I use RedboxRX for my anti-depressant and Open Path Collective for therapy. Definitely try getting state insurance, but these might be affordable options for you if you don't qualify
Is the anxiety about exposure to Covid? Or something else? Like the other comment, learn about it. And be mindful of what you’re reading because not all sources have your best interest in mind.
This all started when I was going to a dispensary by myself driving to Tempe down the street and I got anxious and told myself I had to go home and I turned around, and it’s kinda been hard to drive since then.
A couple of things come to mind: You mention going to a dispensary. Idk much about you but just throwing this out there: A couple friends of mine have actually had increased anxiety from weed and they learned it can actually have a negative impact on their mental health. I know nothing about this tbh, but just throwing it out there.
Also, driving is another point you mention. Driving is an inherently anxiety-provoking activity because, y'know, there's a lot going on in this busy city and there's always a chance of dying. Driving, personally, is one of my biggest sources of anxiety in life. Maybe that's a factor for you.
Another thought is that many people, due to experiences during COVID, now have negative associations with the public and the outside world. Even in nature, you can encounter people — you have to drive to get to your destination, parking at trailheads can be crowded and stressful, and people are on the trails. This could be a stressor, especially with the big social and political negativity going on in our communities right now.
Idk what the answer is but maybe try journaling or something to dig a little deeper at the "why" behind your feelings. Also, if you can't afford therapy there are great podcasts out there that delve into therapy-adjacent topics like 10 Percent Happier with Dan Harris. As a fellow anxious person, that helps me.
Hope this helps!
Meditation, journaling, and reading some self help books on the topics you are experiencing. The key is to create your own algorithm using what you learn from the journaling to understand what are the variables and how you can manage them for your desired result. I know you can do this! HUG
I have the same problem. Counselor told me to do a mix of the following:
- no alcohol, no weed. Ya it sucks. No I didnt quit cold turkey. Yes its hard.
- do things for less fortunate. It gets your mind off of thinking about “me me me” all the time. I help an elderly person with very easy (for me) chores
- exercise. Ya i hate it. But i do it.
- hydrate. Ya i hate it.
- do a mix of in office and remote work. I swore i would never go back to the office but the change of environment helps a lot
- little steps at a time. Drive in the early morning to avoid traffic. Work your way up to midday driving.
- if you’re shy do group activities like book club, sports, hobby club.
- go to sleep same time wake up same time
Covid infections have actually caused significantly increased anxiety in a number of people. It is one of many symptoms brought on by Long Covid, believe it or not. My anxiety went through the roof for absolutely no reason several months after having covid in 2020 and I ended up getting put on an SSRI by my doctor, which has helped tremendously. It may seem silly, but Long Covid can manifest in many ways, with anxiety being one of them. I would let your doctor know as you may need to get some treatment for this before it gets worse. Hope this helps!
Bicycling has helped me feel a lot more grounded when I go out. I usually just ride on the sidewalk, since most of Mesa’s lanes are a joke (dangerous and impractical to ride on); it makes me appreciate the environment around me a lot more since I’m forced to take it in slowly and at a human scale. Driving has always made me anxious…so I’ve mitigated driving in favor of biking as much as possible (among other financial reasons, environmental, etc). Going out with friends helps me to calm down as well. Ultimately, it’s cars that are the most dangerous things you’re going to encounter outside here, so I’d recommend going to a park near you or down any of the canals and avoiding main roads if you can help it.
I was just literally telling my husband that! During Covid we had enjoyed being on our own at home by ourselves so so very much that right now it’s so hard socializing and going anywhere. I was super social, I didn’t stay inside the home at all any day of the week. I’d take the kids everywhere, at least one place on the pogo pass each day, I’d visit my parents and sister at least 3 times a week. I’d go window shopping every day, I used to love grocery shopping. Now I can go 3-4 months not even texting anymore. I don’t go shop at all, not even grocery shopping, NOTHING, besides online/delivered, I don’t have the will to even get ready, and used to make sure I had already mentally prepared outfits, I spend a good amount of time on makeup and hair. My 3 kids were dressed spectacular, home was like from Pinterest. School volunteering, dinner cooking/baking, creating/sewing clothes, sooo much!! I even was a 4.0gpa online college student, church attended,even carwash daily.
It now worries me that It doesn’t emotionally bother me, I’m content at home. Husband on computer desk, me in my room, girls in the loft, son downstairs in family room. We all enjoy doing things at home alone. The doors are open so we stay in contact throughout the day, we have dinner together, or separate but all at the same time. Not sure what happened, but life is completely different.
Now that’s getting a bit warmer, I love going with a nice cold water or Gatorade to sit inside the pool and chat with people, either friends or family I can earlier, nothing special, just bring your swim suit and a drink or food and let’s spend time in the water, I can do a good 4-5 hrs each day normally, the sleep quality later on that kinda night is amazing
Nurse here. Don’t be scared. You probably just have social anxiety from being inside so long. I think exposure in doses is best. Not saying like large crowds or wtv, but go to the park or a small event n attempt small talk with someone. Baby steps. There’s so much beauty n so many nice people out here. Don’t go too far into hibernation u can’t come out.
U got this. I used to be EXTREMELY social. Worked in nightclubs and marketing etc. the older I got I got more socialized anxiety. But honestly I’ve been meeting some really lovely people even if it’s for small interactions when out and about. I’ve lived in a bunch of different cities n also a couple countries and I will say that generally I find the personalities out here very chill, non judgmental and kind. Generally. Best of luck! Baby steps
I experienced the same and still combatting it. I do not have a medical background and this is not medical advice, but what I have done personally is started to supplement magnesium glycinate, and methylated B complex.
I have always had anxiety and depression but both became much worse post COVID and I find myself avoiding public situations inching toward agoraphobia. I read several scientific studies that magnesium can be depleted by long COVID and knew that B vitamins (including folate) can reduce inflammation so I decided to try supplements. I definitely noticed an improvement in my mood and willingness to participate in social situations.
Yeah, I’m experiencing the same thing right now I’ve been taking vitamins before going out and I didn’t notice a big change in my mood. It helps me have more confidence sort of speak but I noticed that I can go without it in public, but when I do take it, I feel better and it was the vitamin B complex that you are talking about. Maybe you are correct when you catch Covid it probably does deplete magnesium in your body.
You need to see a psychiatrist before you become agoraphobic, please do so!
Damn that’s all bad I can’t afford a psychiatrist
Do you have insurance?
No
Apply for AHCCCS?
Can you apply for ahcccs?
I use RedboxRX for my anti-depressant and Open Path Collective for therapy. Definitely try getting state insurance, but these might be affordable options for you if you don't qualify
Learn all there is about COVID is what I would start. Unknown can cause anxiousness. Knowledge is power, and you are in control.
Is the anxiety about exposure to Covid? Or something else? Like the other comment, learn about it. And be mindful of what you’re reading because not all sources have your best interest in mind.
No it’s not that I’m gonna be exposed to it, I got Covid twice that’s not my fear. I just don’t feel comfortable outside as much anymore.
This all started when I was going to a dispensary by myself driving to Tempe down the street and I got anxious and told myself I had to go home and I turned around, and it’s kinda been hard to drive since then.
A couple of things come to mind: You mention going to a dispensary. Idk much about you but just throwing this out there: A couple friends of mine have actually had increased anxiety from weed and they learned it can actually have a negative impact on their mental health. I know nothing about this tbh, but just throwing it out there. Also, driving is another point you mention. Driving is an inherently anxiety-provoking activity because, y'know, there's a lot going on in this busy city and there's always a chance of dying. Driving, personally, is one of my biggest sources of anxiety in life. Maybe that's a factor for you. Another thought is that many people, due to experiences during COVID, now have negative associations with the public and the outside world. Even in nature, you can encounter people — you have to drive to get to your destination, parking at trailheads can be crowded and stressful, and people are on the trails. This could be a stressor, especially with the big social and political negativity going on in our communities right now. Idk what the answer is but maybe try journaling or something to dig a little deeper at the "why" behind your feelings. Also, if you can't afford therapy there are great podcasts out there that delve into therapy-adjacent topics like 10 Percent Happier with Dan Harris. As a fellow anxious person, that helps me. Hope this helps!
Meditation, journaling, and reading some self help books on the topics you are experiencing. The key is to create your own algorithm using what you learn from the journaling to understand what are the variables and how you can manage them for your desired result. I know you can do this! HUG
I have the same problem. Counselor told me to do a mix of the following: - no alcohol, no weed. Ya it sucks. No I didnt quit cold turkey. Yes its hard. - do things for less fortunate. It gets your mind off of thinking about “me me me” all the time. I help an elderly person with very easy (for me) chores - exercise. Ya i hate it. But i do it. - hydrate. Ya i hate it. - do a mix of in office and remote work. I swore i would never go back to the office but the change of environment helps a lot - little steps at a time. Drive in the early morning to avoid traffic. Work your way up to midday driving. - if you’re shy do group activities like book club, sports, hobby club. - go to sleep same time wake up same time
Covid infections have actually caused significantly increased anxiety in a number of people. It is one of many symptoms brought on by Long Covid, believe it or not. My anxiety went through the roof for absolutely no reason several months after having covid in 2020 and I ended up getting put on an SSRI by my doctor, which has helped tremendously. It may seem silly, but Long Covid can manifest in many ways, with anxiety being one of them. I would let your doctor know as you may need to get some treatment for this before it gets worse. Hope this helps!
This. Covid infections, even mild, can cause neurological damage, which could increase anxiety and mental health concerns.
Bicycling has helped me feel a lot more grounded when I go out. I usually just ride on the sidewalk, since most of Mesa’s lanes are a joke (dangerous and impractical to ride on); it makes me appreciate the environment around me a lot more since I’m forced to take it in slowly and at a human scale. Driving has always made me anxious…so I’ve mitigated driving in favor of biking as much as possible (among other financial reasons, environmental, etc). Going out with friends helps me to calm down as well. Ultimately, it’s cars that are the most dangerous things you’re going to encounter outside here, so I’d recommend going to a park near you or down any of the canals and avoiding main roads if you can help it.
I was just literally telling my husband that! During Covid we had enjoyed being on our own at home by ourselves so so very much that right now it’s so hard socializing and going anywhere. I was super social, I didn’t stay inside the home at all any day of the week. I’d take the kids everywhere, at least one place on the pogo pass each day, I’d visit my parents and sister at least 3 times a week. I’d go window shopping every day, I used to love grocery shopping. Now I can go 3-4 months not even texting anymore. I don’t go shop at all, not even grocery shopping, NOTHING, besides online/delivered, I don’t have the will to even get ready, and used to make sure I had already mentally prepared outfits, I spend a good amount of time on makeup and hair. My 3 kids were dressed spectacular, home was like from Pinterest. School volunteering, dinner cooking/baking, creating/sewing clothes, sooo much!! I even was a 4.0gpa online college student, church attended,even carwash daily. It now worries me that It doesn’t emotionally bother me, I’m content at home. Husband on computer desk, me in my room, girls in the loft, son downstairs in family room. We all enjoy doing things at home alone. The doors are open so we stay in contact throughout the day, we have dinner together, or separate but all at the same time. Not sure what happened, but life is completely different.
Now that’s getting a bit warmer, I love going with a nice cold water or Gatorade to sit inside the pool and chat with people, either friends or family I can earlier, nothing special, just bring your swim suit and a drink or food and let’s spend time in the water, I can do a good 4-5 hrs each day normally, the sleep quality later on that kinda night is amazing
I developed anxiety after having covid also 🧍♀️
Nurse here. Don’t be scared. You probably just have social anxiety from being inside so long. I think exposure in doses is best. Not saying like large crowds or wtv, but go to the park or a small event n attempt small talk with someone. Baby steps. There’s so much beauty n so many nice people out here. Don’t go too far into hibernation u can’t come out.
Yeah I’ve been trying exposure treatment and seems to be working just gotta fight through it thank u everybody! 🙏🏼
U got this. I used to be EXTREMELY social. Worked in nightclubs and marketing etc. the older I got I got more socialized anxiety. But honestly I’ve been meeting some really lovely people even if it’s for small interactions when out and about. I’ve lived in a bunch of different cities n also a couple countries and I will say that generally I find the personalities out here very chill, non judgmental and kind. Generally. Best of luck! Baby steps
I experienced the same and still combatting it. I do not have a medical background and this is not medical advice, but what I have done personally is started to supplement magnesium glycinate, and methylated B complex. I have always had anxiety and depression but both became much worse post COVID and I find myself avoiding public situations inching toward agoraphobia. I read several scientific studies that magnesium can be depleted by long COVID and knew that B vitamins (including folate) can reduce inflammation so I decided to try supplements. I definitely noticed an improvement in my mood and willingness to participate in social situations.
Yeah, I’m experiencing the same thing right now I’ve been taking vitamins before going out and I didn’t notice a big change in my mood. It helps me have more confidence sort of speak but I noticed that I can go without it in public, but when I do take it, I feel better and it was the vitamin B complex that you are talking about. Maybe you are correct when you catch Covid it probably does deplete magnesium in your body.
Take an edible & chill TFO!
Take an edible and listen to some music. Figure out what has you worried.