Besides other things I have OCD, PTSD, social anxiety GAD and panic disorder that all contributes to my anxiety. I havent left the flat in a fair while, maybe like 6 weeks to 2 months. So this morning a worker from the hospital did a home visit, my task was to get out of my flat, walk down the stairs and let her into the building but I was freaking out about it. What actually ended up happening was she came upstairs to my flat, we talked a little and then she persuaded me to try the stairs, took a bit of like psyching myself up I managed to get 5 steps outside my flat before breaking down in the hall and didnt manage the rest of the way. I felt really pathetic that I couldnt even manage stairs in my blocks hall.. Ive calmed down a lot now but Im really dreading each step Ill have to take in future.

[Perna]

Don't get too far ahead of yourself. You got 5 steps outside your flat today. Celebrate that.

It makes me think of how we're supposed to eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day ("freggies"). I think I would come up with various numbers or groups, "4 and 20 blackbirds baked in a pie"? and then "do" them? Instead of worrying about being outside your flat, go outside and count 24 birds? You did 5 steps today, even make up your own list like: Six Things I Learned While Traveling The United Kingdom In An Airstream Trailer | FiveThirtyEight only make it smaller, "Six things I learned about my blocks hall" :-) Maybe you really don't like the carpeting or, when you count your steps, find it is 78 steps long. If you know your stride length (pedometers ask for that) you can compute the distance; I think I remember mine is like 21-22 inches? Get your head interested in or curious about something else besides that you're going outside.

Thats some great advice, thank you I will try that.

[Bipholar]

Congratulations on getting out of the house. That's big. I am a firm believer in exposure therapy myself as it works on my fears. Not saying it's easy but repetation builds skill competency.

I'd also try and stay out of the future. The future is unknown. Bask in the glow of personal achievement for a while.

[muncie]

Originally Posted by RJstatic

Besides other things I have OCD, PTSD, social anxiety GAD and panic disorder that all contributes to my anxiety. Ive calmed down a lot now but Im really dreading each step Ill have to take in future.

Every journey starts with the first step, then the next and so on. I think Perna gave you excellent advice. By making a game of it, you take your mind off the fear and onto something positive. There is no one better or less than you, we are all the same in this human experience and when one offers help we must trust them and be glad. Life is all about change, your future will not exist in your present housing. You are in a period of transition. As a young woman, I isolated myself as well. But I sought the help I needed and have lived a simple, satisfying life...you will too my friend if you take those first steps.