Dilemma: I've become too afraid to leave the house since becoming a widow

Dilemma: I'm too anxious to leave the house

I’ve always been quite an anxious person, but since my husband died I’ve felt it escalate and now find it difficult to leave the house, despite my daughter taking me shopping. 

I’m only 58 and don’t want to spend the rest of my life as a prisoner.

Jo Brand's advice

I’m sorry to hear this. It’s a horrible way to feel and affects your life so negatively. You don’t say how long ago your husband died, but I suspect a large part of your anxiety is related to your grief over his death and your fears for the future. 

I wonder if you had any bereavement counselling when your husband died. This is invaluable in allowing us to move on slowly and sanctions what many of us refuse to admit to ourselves, which is the degree of sadness we are trying to manage on our own.

It is estimated that around three million of us in this country suffer from anxiety, so GPs are very familiar with it. I suggest you start there: you will find several types of help available. A relative or friend jollying us along is not terribly effective. Many therapies take a gradual approach, so as not to overwhelm you.

It’s possible, with the grief subsiding a little each day, that your anxiety may diminish, but I would not wait. Seek help now and I think you will find it’s a real relief that someone understands what you are going through.

Good luck.

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