Stuck in House

I love being home but lately have not felt like leaving. Anyone else go through this and what tips do you have to get back up and enter the world!

[greatauntali]

I know how you feel. My trips out even for groceries, are becoming further and further apart. Even going to the village shop is an ordeal and although it is saving me lots of money because there are no impulse buys, it is something which should be avoided if at all possible because it is leading to social isolation. The fewer times I go out, the less I want to.

I keep sheep and I am forced to leave the house on a daily basis but I am not having any social contact.

I don't know how fit you are or your circumstances but would it be at all possible for you to get a dog? That way you would have something which depends on you and makes you go out and in my experience, means that you would have some interaction with fellow dog walkers.

Good luck x

[TomTitTot]

Well you've struck a nerve here! I'm on my twelfth lung infection since last October. And I have animals, in fact a small menagerie, but don't feel much like getting out with the dogs, shopping unless I must, or even reading. Getting a bit fed up with myself, but don't have much energy to care. Of course I'm in the states and I think some of the emotional slump is a certain orange buffoon...

And greatauntali, you are so right about the social isolation, but I seem to be creating my own little self protective bubble. Every time I alter my environment, I wind up coughing my fool head off so I don't feel like even gardening in my own backyard.

Some of it too, is that it is beginning to get colder and I so loath being cold. Had I the money , I would flee to warmer climes.

Thanks, that's one thing off my chest.

TomTitTot

[TomTitTot in reply to TomTitTot]

And sorry, I am in a mood I guess. I certainly didn't add any sort of uplift there. And you did specifically ask for getting up and back into the world.

I shall blush my grumpy self quietly 👣👣🤦🏻‍♀️🤐

TTT

[knitter in reply to TomTitTot]

Politics is getting to me too, TT, here in the UK.

[skischool]

Well Ricgu1 Two ladies have replied with serious medical conditions that prevent them from leaving the house which leave them feeling depressed and down in the dumps so to speak,there is a very good reason to get up and do something before you become a couch potato worrying about health issues that you quite possibly haven't got.doing nothing feeds anxiety and depression i believe.

With a 3 kids at home i would imagine they are either screaming at you to go out and play with them or you could just do with some quiet time outside just to escape from them lol.

good luck i am sure things will get better and you will work it out,

[knitter]

Snap, I have been feeling the same. I have to go and get a birthday card and stamp and even the effort of doing that is preying on my mind.

But I manage to go to an art group, the WI, and a church coffee morning.

They are all local, easy to access and friendly....and so many have asthma / COPD that coughing is normal.

But I used to do so much more, now everything is so much effort ...even getting to the see the nurse yesterday made me anxious.

[Roessner541]

I get my jacket on and force myself to. My husband has only been out about three times I even had ramps built for him. I don't know why.

[Ergendl]

When I had difficulty facing the outside world, around my house I put motivational signs I'd made using stencils (yes, before home computers were commonplace), saying things like: Today is the beginning of the rest of your life; Be a hero today; and on the front door: Outside adventure awaits.

Change the thought, change the though process, change the habit.

[Hidden in reply to Ergendl]

You have the best suggestions. Were you a teacher?

[Ergendl in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Yes, I have been a teacher. I also do voluntary work with people who want to stop drinking alcohol.

[Hidden]

Sorry you feel that way but I know how you feel and I think many of us do have that experience.

I do force myself out and try to gather physical and mental strength to do so. What prevents from not doing anything I suppose is a survival instinct, that if I do not take control, nobody else will and I would slip..

We have an expression for it in French, literally the sliding syndrome..

So those first few steps out I suggest you don’t do them alone.

If you are socially isolated you call on Age UK, or the Red Cross or other local volunteers to help you with that dilemma.

Maybe see what the British Lung Foundation helpline suggests. They may have volunteers in your area or useful suggestions.

Wishing you well.

Fran

[Gravel]

Hi Sorry to hear you are hermit ting. People don't realise. After about five days of isolation it's normal to begin to feel rather odd! It's extremely hard, especially when you feel exhausted with the accompanying down, but just walk out the door and join the world: even for an hour. I hope the sun shines and you feel better soon.

[helenlw7]

I know exactly how you feel. I can’t remember the last time I went out because I wanted too. It is so much easier to stay in!

[barbs47]

Hi rigcu I have found the weather this year has really pulled me down. Heavy snow, then unending rain, then ridiculous heat and now all this humidity. I have had so much trouble breathing that I rarely go out. I hope this is not how it’s going to be every year. Barbs x

[Sandyeggo]

Oh yes I have been there and done that. My dogs helped with that. They look at you like” what are you stupid? You need different shoes on an I need a leash and then we need to go out that door. One foot in front of the other” see with dogs non ability to use words they speak to you with expression and body language. I also did a time where I set alarms to get in shower to get ready then alarm to walk out the door. It does come down to strong will and forcing yourself or asking friend or family to help motivate you. You would be so surprised how honored some people feel if you ask them for motivational help. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE before you get stuck there

[challny]

When I was first diagnosed I didn't have this problem, but am having it more and more now. Today was probably the worst. I almost feel that if I go out I might pass out. I tried to sleep all day today but I can't do that either since I'm SOB. I just lay there thinking about my breathing. I did take my dog out to a park early this morning for a little while.

[Hidden]

It may just may be time for a new dog. In July I surrendered my dog Chloe because the environment we live in not longer suited her. Let me tell you it still hurts me to this day. We had her for 9 loving years. She was an American bull dog. Prior to surrendering her I did all I could to re-home her. So I need something smaller, but with character. I love all dogs. Any suggestions?

[Jomorphey]

I had a lung lobe removed in Feb due to a pulmonary sequestration! I was terrified of leaving the house so bought a puppy and he rehabilitated me. I walked for 5 minutes more every day and we ended up having brief chats with people around the village. Controversially my doctor prescribed amytriptiline sorry spelling is probably crap! It is not an antidepressant but took the edge of my anxiety and I then weened myself off it when I felt better. I have never slept as well. I am now running three times a week and back to work as a teacher.

[Hidden in reply to Jomorphey]

Rock and Roll!!

[Hidden in reply to Jomorphey]

and the Puppy? Dropped him off at the nearest ranch style neighborhood and bolted out of there haha JK!

[Hidden]

Thank you everyone. Great suggestions and although I'm not alone, we need to all make an effort to be in the world. Find our strength and be that hero, gosh love that one. I'm at my son's football practice and the bugs are out! There a kids everywhere, it's good to see life