[xshadow]

hi everyone. im new here. age 18. i am terrified to go outside. you see, my parents isolated me from the outside world pretty much my entire life. i sometimes would ask them to let me go outside, and they just kept saying, ''not til you're 18. there are guys out there who may harm you.'' way too overprotective...i guess they thought if something bad were to happen, i could protect myself better, or something...anyway, i can't even step outside my house without shaking, and my heart will start racing. im scared something bad will happen to me if i leave my house. does anyone have any suggestions on how i can start going outside? thanks for any help

[phipps88fan]

Hi there and welcome, I'm so sorry that you were kept so isolated for so long. That would have an effect on anyone. Have you thought about seeing a therapist to help you handle all the emotions you are dealing with now? If not maybe taking things slow and in small steps wouldn't overwhelm you too much. I have agoraphobia and have a hard time going anywhere. I just do as much as I can handle at that time. Good luck and hugs!

[trance]

try sitting in a window for awhile with your favorite book or game....

[Alexandria04]

I agree that you should see a therapist if you aren't already. I would also advise you as well to do stuff in small steps. If you can only handle a few minutes on your back porch or right outside your door, then start there. Once you become comfortable you can move in small steps to staying outside longer. I hope you can get this figured out and I am sorry this happened to you *hugs*

[jenkins09]

The one thing I enjoy about this place is that it validates that we are not crazy. I have the same problem, but it varies from day to day. I at times stay inside all day because of this underlying fear that people are judging me..its weird, but can paralyze me at times. I hope you find a great T and enjoy your life, you are so young.

Blessings.

[Lisa Michelle]

How are you with friends, do you have any where you're living? It would be nice to hang out, you could even go to a friend's house, or somewhere you feel ok, like a library or cinema maybe? Not too many people, less busy than a shopping mall, and you won't be alone.
Maybe a club/group could be something you'd consider? I don't know what's available where you are, but a group with other people around your age, where you maybe visit places or do a certain activity, you could really enjoy that. Or maybe a class, say if you want to study something like a language or a craft, that could be fun and you're out but with other people, which might make you feel safer?
Because you're so scared to actually leave the house, maybe start small. Do you have a garden? Is there a shop nearby that you could work your way up to going to? Give yourself little tasks, where you know you can come right back home if you start to feel unsafe.
Good luck, hun x

[goldgirl]

my parents kept me locked up too. I wasn't allowed to be a regular teen. I am doing this new theripy called DNMS to heal my wounds from the past. You could find it useful.

[goldgirl]

My parents did the same thing to me. I was kept as a personal slave until i found the courage to leave home. I like what the others said about taking little steps to feel stronger leaving the house.

Hello, xshadow. You are learning social skills that have been neglected by your circumstances.

Is getting professional help an option?

[muncie]

Are you still living at home with your parents? If you are, it's hard to believe they will start loosening the apron strings just because you turned 18. I know, as I had overprotective parents too. I didn't leave home until I was 33, and that was to get married. In their efforts to protect you, their fear did you harm. You can't live a life like that. We just take reasonable precautions, and then go on our way. You can't grow and learn if you remain housebound. I would try walking a short distance from the house to begin, and then when you're comfortable add a little more to your walk. Possibly a friend or relative could accompany you. Walking outdoors is a great way to relieve anxiety, and brighten up your mood.

How are you doing, xshadow?