Should I get out more? Having some anxiety.

[[cr...]]

I've been staying inside a lot lately because I feel so weak. It's really easy just to stay bed ridden. But last week I did get out and actually went to a convention. I felt terrible the whole time, but it was still fun.

 

Should I get out more? I feel like staying inside is making me more agoraphobic. My previous cbt therapist used to say exposure therapy and repetition would cure that sort of anxiety. But, seriously I always feel worse if I go somewhere. When I just stay at home then I don't have as much anxiety.

 

Anyway, today I felt really strange and kind of freaked myself out. It might have been the start of a panic attack or something. It's been awhile since I've had one, so I hope that disorder doesn't come back. I was just sitting at home and I felt really spaced out and terrified suddenly for no good reason.

 

I'm still feeling kind of bad right now actually. A bit odd considering I've been at the same dose for 5 days or so. I had almost no trouble cutting this latest dose of lorazepam. Maybe the withdrawal is just hitting me now.

 

 

[[Da...]]

My psychiatrist has also done exposure therapy with me on pushing past the huge anxiety I'm experiencing. I also have a tendency to isolate myself and not go out and not deal with anything. I don't think it is great for us to stay home all the time. He wanted me to get more used to being out in public and challenged me to start a conversation with a  stranger. I actually did it and it went well so I don't forcing ourselves to do is such a bad thing. Sometimes staying home may be better too.

[[Tr...]]

I found it better to get out of the house, even if it was just for a walk around the block. When I was going through my taper I spent a lot of time at the library. It's nice because there's no pressure there, i can find something to read, and iut's not like going to the mall where you're bombarded with ads and sales people and that kind of pressure.

 

Do you have a park nearby? Sometimes it's nice to just sit on a bench. No need to always be interacting with people.

[[Te...]]

I had agoraphobia earlier in wd and was it tough to get out the door!! But I had to do it because I had to get groceries and didn't have a car. Just do what you can. I found that staying inside was like being in a cocoon. I didn't have to deal with the constant noise and DR/DP were less, and I felt safe. I had to steel myself for when I went out.

 

As Travis said, walking around the block will help if you're afraid to go very far from home.

 

Don't worry, because all the symptoms will go!! I have no problem getting out the door now. I used to hem and haw. Sometimes I'd get showered and dressed, and then stand at the door, not able to do it. I didn't go out on the weekends, especially, because it would be really busy. I just remembered that a little while ago.

 

I was really dizzy earlier in wd, so I had a difficult time. Do only what you can do. Even one walk around the block will help.