[tailspin2019]

While recognising the possible “long term” challenge of not putting yourself out there, are you going to be able to sustain some of this new way of working post-COVID? (Ie primarily working from home). It seems like it’s good for you.

I found a similar experience. Working from home is VERY good for my mental health. My anxiety almost disappeared completely at times.

My dilemma is similar to yours. I have the ability to work from home forever now and never attend another in-person meeting again (became self-employed during COVID).

However, like you, I recognise that I’ll need to ensure I don’t become a complete recluse and never leave the apartment! :)

[robflynn]

I have depression and anxiety and the pandemic ended up helping me a lot. Yeah, the isolation sucked, but it did help my anxiety a bit when I stayed to myself.

During that time of reduced anxiety, I was able to introspect a bit more without external stressors and was able to identify some trauma that led to the depression and anxiety -- something that I wasn't even aware was affecting me.

I really don't know how to actually deal with said trauma, so I'll be going to therapy for that, but I think the lessons I learned and the benefits I gained will stick with me since I'm taking concrete steps to deal with it now that I've identified a problem.

Without the year long pause we all went through I'm not sure I would have had the time to sort through my brain so thoroughly.

[tailspin2019]

Congrats on the positive steps you’re taking, following that bit of introspection!

> Without the year long pause we all went through I'm not sure I would have had the time to sort through my brain so thoroughly.

I feel exactly the same way.

Re: therapy, if you haven’t done it before, be prepared that you might need to try a couple of different therapists to get the right fit. But it sounds like the absolute right thing for you to be doing. You definitely need someone to work through it with you.

Good luck!