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grimsoup

378d

I'm 22 and I still live with my parents. I have no idea what to do as a "normal adult". I still feel like a child. I don't really have anything I generally want to do. My anxiety/social anxiety just consumes and isolates me, making me not want to do anything at all. Like im just existing not living. Any advice on how to deal with any of this? I feel like im crazy, not really wanting anything in life.

Top reply
    • sleebywawa

      377d

      I understand how you feel, I've been feeling the same way recently too.❤️

    • sleebywawa

      377d

      I understand how you feel, I've been feeling the same way recently too.❤️

    • Seae

      378d

      I’m 33 and still live with my parents. I definitely still feel like a child, but a lot of that is due to getting Lyme at ~7; my mental development was definitely stunted. Add in the fact that I was completely physically dependent (as in, needed round the clock care and supervision), on my parents well into my twenties, and am somewhat still, but nowhere close the same degree. I’ll survive a bath by myself these days, except it won’t have to be a bath cause I can shower now b*tches. In my mind, I still unconsciously think of myself as a child. We were at an air show and the Blue Angels had been signing autographs for a while so they said “children only now please,” and my 28 yr old self was like OKAY HERE I AM. …I am not the person to consult regarding normal life. HOWEVER knitting has definitely helped a lot with not feeling useless. I too have severe anxiety & social anxiety, but knitting is a one person sport! It can be done slumped into your couch in a depressed/anxious haze! Once you know how to do a knit stitch, potholders and scarves are in your future even if you never go further! I binge watch old tv shows and knit up a storm (currently the A-Team and a blanket for a relative’s 100th birthday in ~a month). Recently started dyeing my own yarn too, which os great for the ADHD. Also it’s a really nice feeling when I’m making something and people ask if I sell them. Like, you think this is good enough to trade for 💵!? It’s a nice feeling. I also have a slightly absurd collection of board games and no friends to play them with: my three friends that would play board games live in New Jersey, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia. A family friend’s 12-year-old nephew that visits in the summer and I do kick butt at space games. And they almost all have solo modes. This is very rambling I think. Maybe should have waited until after took ADHD med… My skinned elbows are reminding me: dog. No, he didn’t yank me off my feet or anything, I dropped my water bottle on a walk and decided to half crawl into a storm drain to retrieve it (successfully!), but he was a very good boy that sat and stared at the crazy lady becoming one with the pavement. We got Percy right before I had a major setback, so he is the family dog as opposed to primarily mine, but whichever could work for you. Or a cat I suppose. A non-human to interact with is nice for crippling social anxiety. You could even train them to help you out in public. Origami is also nice. Working with resin. Painting. I like things with a tangible result, can you tell?

    • anubisplane

      378d

      I wish I could offer advice. I was very similar to you at that age, and honestly, I still feel like a child 10 years later. I managed to find rock climbing (at a gym) as an activity that I like. Socially, it's great bc I can talk to others if I want about the problems in front of me, but I definitely can keep to myself as well. While I don't do tag-ups outside of the gym, I still get my social exposure in a space that attracts people with a similar interest as me. I haven't had a drive to do anything outside of work before this, and now, I'll use PTO just to go climb. Ok, so, maybe advice...?...do you want to have a hobby/recreational activity? If so, and you have no idea what it is....hit up Google to find niche things around you. Then instead of going, watch stuff on YouTube to get familiar with what goes on in the niche. (At least I find that helps me tremendously with my social anxiety) If you don't want a hobby/recreational activity, try not to burden yourself with the thoughts that you need one to live. You don't need to conform to social norms and complete the life "checklist." (It's overrated and complete poop) be gentle with yourself. Anxiety is awful, and it sucks you're dealing with it too.

      • Seae

        378d

        @anubisplane …I just started looking into this two days ago! For me it’s more about rebuilding muscle and stamina (going on 3+ years of PT for general weakness), but I hadn’t even considered the social aspect. Eek.

      • grimsoup

        378d

        @anubisplane thank you❤️ I really appreciate your response

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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