For more years than I can remember, I've not been comfortable being " out and about ". Not a big fan of crowds, . It's difficult to get out and go shopping, or traveling. Hard to explain really.
So I choose to live ( and am happy to be able to) up in a small mountain community.
Anyone else experience this?
How do you cope?
If only I could live in a mountain top community, Lazaruslong. 🙏🏻
I am happy for you, in that you have found your comfort/safety zone. I am not a crowd person either, not at all, although I am fortunate enough to live in a small-ish community. My home is on a circle with a nice size lot and a pretty backyard view. I see no other homes when I am out there.
I cope by staying home, a lot, which is easier in these uncertain times. We are in a "stay at home order" at the moment, with even more restrictions being laid out some time this afternoon.
I don't have agoraphobia, as I am able to get out and about quite easily. My GAD doesn't stop me from doing this, fortunately. It's just that I don't like crowds, parties, gatherings of any kind, really. I am an introvert by nature. This isn't a fault, it's just who I am.
Lock down in 2020 was a perfect excuse for me to stay in and not have to venture out. However the down side was I crashed into a deep depression, and had to really struggle to get back out of it. Forth my community is like an extended family. That and I have access to my counselor via phone and zoom. So after a couple of days of craziness I was able to get grounded.
I understand, completely, about the lockdown being the perfect excuse not to venture out. I often wonder just how many other people feel the same relief, wether or not they have mental health issues? I suspect the numbers are high and that most would not want to admit that they feel this way, especially in "real life" conversations.
Sorry to hear about your crash, but relieved to hear that you found your way out. Thank the stars above for a supportive community and for the age of technology that we live in.
I'm sure there are other " Hermits " " Out there". Admission to anything that " Normal Society " deems odd is risky these days. Pity. It makes awareness and acceptance that much more difficult.
If it wasn't for the mixed blessings of technology, we literally wouldn't be here right now ( on line chatting)
Congrats on living in a place that works for you! It sounds magnificent! It is hard to explain, isn’t it? I wonder if you have what I have. I am somewhat sensitive to bothersome sounds, sights, smells and other things emanating from other people. I like being in control of what I see, taste, smell, hear, and touch. Social distancing is my friend. I avoid, or figure out how to control what I can. So, for example, if I’m going on a road trip with you, I prefer to drive. Ideally, by myself, lol, and I’ll meet you there. 😀🌿
Social distancing is my friend, also. You made me chuckle with your "I'll meet you there" comment. I get it!
Spot on! Good Lord! I have the same issues! That's precisely why I live where I do. At the end of a dirt road. 5545 ft elevation, in box canyon. I literally stumbled upon this place by way of word of mouth.
Bothersome sounds are the biggest issue for me. Living where I do, it's minimal, fortunately 😉
Thanks!
This is great! I’ve never met others who have this same thing! My friend took me to an park once to hike. What he didn’t tell me was that the entire “nature trail” was next to a busy freeway. He hadn’t noticed??!! It was so loud. Ugh. Now I know what to look for in my next abode.
The mountains of California are ideal. So many places and dinky towns here.I'm in Southern California...
As you said " I've never met others with the same thing "
I'm glad to meet you 😊
Good morning Mr Tao ☀️🤓. Agoraphobia 🤔 What would Lao Zhu say?
“Without opening your door, you can open your heart to the world.”
"Hope and fear are both phantoms that arise from thinking of the self. When we don't see the self as self, what do we have to fear?" Lao Zhu
Bless you! Thanks for the reminder!😊
You see Mr Tao, Osho has room for everyone 😜
How did I know you'd mention that? 😉☺🥰
It becomes second nature 😂👍🥰🙏
Good one snowdaze!
The beginning of a journey is to take the first step.
I'm sort of like that, particularly hate shopping. Even if going out walking on my own, I have to have my earphones in as a shield. Think mine is more social anxiety than agaraphobia though really
Six of one half dozen of the other...😀
I'm very much like that myself. Ever since COVID lockdown has been a blessing to me because it's an excuse to stay home and not go anywhere and now work is discussing letting people remain working from home and I'm eagerly applauding "yes yes yes!" It is likely more due to social anxiety in general, but it's just simpler to stay home.
Unfortunately I do not have that ideal solution, a place that sounds as beautiful as yours. I'm stuck apartment living at the moment and can't even have an animal. One day... I want to move but also the idea of looking and going through that process causes me to shut down.
I understand. I've owned homes, lived in a condo, various apartments and roommates. It took a lot of looking and adjusting to various situations But I'm here at long last. It's ideal for me, but maybe not for everyone. It has its challenges.
I experience this every day, it impacts my job as well as daily life. I have decided to build a couple of raised gardens in my backyard. Every step of this project is an effort to overcome my social anxiety including purchasing lumber, soil, and starts to get it going. So far it is working pretty good.
Thanks for sharing 👍One step at a time. No real need to be rush.
Agoraphobia 
Agoraphobia 
DP/DR, anxiety, agoraphobia 
Agoraphobia - Anxiety