Boredom Anxiety

[Aussiemix]

Hi, just a rant/whine, I have been getting better in leaps and bounds since my breakdown in Oct last year and while in doing things or at work I'm more or less anxiety free, but the moment I sit down at home with nothi g to do it comes back with a vengence.

Even when my wife and kids are home I feel alone and bored beyond belief if I'm not actively engaged in doing something, the dog has never been walked more and the kids are sick of being taken out to the beach/river etc, I use the deep breathing and cbt diversion therapy but the lead weight in my chest creeps in and I can "taste" the anxiety in my throat. I have avoided meds, I don't think that as I'm 'good' most of the time I want to start messing with buspar, and I haven't needed sleeping pills in over a mont

I have read that recovery from a breakdown can take years, or at least six months (for those that have anxiety daily my heart goes out to you), anyone else here recovering from a breakdown? I just want the squirrels to stop playing with the wiring in my head!

[Cuchculan]

I guess the most obvious answer is that you need to find things to do. Something to occupy your mind. It might be something you always wanted to try out but never got around to it. Just the more time we have to sit there with our thoughts, the worse it can get for us. So we need things to do. To stop us getting bored with life. Just have a think. See if you can come up with something you would like to do. Be it a new hobby or anything really. Something that will give you focus.

[Grimm1226]

I hear ya. I too am not as bad at work. Maybe its because there are things to keep your mind occupied. When I am home, my anxiety goes up. My marriage is on the brink. I have just started seeing a therapist. Its like you continually beat yourself up for the things you should be doing, but dont have the ambition to get it done. When I'm bored or anxious... I use music. I have been told that getting off your 0104 and doing nice things for your family or wife will brighten the home and make everyone feel better. The simple things.

[Happy sailing]

Hey there,
Yeah, I feel like I had a breakdown of sorts last year.  I had stopped working last May. I have been trying to get back to work.  The boredom is HARD!! It is hard being bored WITHOUT anxiety etc issues!!   
I don't have a spouse or kids to help distract me at home.
I wanted to go back to my old work, but they aren't hiring.B
Small town- no jobs!  UUUGGHHHH!!!!  Yeah, been dealing with GAD- so anxiety etc daily.  However, I believe I am getting better.  Wish I had a job or money to move to a bigger city where there are more jobs. 
So count yourself blessed to have a job, and a family at home. 
I will have to push past the anxiety to get to the new job once I find one.   
Hugs 

[tinam7]

Not sure I have much to add except that I do think the times are likely to make us less able to deal with life in its ordinariness. How do we cope when we are simply with ourself, not distracted, not entertained, not inclined to fit in the mold of all smiles, of perpetual euphoria?

Even though it is fashionable to dismiss and discard Freud, a look at childhood may just shed light on today and help us today.

[Birch531]

I'm convinced that my anxiety/depression is worse in part because I'm a stay at home mom to a toddler. Yes , she keeps me busy in some ways but it's not very "mind engaging." When I worked outside the home, the distraction of work tasks seemed to lessen the anxiety.  So, sorry I don't have practical advice but just saying that I can relate.

[Fireraiser]

Not too much more to add really, just a personal experience.  Once I decided not to work anymore and felt sufficiently recovered I started doing some volunteer work a few hours a week.  It was really good.  I have met people and now do about five to ten hours per work doing volunteer work.  For me this helps as I still get a sense of achievement, I'm not alone all the time and I get to look after myself better than I did before.
I realise that everyone is different, and this approach may not be for others.  It's what has worked for me.
I hope this is helpful.

[kiddatheart]

This is just a suggestion. http://www.anxietyzone.com/Smileys/default/action-smiley-065.gif

I have begun to write to myself like I would talk to a counselor. It does sound silly but it seems to be working. When I put the words down on paper and see what I am saying to myself in my head then I begin to see how my thoughts get tangled up into anxiety. Often, I read it back to myself and realize how important it is to change the words I'm using to talk to myself. Also the process of taking a pen to paper is a bit therapeutic as well.

I hope it helps for the quiet times. I think it's a great idea to keep walking the dog and taking the kids on outings. You'll never regret those times. My kids grew up way too fast!

Keep posting that helps you and us too!
D

[Aussiemix]

Thanks for the replies, I know there's no magic workaround, its been strange going from someone who could spend hours playing mmo's on the computer to not even wanting to be in my home (haven't touched my home computer since October , my kids can't believe it!)  frustrating beyond belief, anxiety forum and my ipad will have to do.

[Grimm1226]

I too am a MMO addict. I haven't touched my games in over a month, because I feel that, that is were I hide. I have four kids and like your situation, they cant believe I don't play anymore. It seems we can relate to one another. Send me a PM if you want and we can chat/support. I am also in a situation were it couldn't hurt to have someone to talk to. Reaching out helps. One thing I have realized in therapy is, that you don't have to cut out the things that comfort you. Dealing with this is a slow process. Give yourself a break every once in a while.