Anxiety

It is important to periodically switch from one type of activity to another - for example, from physical activity to mental activity. So, when you go in for sports, there is a restoration of brain functions due to the supply of oxygen. And with mental stress, the muscular system is restored by improving blood flow to the muscles. A simple alternation of work and study with a small amount of physical activity will improve the functioning of the body's metabolic processes, and at the same time accelerate the restoration of the nervous system, helping to strengthen it. For recovery, you can also drink a powerful herbal tea. For example, bestkavabar.com kava tea would be a good choice for you.

I'm sorry that you are having a rough time. I would probably try and start with small steps, rather than trying to take all of that on in one go.

So I would try and ring a doctor and try to either speak to the surgery by telephone or even suggest a home visit.

When it comes to the handwashing, perhaps see if you can build up the time between washing them - so maybe see if you can go an hour without washing them. Or reduce the number of times you wash them during the night. One thing I found useful when giving up smoking was to tell myself 'ok, you are desperate for a cigarette, see if you still are in 10 minutes' - normally I'd forgotten by then.

Maybe try and build up your eating over time - perhaps write a food diary over the course of a week.

It's good that you are ok to go into the garden - try and make the most of that, especially in the summer. Treat yourself to 10 minutes in the garden where you just sit and watch whatever is there. It works for me when I am stressed.

There are things you can do with your hair, but I'm guessing that if you start, step by step, in tackling some of the other issues, that won't be so much of a worry.

I'm not trying to patronise you with any of the above - just some thoughts on little steps you could take that may help.

I use Dove deeply nourishing shower gel as soap, it moisturises the skin

lack of apetite is probably from anxiety, and feintness a result of not eating

you need a hobby, the best way to occupy your mind so it stops going about bad stuff

I'm sorry to hear what you're going through. I have a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder too and it's pretty bad at the moment. My anxiety has definitely got worse since the start of Covid, so I can relate to that.

Going out is going to be a huge step after all that time. I find that the longer I stay in the harder it gets to go out. 

I'm not sure how much time you have been able to spend in the sunshine in the garden. I'm wondering if you may be lacking in vitamin D, which may account for some of your symptoms. Do you take any supplements?

I understand how difficult it is to contact doctors. Their systems are not designed for autistic people who suffer from severe anxiety. Just the idea of having to call is hugely anxiety inducing and the receptionists can be very off putting. Hopefully your doctor should be able to offer you some support with your anxiety and some explanation about your other symptoms. Some surgeries have started doing appointments by video link, so it would be worth checking if yours can offer that.

I am sorry things are so difficult right now.

You mention contacting your doctor, but don't feel ready to go out. A lot of surgeries offer phone consultations as an alternative. Could you ask if that is possible because you are not confident in going out?

You also say your hands are very sore. I get sore hands from washing them a lot. During lockdowns I tried different soaps as some were not available. I have now found some are less likely to make my hands chapped. Some of the anti bacterial ones are worse, so if I use some I add it to a gentler one. Also I use a well known hand cream beginning with N in a white tube. I always put some on before I go to sleep as it has a bit longer before I wash my hands.