Unsafe alone, especially when crossing roads.

[CuriousConnie]

Yesterday I took a relatively simple, ten minute walk to the local post box. Only two roads to cross (one of them a side road), I went mid-morning so it was a quiet time as well. On my return journey a road sweeper passed me on my right hand side, the noise of this bothered me as so loud. I obviously turned to look at it and then found myself in the road in front of a car. Luckily this was a side road and the driver was able to stop, but this really frightened and upset me. I had an anxiety attack on the spot and spent the rest of the afternoon in tears. This isn't an isolated incident but sadly I spend most of my time alone and so difficult to avoid altogether. I'm currently seeing the Head Injury Rehab Team who are setting me goals for going out more, but such incidents make me frightened to do so. I struggle to stay in the moment and concentrate on what I need to, even if it is a safety issue.

[bikerlifestyle]

do you know what i read in that

that you went out despite knowing your problems and yes you had a blip (we all do) the fact you did it is more important than the fact you had an anxiety attack .

so concentrate on what you have succeeded to do rather than the blips

keep looking at the things you can do and the things that go right rather than than the blips and mistake, because i bet you that during that trip you did more things right than you did wrong.

[Hidden]

Well done for going out and yes it caused you problems, but you got there and back and thankfully all in one piece. Again well done!

If you decide to go out again are you able to ask a friend or family member to accompany you. They can walk a good bit behind you so you feel independant and are safe.

Tip- On my mobile i have ICE which stands for' IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

I have 2 or 3 contact numbers listed, my husbands being the first.

[cat3]

I think the others are spot on. I was plagued with panic attacks several years ago and became virtually housebound as a result. I remember once sitting in the local park in the pouring rain when I was so paralysed with fear that my legs had given way. But I learned that by making a deal with certain people that I could phone them if the problem became unmanageable.......and

always taking a fully charged mobile with me.....that my confidence soared, and I never actually needed to phone anyone.

Please don't be overwhelmed by this experience. You say it isn't an isolated incident so,

despite earlier problems, you are still prepared to keep trying.......that shows courage and determination. Well done girl !

Keep us updated. Best wishes, cat x

[CuriousConnie]

Thank you all so much for your warm & positive replies, I must offer my apologies for my delay with this response. The incident upset me alot & as a result I think my usual symptoms have been worse ever since, I'm just starting to feel a slight improvement & taking the chance to catch up on emails.

When I mentioned this incident to the Rehab team I was told I shouldn't be trying to cross roads alone as 'I'm not at that stage yet' - as I'm 6 years post accident what do they think I've done during those years??? Sadly not possible for me to have someone with me 24/7 & I'm sure we all attempt to lead as normal a life as possible.

This site has been a revelation to me, just to know I'm not alone.

Best wishes to you all. xx