The last 2 or 3 weeks, i’ve been forcing myself out of my house and going for walks outside. I have agoraphobia. It was getting better and better. I was feeling optimistic.
Then today happened. I walked ouside for a bit under an hour outside and I was feeling very anxious for most of it. I had this anxious feeling in my chest and it felt like I could break out in a panic attack any second.
Twice during my walk, I almost turned back and started heading home. I kept going though. I guess thats a victory?
The physical symptoms of anxiety/panic really bother me. They make me feel uncomfortable. Makes me feel like I need to retreat to my safe space, which is inside my house.
I take some Ativan with me in my pocket every walk I do. I didn’t take any today. I probably would have if I ended up having a full blown panic attack, which I didn’t thankfully.
It is a victory. That’s well done. It’s great that you are challenging yourself. I’m trying to do the same. I’ve been avoiding crowded places but I stopped by town yesterday. It has been a no go zone for me for years. Even though some people obviously stare and whisper, I continue. What other people think of me is not my problem anymore.
