fear.

Distractions can be helpful, computer games, listening to music, going for a walk, doing something different to take the mind off it.

Relaxation- buy a tape and practice it every day, difficult to do when you feel like running away.

Breathing- for when the panic gets really bad. Yes I have breathed into a paper bag for 10 minutes, or you can cup your hands over your mouth and concentrate on slowing it down.

Take care.

I ended up going to a pdoc to get meds... My cycle was very simliar to yours so I can really related. I had never been on meds before but wanting to break the cycle - I finally called an agency crying and crying and they saw me that day. They inisited that I also see a T as well as the pdoc. She was so kind and comforting to me that I found a reason to get up and then the meds finally started to kick in. And I really did start to feel better.

Hang in there..

I, too, am on meds. I will make a difference if you aren't on them.
I would close the curtains, lock the door and sleep.
I hope things will get better for you.

Linda