Hi, you need to know you are not alone in this. I too used to be a very pretty lady. I have let myself go to the point that I am ashamed to go out in public. I'm afraid I will embarass my family. My husband is an alcoholic but quit drinking 5 years ago.
I think in your reaching out you have come to the decision to change something about yourself. Sometimes it takes hitting the bottom before you can truely begin the slow climb up. Like you I am a recluse but just this morning decided I could not take any more, which sounds like you are at that point as well. Today I forced myself to take a much needed shower - first in a week. For me that is my first step. You need to decide what you want your first step to be and decide that you are going to make yourself do it - then go through with it.
I would love to chat with you. Let me know when you are going to be on the computer and I'll make sure I am too. You will find you have alot of support here, all you have to do is keep posting. Mabey this is your first step - asking for help. It's a start just don't stop.
Big Hugs
I really do care
Phyllis
"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best
of everything; they just make the most of everything
that comes along their way!!"