I Did It- Fought Panic Going To The Mailbox

[sally]

:clap::clap: hi it's sally
This may not seem like a mile stone to some but today I WALKED TO THE MAIL BOX, by myself. my driveway is around 1/2 mile long . It used to take only a few minutes but it took me but this time it was around 30/45 minutes. I had to stop and work through my panic attacks. Lord knows I wanted to turn and run back to the safety of the couch. BUT I DID IT!
next step is to try to clean my house, any fast movment scare my right back to the couch.does any one has a suggestions? I washed dishes twice in a year crying every time, I'm so afraid I'll break something. I could use alittle advice. sally

 

[Deleted member 541]

Sally,

I would suggest small baby steps, and the same way you managed to get to the mail box. Sometimes we just have to push ourselves past our comfort zone to do things.

Great job on getting the mail.

 

[batgirl]

That's great Sally, congratulations! Going out alone can be really scary, it's a big accomplishment if you have anxiety about going out. I can relate as I have a difficult time going anywhere alone. I am getting better but I definitely know what you're talking about.

I don't have anxiety with cleaning myself. But I would imagine giving yourself small goals rather than one large goal, would help. So, if dishes bother you, try for 5 minutes of washing dishes, then stop. Then try for 10 minutes the next time, and so on, until you don't feel as nervous anymore. You don't have to do it all in one day either. That's what I've done with my agoraphobia (fear of going outside). I started out really small, I went out into the courtyard by myself. Then I started going for walks alone, then driving my car alone. Now I can drive to town by myself and get groceries. But it's taken me several months to reach that point. Anyways good luck, and congratulations again!

 

[Nicolette]

Good work with the mailbox Sally & good luck with the dishes.

 

[Frankie]

Good for you ! Congrats ! Batgirl said it best, you don't have to finish it all in one "take" one step at the time, one dish at the time. Try this approach with the things that are troubling you. A bit at the time, it will seem less threatening !

 

[Seeking_Nirvana]

That's great Sally. I trust I will see more success stories from you soon.

Tammy

 

[Kathy]

This may not seem like a mile stone to some but today I WALKED TO THE MAIL BOX, by myself. my driveway is around 1/2 mile long .

Actually Sally, 1/2 mile is a fair distance, you should be very proud of yourself. No accomplishment is too small in my opinion.

 

[LostInTheFog]

Sally, congratulations!

I have had the same thing , now, for no rhyme or reason except the ptsd [I think I fear the neighbors LQQKING at me?...], and a few years ago fearful of BILLS I would find there...

Not to make light of or lessen your great accomplishment, and I certainly hope you don't find this offensive, but funny : D - I thought I would share with you all a couple of funny words my husband and I made up for the condition of not being able to go to you own mailbox -
I came up with: postaphobia and he came up with: antici-parcelation. ; ]
I think he wins. But I pointed out it is not always parcels that come in the mail [that's usually a good thing!], so he said antici-postalation, lol.

Keep up the good work! I wish I could just walk a half mile!!

 

[anthony]

Well done Sally.... congratulations and your right.... baby steps and you must acknowledge those. Baby steps addup to leaps and bounds.

 

[morgan]

Good job Sally. I know what it's like to accomplish these little goals we set for ourselves. Just take it one thing at a time and you'll get there. I'm very proud of you.

Take care, Morgan

 

[baileysemt]

I still can't open my mailbox, so I am very very proud of you Sally. :)

Bailey

 

[AmarettoShining]

Sally, Great Accomplishment! You need to be proud of yourself! Good luck with the dishes!