Panic about living alone

[Christo]

Hi everyone

I live alone and suffer with GAD, being alone seems to flare it up, I try not to think about being alone, but I can feel the panic building, it scares me that i'm losing control of my mind, I try to busy myself but the feeling comes over me in waves of panic, and i'm really struggling to control it. Anyone got any coping strategies please?

[Stormsky]

Firstly you are not losing your mind...
Being alone means too much thinking time, as that's not good for Anx sufferers..
When I'm alone I keep busy, I don't let negative thoughts in, or allow myself to wallow ...if ou expect to feel worse when alone, you will.. We get what we ask for..
If I tell myself I'm going to feel panicky alone, then guaranteed I will get what I asked for!
Also you shouldn't spend all day reading, talking and thinking of Anx...your mind can't get over it if you continuously think of it.... You need to live in the world, not in your head, go out and do something

[Snoodlester]

I have the same problem - I haven't got any strategies so I'd be keen to hear if anyone's got any ideas. It is all about keeping busy/interested in hobbies, etc but it's not enough for me right now

[inCOGnito]

As Stormsky said.. try and get out. Socialising and fresh air will help and make you appreciate being home alone a little more.

By all means do activities that help take your mind off the anxiety but not at the expense of addressing it. Anxiety is a message from the body wanting you to take notice. Spend some time with it through meditation, through experiencing it fully, or acceptance. self-therapy.org helps with this.

[Christo]

Thank you Stormsky, i think your right, I am so immersed in trying to find out whats wrong with me It is consuming my life, maybe I do need to step back a little and try to focus on other positive things..

inCOGnito, thank you too for your comments, I will try to limit my focus on my GAD, but your right it does need to be dealt with.

Thank you both for your advice.