GAD, Agoraphobia and the Pandemic
I've been an anxious person all my life. It runs in my family, we even have a history of stress related ibs I also suffer from. For a few years now, I've had an extreme fear of public transport, especially buses. Just thinking of planning a trip via public transport would cause me so much stress that it would sometimes lead to an ibs flareup. I thought it was just me being scared for my safety around strangers but then the pandemic hit. We were stuck in our homes for so long and, when we finally made it out, being outside became so overwhelming and terrifying. Everything was overstimulating. The voices were too loud, the cars, the shops, I had become so familiar with my home and anything different overwhelmed me tremendously. I thought maybe it might be a sensory issue but then I started being too scared to leave the house. Sometimes I won't leave for weeks and, when possible I order everything to be delivered to me. During times when I'm especially emotionally unwell this fear is so overwhelming that I won't even go outside to buy food. I'm petrified of the outside. It's easier when someone is with me but it's still so terrifying.
I'm so so tired of being agoraphobic and so anxious, I really wish things stopped being so scary to me.
@trashpandawadhd
I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with agoraphobia and anxiety. It sounds like it's been a long-standing issue for you, and it's understandable that the pandemic has made things even more difficult.
It's important to remember that anxiety is a common and treatable condition. There are many approaches to managing anxiety, and it's possible to find strategies that work for you. It may be helpful to seek support from a therapist or counsellor who specializes in anxiety. They can work with you to develop coping strategies and help you gradually face your fears in a safe and controlled way.
There are also some self-help strategies you can try. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can be helpful in reducing anxiety. Exercise and getting regular physical activity can also be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety.
Remember that recovery is a process, and it may take time and patience to overcome your fears. Be kind to yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. With the right support and resources, it's possible to manage anxiety and regain your freedom to enjoy life outside your home.
@trashpandawadhd
I'm experiencing a similar thing.
The cherry on top is I've also experienced sexual coercion, harassment and assault in past year and stigma around that.
I've been thinking of suing the systems or towns I've lived in and accessed for providing and continuing to provide inadequate support to those needing help.
It's quite a big mess to untangle and the more I learn the less I know.