Has anxiety caused you to have a lonely life?

Hi Don, I'm sorry for your struggles. I have bipolar II, anxiety, and severe panic disorder. While I do have some family and friend support I can still understand your loneliness. I too am very reclusive. These conditions definitely limit me so visiting friends and family is mentally exhausting because I have to fight very hard with myself to be "normal". As a result I don't do much socially with others. I do have a spouse so that helps a bit but it doesn't mean I don't still feel the loneliness. Do you work? I'm somewhat functional so I do work although that's a huge struggle at times. Being around an office of people can sometimes help me. I also have a dog. They say pets can often help in the healing process. I know I rely on my dog very much. Its not uncommon for me to take her with me when I have to be out. I'll even take her to work with me if weather permits (I have to leave her in the car in our parking garage). She's done wonders for me. Maybe a pet can help? At least it forces you to take care of something else and they're a companion so you don't feel so alone.

I'm sorry your benefits limit therapy sessions. Not sure why they assume people can be cured by a specific amount of visits. Is there group therapy that is available? I found a local one and I'm starting group therapy in a few weeks. Its a good way to be with others as well. I find it to be a little relieving being in a room with others that also share the same struggles - no judgement. Maybe other online support groups such as this forum?

I understand how tough it is to have this awful condition. I wish for the day I can find that magic pill or to bump my head so everything falls back in place and I'm normal again. I often ask how this happened. It feels like it was just a sudden thing. I try and retrace my steps but no luck in finding an answer. I'm just stuck trying to clean up this mess.

Anytime you need support definitely post on the forum. I check at least once a day. I'll certainly try and offer support. 😊

Hi there, I've dealt with similar issues for the majority of my life.  I have always had social anxiety, though it's lessened over time (as things like health anxiety moved to the forefront).  I have a hard time interacting under certain conditions. I have managed to forge a small handful of friendships over the years, and it's because I found people who connected with me based on common interests.  I have a lot of passions and hobbies in niche, specialized areas, and finding people who share those interests has allowed me to forge friendships, and have the option of a limited social life even if I don't always pursue it (I tend to be a reclusive person because of the anxiety).  I'm naturally very awkward, and going through school as a kid I was constantly in a state of anxiety.  I find interacting with people to drain much of my energy, and there are only a few friends I can truly be myself around.  Most of my socialization has come from significant others, I've consistently had girlfriends over the years, and that was my main source of socialization asides from my small circle of friends.  It still remains a constant struggle though, and it's complicated by the other forms of anxiety I deal with.  My best advice would be to try to find people who have common interests with you.  I was able to use the internet to make connections and socialize with people who eventually became real life friends, or partners.  

yes it does make yyou lonely at times. And you lose friends and such. Aling the way youll find a new friend. Be patient rigt now your focusing on work and yourself, if you master being your friend you have accomplished a lot. 

Nithing erong with going out in public to be among people, the gym is a good place too. 

I can completely relate. When I feel fine I am perfectly social and kind and caring. This disorder is very isolating and it makes you selfish because it's PANIC TIME and it's right in your face. Then you're tired and want to be left alone and safe from outside things that make you/ us freak out. I personally think it takes a combination of therapy and medication or I should say that's what worked for me. I also keep a log/journal and keep writing about my progress or lack there of. I will not be defeated by this because I personally have came out of this s**t and gotten to the other side and it is glorious to be alive when you're feeling well. I won't stop until I take that sweet relaxing sigh and say that was crazy but it's in the past and now I can be productive and healthy and move forward. I am having a very hard time right now too. It's a struggle but you should know that many many of us are out there. I want you to know that I am happy to chat with you at anytime. It helps having someone to relate to. Counseling is frustrating sometimes because I don't really think they get it but maybe I'm just a Scrooge today. Let me know if you need to talk. You're not alone.

Yesssss I'm 33 single mom of 3 it's very lonley when nobody wants to hear u say man my leg hurts are my belly is upset are dang my elbow is bothering me

Hi there.  I've had anxiety with panic attacks for over 13 years.  They started when I was 19 and in college.  I've been on sertraline (100 mg once a day) for those 13 years.  It helps, but it isn't a miracle drug, and I stil have to deal with the panic attacks on what seems a daily basis.  Has my disorder made me lonely?  Well, I have two 4 year old twins and a really caring significant other.  In that sense, no.  In other senses, like, do I feel alone in having to deal with the panic attacks, yes,  Sometimes I feel lonely in the sense that I must be the only one on earth suffering with panic attacks.  Whenever I go to the emergency room because I think I'm having a heart attack, I feel lonely because I can't imagine anyone else going to the E.R. for the same stupid reason that keeps me returning to it.  I feel especially lonely when it's 2 A.M. in the emergency room and I'm in a room, all by myself, waiting on a chest x ray and blood work to come back just to tell me I'm normal and it's all in my head.