[Estee1]

I don't feel safe. It's not like I live in a bad neighbourhood. It's just me being afraid.

i understand your anxiety......sometimes i find it so hard to justy leave the house....try doing it in small steps.......go outside...........breathe the fresh air.........go back in if the anxiety overtakes you and try again and again....you'll do ir in time and you will feel such an accomplishment

[pegasus]

Getting outside can be pretty difficult sometimes.
Try---------
Talking to yourself and reasure yourself that it is safe.
Phone a friend before you go.
Go out with a friend
Hold an object to keep yourself grounded
Concentrate on each step that you take and really feel the ground
Exagerated role therapy---- Pretend that you are superman or superwoman (sounds silly but does work,especially when shopping!)

These are just some ideas that I use but don`t be to hard on yourself, it takes time.

[Rhapsody]

Dear Estee - ((((((( HUGS )))))))

I truly do understand your fear, for I too was once fearful of just going out into my own back yard - afraid of the people I would have to see and possibly have to speak to.... but as butterfly has stated above the only way to work on this issue is to do it in small bits and as slow as you need to - remembering that the important thing here is that you stay safe during this transition period.

My belief is that one must face their fears or they will always control you - the more you face the fear and see that you are not in as much danger as you perceived it to be then the pull that confines you will lessen.

I am going to bed for the night but I will write more tomorrow on ways to change this negative behavior / fear using CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[Estee1]

Thanks everyone. I will try to go for a walk tommorrow. Might borrow my mum's dog to take with me. Just hoping it's not too hot. I feel really bad about myself right now. Like a real loser. Not to do with the going out walking but other stuff.
I might be able to ask someone else to come walking with me tommorrow. That would make me feel safer.
((((((((hugs to you all))))))))))
Estee