How do you feel when out and about ?

[Littlecook]

I was wondering how everyone feels when walking out and about , does your head feel empty do you know what you should be doing and do you feel safe ? .Luckily I'm normally with my wife when we are out ,but I still don't feel safe my head feels empty or missing off my shoulders, but I've not spoken about this to anyone specially my wife I don’t like to worry her she worries too much about me , I know I couldn't go far by my self I just don't know where I would end up , when I get my hospital appointment or when I see my doctor I will have to mention this as a concern.

Do you think I'm losing the plot?

[Littlecook]

How are you doing today ? Hope alls well .

[Lady4]

I think you have just become overwhelmed with everything. If you begin to feel like that whilst out walking in silence, practise the 5,4,3,2,1 grounding technique.

At a Glance

Feeling anxious or overwhelmed? This technique can help. All you have to do is identify:

5 things you can see

4 things you can feel - you could put a couple of sensory items in your pocket*

3 things you can hear

2 things you can smell - if your struggling have a little bottle of essential oil in your pocket too*

1 thing you can taste - maybe a mint at hand too, or a tangy sweet*

This simple yet powerful exercise uses your senses to anchor you in the present moment, helping you find some calm amidst the chaos.

* additional sensory tools

[Van604]

I have a similar sort of thing, but it's more like my brain just gets completely overwhelmed by too much input. It helps if I use a cane or walker, just to feel grounded, and I also wear a leg brace on my affected side, which makes me feel less spacy too. I had to go out really early the other day - it was still dark and there was no one around and I felt so much better. I also play music in my head and that helps with coordination. I think it's just that my brain has lost its sense of automatic rhythm. This appears to be "normal" for FND so I don't think you've lost the plot - unless we all have, lol.

[Cockerpoos73]

I struggle when out and about. I prefer to be with someone. I have a lot of seizures especially triggered by lights in shops so I wear shades on top of my glasses. I also don't feel safe. I know where you are coming from with that. Only got diagnosed 4 months ago. Still trying to adapt to the change. Just new to this. Nice to chat to people who understand.