Hello @kuro, There are a number of factors which can cause the symptoms you’re having with your hands, neck, shoulder many of them are related to posture. Muscles can tighten and put pressure our nerves. There are some massages you can do at home which can help relieve some of trigger points to relieve the tightness. But of course, finding the root cause is important. So it’s really good that you’ll be seeing a specialist to point you in the right direction for assistance.

In the meantime, if you haven’t tried them already, there are some simple techniques you can do at home to release muscle tension using a tennis ball. I do this quite often with either a tennis ball or LaCrosse ball (it’s more firm). I found a video that shows how to use the ball to relieve tension. Here’s the link on Youtube. (Ignore the opening ad. You can skip it after a few seconds). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_CzGXiv2QI

I really can’t help but feel a lot of these symptoms are being brought on by the incredible amount of stress you’re under. You’re right, Covid changed everything and impacted people’s lives on so many levels, from jobs, family dynamics, relationships with friends, to how we now function in our daily lives. I’m so sorry you were impacted so heavily during that time and it carried over.

Turning 40 can be such a transitional stage. It’s often a time of reflection and self introspection. My daughter and son-in-law are going through that right now. They both tuned 40 this summer. Did they achieve what they thought their lives would be like 20 years ago? What would/should they have done differently? I think you’re going through a little of that right now too. Sadly, men are often defined by their careers and it becomes their identity. It shouldn’t have to be that way. And I believe it’s even more-so in some cultures than others. I can surely understand with the loss of your job and that identity, it has you feeling little lost.

I’m sad to see that you’re also pulling way from your friends. Depression and low self esteem can make you think you’re not worthy or respectable. This isn’t true!! From what I’m reading you’re a caring, thoughtful, responsible and really decent human being. You’re just having a little setback. So I encourage you to keep your connection with the outside world. Think of it this way, those friends, besides the needed camaraderie, can also be great networking tools to a new career.

I also see that you have great coping skills. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for yourself, you’re taking steps to get yourself back on track. We’re all entitled to a little self pity but the key is to not let the negative thoughts consume us.

You were wondering where I live. I’m from the US and live in one of the upper Midwest states, Wisconsin. I’ve had my share of life changing events and now at the ripe old age of 69 I’ve accumulated enough of those experiences to know we can overcome great obstacles by staying positive and making changes to better ourselves. I’m also good at reading people and feel in my heart that you’re going to make it through this period in your life! It’s perfectly ok to reinvent yourself. ☺️ Peace! ☮️