Empty nest for 3rd time

You have my sympathy you are very down because of different circumstances. I am sure a lot of us here share some of your anxieties.
I have had my fair share the last eighteen months our DD was ill out of the blue. It was delayed because of COVID as her illness was not identified she had not seen a doctor. It was very difficult for her but terrible for us as she is not on our doorstep.
I have been quite poorly for over six months and still not got to the bottom of it.
I would say to you do what I have done totally immersed myself in my garden and hobbies. I lost my confidence walking the dog after a nasty incident but after three years I am getting my confidence back. Take your dogs out but take you out on your own too. It will ease your mind get out and about as much as possible and meet people.
The driving will come back it did for me. I missed the independence I had but I admit I only drive where I know from A to B. I hope you can shake the anxiety off the medication will help then you will see you don't need it best wishes.

You may find a couple of lessons with an instructor is much easier for them to fit in than taking on a genuine "new learner". They really have to commit to that properly whereas a confidence boost may be just "one or two".

Try to find three things a day to be thankful for - as others said , a nice soap, the singing of the birds, or simply being grateful for getting through another tough day.

Baby steps notoveryet...
Thinking of you.
💐

Imo (and this is what works for me) is you need a reason to get out the house. Is there a local art group you can join (I joined one not having picked up a brush since I was 12 and having no talent), a craft group (beginners, knit n natter?), meet the great grand children after school once or twice a week?
And sort out the driving!

You've had a lot of losses to cope with, so I would suggest that you let the anti depressants start to work and really allow yourself to rest and relax.. and notice all the things around you when you go for a walk. called mindful walking it really takes your mind off your worries.. then give yourself little treats maybe a massage, or a special coffee or chocs.. and when you feel a bit better then consider having a driving lesson or driving with a friend. Just build up your recovery bit by bit.. I wish you well

My friends are sympathetic but have run out of suggestions. I might see if I can get a couple of driving lessons though it's hard to get an instructor where I.am. thank you to those who have replied I really can't walk much more, I have large dogs and do at least 10000 steps a day!

You are ticking a lot of boxes about trying to help yourself cope.

What are your friends telling you to do?
Rest more?
Take a tonic?
Open up to them more?

sodapop’s suggestion of a couple of confidence-building driving lessons is a good one. I’m sure lots of people have had similar experiences. If you were ill for a couple of months it’s possible that you are still suffering from the aftermath of that.
Maybe meet your friends a little more often and go for walks just to help with your stamina. Keep in touch and let us know how it’s going!

Things conspire against us don't they notoveryet and sometimes it's just too much to cope with. Don't feel that you shouldn't be upset about everything that's happened, you need to grieve still for your husband and it's OK to miss the contact with your great grandchild. Could you have a couple of driving lessons to help your confidence in driving again. This too will pass

A lot of us have been there.
Sending you best wishes.
I find little pleasures help
A good coffee, bar of soap or nice shower gel. Going for a walk if mobility allows.
Treat yourself.