Comfort Zone

[nic]

I have a lot of trouble being away from my house in the evening, after dusk. Some days are better than others, but I can't ever make definite plans to go out at night because I never know if the PTSD will kick in and I'll get a REALLY bad panic attack, (which sometimes send me to the ER). I also have a hard time being away from my home overnight, or really just going anywhere, (even during the day), that isn't somewhere I am used to.

Anyway, a bunch of my co-workers are planning an overnight to NYC to see a show, and I REALLY want to go. I love theater, and I will feel really left out if everyone goes but me. The obvious problem: the PTSD. I can take Ativan, but sometimes that isn't enough. I'm afraid that I'll get the panic, and I will be far from home and unable to do much to subdue it. I also don't want my co-workers to see me in that state. While some know that I have anxiety, most don't know how bad it is, or that it is PTSD.

Ugh...what should I do? I know I'll be kicking myself if I don't go, but I am just so afraid that I will be stepping too far out of my comfort zone if I do.
:wall:

 

[Deleted member 541]

Nic,

About the only things I can think of are grounding yourself, self talk, and the biggy........Start by taking small outings, and stay a little bit longer every time. Talking yourself down from the anxiety the entire time. This is what I did to overcome my fear, and agoraphobia. It took 3 months but I did it. It may work for you too. It's worth the try, if it does.