I'm ashamed to admit this, but I've never taken the bus. A combination of fear, circumstance, and being sheltered have prevented me from doing this, but I need to. Over the past year, I've made progress in getting out of the house, walking, and going to the local grocery store and shops, but I've realized there are many places I practically can't travel to on foot. I wish I could be like any other person, purchase a bus pass, get on the the bus, and go; But, I 'm terribly afraid of buying the wrong pass, or getting lost, not having enough to pay the fair, missing a connecting route, or holding up the bus and angering everyone if I need to ask the driver questions.
These thoughts are irrational, but I can't overcome them. I worry that because I'm an adult, everyone will expect that I should know what to do, but I don't.
Being able to ride the bus would help immensely though. It would be a monumental accomplishment for someone like me. I'd even cry prolly.
So, if anyone reading this deals with, or has dealt with anxiety/fear taking public transit, do you have any advice? If not, that's okay too. Thanks for taking the time to read if you did.
Written by
quietmaroon4
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Congratulations on the progress you have already made with getting out of the house.
My advice would be to break it all down into baby steps and do just one thing at a time before you try doing it all at once. Just buy a pass without taking the bus. Just to get comfortable buying the pass. Then you could buy a pass and get on the bus, but get right off. To get comfortable getting on the bus. Then get on and ask the driver a question. Then get right off. Take your time getting comfortable. You don't have to do it all at the same time. It is totally ok that you are not "like any other person, purchase a bus pass, get on the bus, and go." You are doing amazing just to be willing to give it a try.
Hello and thank you for the comment. Sorry for the late response. Breaking the process into chunks sounds very helpful, and practical. I have a habit of overwhelming myself with worst case scenarios and endless thoughts, so I will try my best to apply your advice.
I saw your other reply that you are planning on taking the bus this weekend. I wish you the best of luck. Will you please let us know how it goes? We can celebrate with you.
Hello. First, I apologize for the late response. The fake tourist suggestion made me chuckle; I generally look lost anyways so I would probably be convincing.
And my city's transit does in fact have an 'Information Specialist' line, so I'm gonna force myself to make a call this weekend. Thank you for commenting and sharing advice.
If you feel you may me overwhelmed by sounds (people talking loudly on speakerphone) and smells, consider using noise canceling headphone and a mask.As far as your fear of getting lost, put the destination in a navigation app like Google maps for bus number, schedule and confirmation you're headed in the right direction.
Make a plan B for each of your fears. Best of luck!
Hello traymomm. I apologize for the late response. I'm planning to take the bus this weekend, so I'll be sure to keep your advice in mind. PLAN B'S especially.
Even though I'm worried about getting lost, I've had to remind myself that the route is straight line down one road-and-back, a few miles from my house. So at worst I'd be taking an extended walk back home, or to my stop I suppose.
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