Sufferer A Quiet Introduction. My Primary Challenge Is To Leave The House

[The Albatross]

Welcome Yawpkahrma (hope I spelled that right)... I had a few rounds and beat back agoraphobic tendencies. I was actively isolating in my home and wouldn't even step on my front or back porch without difficulty for a year and a half. Glad you're here.

 

[Yawpkahrma]

Some here have mentioned dealing with isolation, agoraphobia...please let me know what strategies you've used to break free. One thing I do is set a goal (I like to hike) so it may be I will drive to an area trailhead (with my younger dog) planning to hike a certain distance. Or, I will try to go for a walk with the dogs and plan on walking a certain distance. If and when the anxiety gets too much, I turn around and go home, but I feel better because I know that however far I got in my plan represents a period of time in which I was able to remove decision-making power from the fear.

 

[The Albatross]

I started small, really small. With timed challenges, repeating them til the experiences normalized. I sat on my back porch for 10 minutes... then my front porch for 10 minutes. Then to my mail box every day for 30 days, etc. It was a slow stretch and I told myself that in the interest of a "generally satisfying life" I have decided I am willing to endure being uncomfortable for finite times with challenges and goal setting. It was like stretching a shoe to fit. Basically.

Over time, I became more and more comfortable as I systematically set mini goals and challenges for myself and repeated them until I had mild stress or no stress.

 

[The Albatross]

I found time worked better for me than listening to the anxiety. I had a small timer. That way I focused on the time remaining for my challenges and it dispelled the habitual giving in to the fear emotions.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Welcome to the forum. :)

 

[JustBe]

My dogs get me up and out every day but I don't go far or for long.

 

[a3a2]

Oh, how awful! No wonder you are struggling! I am amazed and so glad you survived.

Welcome to the forum. I'm glad you found us. We'll be your cheerleaders in the struggle.

 

[WillThereBeCake]

Welcome! My dogs are the ones that make me go out, even if it's just out the back door some days. Like you, I'm usually OK when I'm out and about, but thinking about going is very stressful, and I delay it until I have to. I also am utterly exhausted when I get back home.

I had a mini break through a few weeks ago when I read that a store I love had opened a location in a nearby city. I actually turned to my husband and said, "Let's go!" I hadn't done an impulse outing like that in years. However, we got halfway to the city when I realized it was a Sunday and this particular franchise is closed on Sundays. My husband just assumed I would want to go back home but I said, "I'm put on underwear, so damnit, we're going somewhere!" We just continued to the city and did some light shopping and hit a drive thru. Baby steps.

I also love books. I think you'll find a lot of kindred spirits here. Welcome again.

 

[Deleted member 19035]

Hello and welcome. I hope you find strength and support here. Take care.