I understand the driving situation. When you are driving, there are thousands of thinks coming at you at your driving speed and some at twice that. That is a lot of visual stimulation.

It took me quite some time to get used to riding shotgun when I stopped driving. I had to learn to focus far from the car where things do not move so fast. I do much better at night because I can only see within the area lit up by the head lights.

I messed up my Worker's Comp claim because I could not handle the over-stimulation of a form with so many empty spaces to fill out.

I know how you feel. I was miserable for quite some time, and we only had two dogs (beagles) and one 17 year old daughter living with us. The dogs were actually very therapeutic. My female seemed to understand my bad times. My male was good company too. I spent a lot of time walking them in the open fields behind our house.

Have you tried any manual tasks that require some but not intense attention? Knitting, crocheting, painting, other craft work?

I did some manual but simple tasks that worked very well for me.

btw, I took a big step tonight. I went to a social event with my wife. It was the Coronation Gala for the Idaho Rodeo Queen with about 150 people in one large majestic house. I did OK for a while but then needed to take breaks outside away from voices. After coming back in from a break, I tracked down my wife. Before too long, I needed to get away again. I felt like my head was caving in. No real pressure but this eerie feeling of everything just starting to close in.

I hadn't felt that in years. Forgot about that experience from the past. Now, I have a mud head ache.

Have you had a good sit down talk with your family? You need their help to get better. The roller coaster will go on and on if they don't help you on the weekends and such. Trust me and your kids. They will not let you down if you are upfront and honest with them.

Please, give it a try. When my wife and daughter finally understood, everything changed. And for the much better.

My best to you.