Extreme anxiety over upcoming move

I’m 72 years old, I have suffered with anxiety on and off all my life, I am now legally blind and have COPD I am now have to move into senior housing for financial reasons. My three sons are mildly supportive I don’t really understand at all what I’m going through with the physical and emotional issues I am facing. I was a single mother, very healthy physically and independent and it seems as though my sons think I should still be that way. They are glad that I’m moving to senior housing, I think basically because they feel I won’t be bothering them for money , Which I rarely do anyway. They think I should just be able to pack up a lifetime‘s worth of belongings and move into a postage stamp size apartment without any angst. This is going to be A giant lifestyle change for me, not to mention that I now no longer an able to drive and have to be somewhat dependent on them for helping me move. I am riddled with anxiety over what Hass to be accomplished in the next month to make this move happen that I am always short of breath, shaky, nervous and dreading what’s to come. I keep trying to tell myself that ultimately I might be a lot happier in an inexpensive place that will lessen my financial burden but what I have to accomplish in order to get to that point is overwhelming to me. It takes me 10 times longer to accomplish things when it was still just a few years ago yet for some reason I don’t want my Family to know how difficult this is for me. I guess I just need some support from people like yourselves who understand how anxiety can paralyze you and make situations that other people would handle easily, so difficult. Maybe I just need a peptalk or something but I sure would like to conquer this anxiety that I feel every day now. Living in a large fully furnished home for so many years and now trying to transition into a tiny little space is daunting. It’s always impossible where I can accomplish everything within a few short weeks but I have no choice but to try. Wish me luck!

Andwes,

Of course this is a huge anxiety inducing adjustment for you! I can't imagine how it wouldn't affect you, on many levels.

First of all moving, period, is stressful. We center much of our comfort and feeling of security in our living space! When that has to be packed up and everything changes it is unsettling!

Add to that the fact that you are facing a huge lifestyle change, in living less independently and not having the home that you've known for so long...I would be surprised if you weren't feeling stressed!

Take baby steps towards packing and working out the moving details. Give yourself breaks so you don't get overwhelmed.

Remind yourself if the positive aspects of relicating...and try to keep your focus there, rather than on what you will miss.

Do you have a therapist currently? If not, I think talking with someone could really help you through this transition.

We are here too so keep posting and we'll do our best to keep you encouraged!

(((Hugs))) friend.

S.C.

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Moderator:Anxiety/Panic

"Courage is not the abscence of fear, it is feeling afraid and doing it anyway!"

"Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles...it empties today of its strength."
Corrie Ten Boom

Panic Syndrome recovery due to CBT

Post Edited (Scaredy Cat) : 9/28/2019 6:27:22 PM (GMT-6)

Hi Andwes - I recently had horrible anxiety over moving as well. It is hard, there is no doubt about it. I went into a smaller space as well, so there were a lot of things that didn't make the cut. What you're feeling is absolutely normal, especially for people such as ourselves that get anxiety about just about anything and everything. It is a huge change and you're processing it the only way you know how. Just remember that once you're settled, that anxiety will start to settle as well. Wishing you all the best!

Yikes I know the feeling, do you really have to move? I would find any other solution before moving as it is just too much and I just moved recently and it’s filled with stress and huge regret and if I could go back in time I would find a way to stay. It’s not something you want to regret and feel miserable after. Does it have to be a tiny space? Could you move somewhere else that’s more comfortable for you. I’m sorry I had to be honest, it’s definitely not something I would encourage doing unless you knew you would be happy with your decision 100 percent. I’d rather go without and have less money but happy in my home than more money but less happy

Post Edited (Mad world84) : 11/2/2019 5:32:22 AM (GMT-6)

Do you have a psychiatrist who can hopefully give you something for your anxiety?

I live in a house now, also, and I sometimes walk around room to room and wonder, what would all of this be like reduced to two shelves of storage in a nursing home?

One of my plans is, if I can't make it on my own, is to have a helper come in and help me a few hours of the day. Hopefully I won't have to have 24 hours a day of care.

Is it your sight that causes you to need the nursing home? How do you type your emails?