Not going out

[Beeper]

Not sure if I ever will get the courage to go out again. I have a fear of death. I love my life and family and friends. I don’t feel safe going out.

[allanah]

I know, it's scary. Just do what you feel us right. Try and I know it's not easy but distract yourself. I've found headphones really good .

But all of us are thinking of you

[KittyJ]

Try not to hurry yourself Beeper, take small steps and gradually build it up. It is scary going out after so long inside. Do you have masks? Could a friend come for a short walk with you? Take it slowly and don’t push yourself, you will get there 🤗

[Paula-C]

I watched the Nras live Facebook last Thursday, go on Nras Facebook page and scroll down till you find it. It was very reassuring about going out. The consultant said it was perfectly okay to go a walk with a person from your household and no need to wear a mask if out in the open. Obviously not in a crowded place.

I've been going out for a walk. A few minutes walk from where I live is open fields with footpaths around. If we do happen to meet anyone we walk into the field to pass them.

[helixhelix]

Don’t beat yourself up about feeling fearful, and as others have said take baby steps. But do keep trying, even just start by sitting outside your house. And then short walks. It seems that the risk of catching it outdoors where it is not too crowded is incredibly small.

Not going out also has risks, are you doing any exercise at home? And do remember that a huge number of fatal accidents happen in the home.

[Fruitandnutcase]

It is weird going out after so long. We ( husband and I - 73 and 71) have gone out for a walk every day since this all started. We live in a small town with a big Heath a few minutes walk from where we live and it’s easy to see where the people are.

I tend not to go to the shops although I went into Tesco’s today - first time since before lockdown - and I went to a garden centre yesterday. I’ve missed going out to a garden centre more than anything. We keep face masks and disposable gloves in our pockets.

I’ve noticed that early morning is usually the quietest time to go out. So when you pluck up courage, think about when there are likely to be fewest people around. Depending on your circumstances and where you live if it’s busy and crowded you might be able to go out in your car and drive to somewhere nearby that will be quiet.

We’ve found though that people of all ages do their best to keep away from each other - I was speaking to a physiotherapist during a online consultation recently and we came to the conclusion that you were ore likely to be run over by a car by stepping onto the road to distance yourself than catch covid from them.

I wouldn’t rush though if you don’t feel happy about going out. Eventually you will.

[medway-lady]

Don't we all ? It's sad but a fact people are going to get sick and die with or without this pesky virus. Only you can decide whether or not to go out but it seems to me to be very dangerous to dwell on a fear that the mind will build up. I'd suggest a walk round the garden or even just up and down the road to face the anxiety before it gets out of hand. If you can't do that then its small steps but take it slowly and try to get some counselling if you think the fear is getting out of hand or going to cause you anxiety stress or panic attacks. It's my belief that recognising you might have a problem is the first step to doing something about it. I do sympathise however feel its best to try to do something before it gets out of hand and means you're unable to lead a normal life when the crisis is over.

[Sheila_G]

I feel the same as you do. The thought of going into the outside world is very scary. My husband keeps suggesting that we go for a short drive and just park up somewhere quiet to take it gently but I don't want to. I think I would If I didn't live in the north west of England where the numbers are still high. I do agree with helix and Medway lady. We will have do it at some point and the longer it is left the harder it will be. Perhaps we should 'virtually' hold hands and take the plunge together. Good luck x

[Matt06 in reply to Sheila_G]

I feel the same Sheila my husband wants me go out in the car but I keep making excuses. I had a hip replacement two years ago and my knee is bad now so I can’t walk far. I am in Scotland so when I heard on Monday it was changing from 18th June until the end of July I was so fed up I went out for a walk.

Have been out once since March and that was for a steroid injection. I am going to go for a short walk daily if possible. I live in a small village but not keen to go to far. Good luck and take care.

[Sheila_G in reply to Matt06]

Thank you x

[Leics]

Hi Beeper, I’ve lost count of the weeks I’ve been shielding so I know how you feel. I haven’t been out for a walk or drive or anything yet either. However I am now allowing family members to visit in my garden at a safe distance I make sure the gate etc is unlocked so they don’t have to use the handles etc. It’s for their protection too I can honestly say it was very hard in the beginning the fear factor was off the scale but I’m becoming comfortable with it now. I’ve even kicked a ball back to my granddaughter who I’ve missed so much and it’s done my mental health the world of good. Take your time with it and only do what you’re comfortable with but if you don’t take small steps it will become so much harder the longer it lasts. Maybe have a small walk very early in the morning or later on in the evening to start with. I’m starting to flare so walking is very difficult for me at the moment but I’m still trying to walk even if it’s just down the drive. I think you need to try but don’t beat yourself up about it take your time there’s no rush. I hope you manage to diminish your fears soon. Good luck.

[Beeper]

Thanks for everyone’s help