[turquoisesea]

I've been nervous about hanging out with friends for a while now, especially since I've been put on "medical leave" from school.

I don't completely know why, but I just freak out when teh situation comes up. i'm lonely, I WANT that social interaction. I'll tell the friend on the phone that yes, I would like to hang out, but when it comes to actually DOING it, I freeze. Hide. Sometimes just leave them hanging and don't call back for another day or two *or more*.

Thing is it would be easier if once they got there everything would get better, but sometimes I'm even nervous or uncomfortable the whole time they're over....

[DoggyBonz]

I don't know if this helps but I know for me when I am feeling more "low" than normal I want to be around other people but then when it comes to actually hanging out I get really scared and often back off.

It's like I want to know that I have something going on but when it actually comes to doing it I freeze.

It happens and I let my friends know. We don't plan big things, sometimes just simply walking the dogs is the most interaction I can handle. Recently I was in a really bad panic place and a friend insisted on coming over. He was just there and sat with me while I we both read. After about an hour I felt safe enough to leave the house and go out with him. It was exactly what I needed.

Just be gentle with yourself while you are going through this process. Your friends will understand as long as you let them know what is going on.

[jerrymichele]

((((((((((((((((((turq))))))))))))))))))))))))

That stupid anxiety. It sucks so bad.

[theotterone]

Big Hugs Turq!

I have a standing Friday Night "thing" where I go to a really good friend's place after work (We are co-worker as well as friends). It was hard at first since it was "outside" my schedule, and when my head is muddled (my term for when I am low or am going through medication adjustment) any "schedule" variation can cause me to be panicky. (I can get a little OCD from time to time). The thing that made it ok was I had a massive panic attack while out with said friend. We went back to his place and he just let me calm down. He handled it well and I was ok. He didn't bolt from our friendship because he had seen me go through a bad attack (and I have lost some friends because they couldn't handle the attack).

Just know that it is ok, take baby steps with it. You'll get better with it if you work at it.

My Friday night thing is now something I look forward to and is the most relaxing evening of my week!

[Pikku Myy]

Same here.... you are not alone!!!! Just know that. Right T and DR can really do wonders... but to truly get in balance may take from 6 mo to a year!!! Hugs

[bi-placebo]

i know how you feel. i have such hard time going to class or the mall. anywhere outside me house. my bladder.... i feel like i'm going to pee my pants like a beatin dog. they got me on lexapro and xanix.....so i dpn't sleep much, but the xanix helps nothing from the lexapro yet i've been on that for 2 weeks now. but i think it can get better. best of luck to you.

[perpetuallysad]

If there is a way you can get yourself to break out, do it. I am no good for ideas on how to do that as self-isolation is one of my things. I do know that when I rarely can make myself do something that requires interaction with someone, other than my pdoc or my husband and son, it sometimes is ok and I'm glad I went.

[billieJ]

Same here, turquoisesea. I have trouble even going to the grocery store and have given up socializing. But then, I have other mental health problems that probably do not trouble you. Try not to give up on socializing, as it can make you feel much better, when you get used to it. Blessings on Your Efforts ~ billieJ