I feel so anxious living alone, but find it hard to reach out to friends and family | Ask Annalisa Barbieri

Invite people into your home – bringing people into your space instead of you always going to theirs might help

I’ve always been an anxious person, but have never been formally diagnosed with anxiety or prescribed medication to alleviate the symptoms. Last year I started living on my own for the first time, which, while freeing in many ways, has exacerbated my struggles. Being responsible for maintenance and repairs stresses me out, often to the point of tears. I feel ashamed of my inability to deal with what are ostensibly very simple, mundane problems. Even the prospect of hanging up pictures or painting a wall is daunting. I don’t have children, I don’t have any caring responsibilities, I’m physically healthy, and my job is both satisfying and low-stress – so why does life feel so difficult on a daily basis?

Now that I’m approaching 30, I’m tired of dealing with my mental health on my own, but feel there are no obvious paths to recovery. My best friends have regular therapy sessions. However, they earn a lot more than I do. Even a trainee counsellor at reduced rates or a service like BetterHelp are beyond what I can afford.

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