Where the hell is TOPTON, PA?

Hey I've noticed a few others suggesting cognitive behaviour therapy. That was part of my trauma therapy. I also did some group counseling for a while that helped a little . But only to give me evidence that they actually knew very well what I was going through. They would have a topic and printed out papers to follow along with and I kept noticing that they were describing my personal experiences. Over and over I noticed it until I admitted I must have typical experiences not unique as I thought. After enough time seeing my life printed in front of me I decided they must have tons of research in this area and as follows. If they have suggested solutions they are probably founded on proven success since they detailed every private emotional experience I'd had down to a T. . I considered counseling for more than 18 years saying I'd probably get around to it. Finally a small investment of time made loads of differences. YOU ARE NOT ALONE And others will understand your experiences

Ok . Yes I do. I've suffered from anxiety and panic attacks over 20 years . So bad I am diagnosed SMI because of it. A few tricks. B-100 vitamins. No joke. They have to be b-100 not some multi or balanced scrap. This specific blend has a perfect ratio of B's. And they are in the range of 6000% of the suggested daily amount . The B's are responsible for thinking . Emotional stability and energy production. Seriously they cost just over 6 dollars at Wal-Mart. It's worth a try. I take 2 at a time. Never had any Ill effects no mater how many I tried.
Next. A small amount of outside exercise. . Go out at night if you can't be around people . Solid scientific studies have tons of evidence to back this . Just go for a night walk. Doesn't matter what direction. Just get out and walking when you feel anxiety..walking and smelling the breeze will do amazing things.
Ready for #3 trauma therapy . It's the single most useful thing I've done to change my anxiety. I only went like 5 times and what it started got the ball rolling..turns out anxiety is a sort of side affect of trying not to have your past or current emotions. You might think you are blocking them just fine but terrible anxiety is sort of pressure escaping from bottling your shit up and just starting to have your emotions rather than taking a hard line against feeling things you don't like makes serious changes in no longer considered SMI . Feel free to message me back I have a lot to say on these topics

Try kava kava (that's what I take when I need it), or else get cognitive behavior therapy using your employment health insurance. It sounds curable to me. In ten years you might decide to run for governor.

get a bigger hyper dog

Start by saying hi

I have similar feelings. I sometimes just go out to my local bar and hangout. I've successfully struck a conversation or two with strangers that way.

Go have a beer.

Hold an open house starting with neighbors or coworkers.

Stay strong. Take time making friends

I'm at the opposite end of the spectrum. I'm alone, been divorced since '98. I find it hard to go out and just have dinner on my own, so I don't. I do occasionally, but it is rare. I have to force myself to go, have dinner, either sit there staring at a wall or read a book or magazine. Reading helps. It also helps me slow down, so I'm not gulping down my food. Find a park, get a portable chair, and a long leash (if needed). Go sit in shade of a nice tree, listen to music, read a book, have a little wine (or something) and have fun. Talk to strangers -- the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Only 2 comments and they've already said everything I was going to. Lots of other people on this site going through the same thing. Don't feel comfortable posting their names but if you want I can message their profile names to you. Peace.

I keep saying I’m going to try this but still haven’t: there are single sites that do camping, boating, river rafting you might want to try.

I know how you feel, I left my friends 250 miles away 20 years ago, and I still only have coworkers as my friends and only one of them I do things once in a while outside of work....it kinda sucks!

Hi Steph - are you seeing a counsellor or taking meds for your anxiety? Perhaps a support group could help?

Obviously I do not know how serious your anxiety is, and please do not feel obligated to explain further, but if you feel it is something that you might be able to manage with some personal strategies, I would suggest mindfulness through meditation or cognitive behaviour therapy.

Just a few thoughts. Best of luck and feel free to message if you like. Cheers!

I hear you. I moved 3 hours to a new state, away from everyone I spent time with. My advice is to focus on activities you like- I joined a tennis league and a pool league. Gets me out of the house, doing things I like, and I get to meet people who share interests with... I've not made any new BFF's yet, but I have a few new names in my contact list