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I am coming here for myself now because I have found such support and help here in the past. I broke my ankle, had surgery and have to be non weight bearing for 8 weeks. I am managing but find myself experiencing tremendous anxiety which I am prone to. I know part of it is lack of control. I also know I have inherited this trait.
I do have In home PT twice a week. I have the help and support of my husband. It just gets hard to ask for help with what I can't do but I know that is normal.
Leading up to this event I was having alot of anxiety. I am switching my antidepressant and I know that can take time. I guess I just am looking for any thoughts anyone might have. I can't get to therapy yet at the stage I am in. I am using a walker with my good foot. Anyway I look forward to hearing from anyone who has anything to share

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I am so sorry you are going through this. Being suddenly non-weight bearing after surgery is a huge loss of independence, and it makes sense that anxiety would spike, especially if you were already feeling anxious before the injury.
Please don’t feel guilty about needing help. This is temporary, and asking for help right now is part of healing, not a weakness. Since you are switching antidepressants, I would also stay in close touch with your prescribing doctor, because that transition can sometimes make emotions feel more intense for a while.
Could you do therapy by phone or video while you can’t get out? Even a short check-in might help. In the meantime, small routines may help too: one safe task at a time, breathing exercises, sitting outside if possible, keeping things you need within reach, and reminding yourself, “This is hard, but it is not forever.”
Wishing you steady healing and calmer days ahead.
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I was in a boot for 4 months before and after foot surgery 2 years ago. The whole ordeal was more hassle and painful than anticipated. I can’t advise on anxiety but can empathize on being out of routine, recovering, and feeling out of sorts. I hope you can find some good distractions and the right path forward. It does get better. Wishing you healing and peace
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My GP does handle the meds. I will look into therapy once I am more mobile.
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Does your GP handle your meds or are you seeing a psychiatrist? You might need to look into therapy.
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I also find my anxiety goes nuts when I'm injured or otherwise physically limited. I did a quick search on you tube and there are a lot of seated exercise videos if you search "wheelchair exercise" maybe something like that might help you? It's also not great for anxiety to miss the fresh air and sunshine of ourdoors time. Maybe hubby could take you on a drive through date, get take out and eat in the car at a sunny park with the windows down. Hope you heal up well and quickly.
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Hi! I also have severe anxiety. I’ve found that sometimes doing a jigsaw puzzle helps me focus outside myself. Or finding a gentle book that has resolution and happy ending. I actually keep 2-3 old faves for that. Folding clothes when stuck in one spot or sorting paperwork for filing. I shredded years of paperwork sitting in one spot. Going thru old photos or cleaning up phone didn’t require standing. Hugs and sorry about your injury. Us old timers and long time readers gotta be careful!
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