A bit of agoraphobia going on lately

[Starrlight]

from anticipation of taking a little trip to the library tomorrow to find a short story for school… there is logically nothing to be anxious about and I can’t keep using avoidance when I try going out… I just need to do it without thinking but here I am thinking … there is nothing that I am afraid of… it’s just in general hard to get out and it feels it’s paralyzing me. I keep putting off trips. And I’m so overwhelmed I feel like crying but I can’t

First steps- I went outside in the yard today ( I know it doesn’t sound like much but it is a difficulty for me.)

Any tips that may help? The things I can think of is reminding myself I’ve done it plenty and picturing a positive scenario.

Ok I will try to get back to positivity

[Starrlight]

😀

[Dolphin14]

Beautiful ⭐️

You are braver than you think. Do you know what you need there? If so go right to the desk and ask for it. The librarian will find it in a matter of moments and then you can scoot out.

I know the feeling of taking baby steps back into the world. Your strategy is perfect.

Let us know how you did. I would love to hear what you picked out. As you know I love to read.

❤️🐬

[Starrlight in reply to Dolphin14]

Thanks!!!We will look for poetry. I love Emily Dickinson but I wonder what would spark my kiddos’ interest… hmmmm…. We are also looking for Of Mice And Men and chapter books.

I got myself out yesterday to a shop and the woods with a as creek… was nice… So I am feeling more confident today.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Starrlight]

Are there certain things they have to learn? Required reading?

Of Mice and Men was one of the ones I had to read a thousand years ago.... haha.

[Starrlight in reply to Dolphin14]

I don’t think there’s any reading material they have to cover. Just keep up with reading writing grammar vocabulary spelling … I’ll have my older one do Shakespeare later on. Yes! Of Mice And Men, The Scarlet Letter, Lord of the Flies, To Kill A Mockingbird…love them all

[Dolphin14 in reply to Starrlight]

YES!!!

[Dolphin14 in reply to Starrlight]

I loved all those and re read some of these classics a few years ago. Oh when you get to Shakespeare get the cliff notes. My daughter is a Shakespeare scholar. She teaches high school and really has some unique ways of getting the kids to absorb and understand the material. I will get a consult for you

[Starrlight in reply to Dolphin14]

Awesome! Thanks sooooooo much!!!

[Starrlight in reply to Dolphin14]

I picked out ‘a very short introduction to Shakespearean tragedies’ to introduce my high schooler to his work. Then he can more easily choose a work that he will enjoy.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Starrlight]

That's good. I read one a couple years ago King Lear. My daughter said she wasn't sure why I decided on that one as it was on the difficult side. I said yes, so bad I had to google at the end of everything I read, lol

[Dolphin14]

Great words Mr Bones

🐬

[Dolphin14]

Your welcome. What a rock star you are!

[Hope4me1]

I have days like that as well. I just do the thing that is hard and work through it. It’s hard and not comfortable but I do it to show myself I can. It’s an accomplishment. Some days I can do all things very easily. But I must conquer my fears on my difficult days. I do take my meds, but they are not a cure, just makes things a little more manageable. I have times when I haven’t needed the meds, but I have relapsed and they do help. My goal is to be med free again permanently.

I send you courage and hugs for the strength you need, Starr!!😊🌻❤️

[Starrlight in reply to Hope4me1]

Thanks for sharing. I agree with you. Gotta push past fear to accomplish. I’m ready!

[Ryanlion]

Starlight dont be hard on yourself. Agrophobia is a cruel & a gruelling illness. Just take baby steps and pat yourself on the back each time you succeed. If you dont succeed some days dont beat yourself up.Just accept it wasnt possible today, tomorrow could be different. Have you anyone who could accompany you to give you encouragement. I believe if all of us with mental (mind) illness had our own personal life couch, cheering us on daily, being on our side, we would all recover alot quicker. Kind loving support is crucial in helping us to get well. Your doing great. It is not the weak who get ill but the strong. You have to be mega strong living with anxiety or depression or similar having to endure it every day. Be proud of yoursel and be kind to yourself, you deserve it.

[Starrlight]

That is a beautiful writing and I give much thanks to you. Today I’m doing well and plan to go with my kiddos to the library It will be nice having them with me. I’m going to see if we can make it a fun trip.

[jackiesj]

You have taken the step of many.One at a time makes a mile.I had this issue and dont even know how it started.i did put a couple nicities on the porch in a canaister. chocolate, a water, something pleasant to do and look forward to the next time out.best wishes! listen for a bird.

[Starrlight in reply to jackiesj]

Awesome ideas!