Yes, that sounds completely normal and especially with what's going on in the world these days, I think a lot of people have had to be shut ins for the past couple months. We are on lock down where I am at least 4 more weeks, and we just did 5 weeks of it. It is a strange life to have right now where I am.

I am sure you will be back to how you were once they start opening up the world little by little. In the meanwhile, you can still connect with friends, family, co-workers... through texts, video chat, Facebook, etc. Keep yourself busy with projects, hobbies, journaling.

Hi Giddy, sorry you are feeling this way. It sounds like anxiety, maybe even depression. Like GirlinCalif refers to, a lot of people are feeling anxious and depressed right now with the pandemic and shelter-in-place. Those who already have anxiety may have even stronger emotions.

Do you have a therapist you can talk to?

Hi Giddy, I hope you are ok and just hang on in there. this is my first contact with this group. I recognise a few things you are referring to there. I’ve been at home off work for a couple of weeks or so due to this ongoing situation, although I’m able to return when I’m better. I sometimes find, when engaging with people at work or friends and family in spare time, I’m outgoing and feel fine.
Like you were saying, when on my own the thinking starts, over thinking really with me. And I know I can come out of this at any time if I focus on anything other than internal thoughts. What’s going on outside my head will often help me forget thoughts even if that is difficult at times. At other times it is a huge relief.
I have probably felt anxiety on and off since I was an infant for the same reason, social isolation. I can get panicky if I don’t walk away from certain demanding situations.
But then again, these are signals that protect us of impending danger that are signals that protect us to look after ourselves.
But for me what helps? Lots of things. Walking my two dogs hugely helps calm me down, especially if possible to see green countryside. Lying down and trying to meditate if I’m tired , which I’m doing daily at present , as anxiety was chronic a few days ago. Change at work sent it through the roof, but recognising these feelings is my starting point on how to start calming down again.
Another way of getting the fear to dissolve though, is listening to music , playing the guitar ( although I’ve left this out lately due to other demands at home ). Having a routine and structure to the day is good. I’ve at times had a fear attached to work responsibility , but once I’m doing it , it always isn’t the big deal I thought it was, Talking and listening to work colleagues can help, But just being active so as my mind is concentrating on something external. Really doesn’t matter what it is. I suppose this all depends to what extent you feel the calming down needs to happen.
In a relationship it can be dangerous not to listen and pay attention to a spouse or friend or family member. Sometimes they may be the problem, but no matter how difficult, listening and engaging in conversations is usually helpful to calm anxiety. But I can tell you that I’ve found it possible to carry on functioning even when I’m quite on edge and afraid yet able to do what I have to.
Breathing techniques are great to calm oneself. Reading or online articles if it’s something one enjoys to help to forget negative things or thoughts.
Hope you feel stronger and able to look at how to come out of your feelings. If you are at home with lockdown and unable to go out maybe? Be good to yourself and find enjoyment in calming techniques and a project or small jobs around the house. Also keep in touch with people online or phone when it helps.
Take care,
Simon

Yup, I've been through more bouts of this than I can count in my long journey from child prostitute to comfortable retiree. Anxiety is a predictable part of change inside my strictly personal skin, even when the change is something I desperately want. Maybe especially when I desperately want the change. The more I want the change, the more I have to wrestle with my inner demons to accomplish that change.

I have no desire, whatsoever, to go back to the normal-for-a-child-prostitute I was raised with, but I relate intimately to the anxiety which is part of change.