[Dix888]

Last year, we had horrific floods & fires. The night before the big floods, there was a lot of loud thunder, lightning & then the nonstop rains. So I'm terrified of thunder now.
My sister's house burned to the ground. She passed away in '99 but her husband, his new wife & my niece still lived in the house where my sister was married. All the family heirlooms (going back to the 1600s), paintings (some that my sister did, some I did, others), photos, family films, etc. were burned up. They had to find new homes.
So now I have a fear of going outdoors if there is Any chance of rain. An entire town nearby was demolished by floods. Most of the hiking areas in my town were blasted. My house wasn't damaged but friends kept calling frantically saying "Are you OK! Get to safety!!"
I used to walk & hike a Lot. 20-45 min./day around my town & then weekends in the mountains.
Since the floods & fires, I have to really talk myself into going outdoors alone. Anyone have tricks to talk yourself into doing scary things?
When I do walk, it feels good. I do yoga & dancing indoors but enjoy the outdoors when I can get myself out there

[kaliope]

im not one to give advice being an agoraphobic...lol...but I think you just have to focus on that feel good feeling you get from going on walks and hikes outdoor. really fill your mind up with that experience to get yourself out the door. it will make it worth it and in the long run make it easier and easier to get out I think. take care.

[Standup2me]

I have a mantra that I use
I am strong
I am brave
I am smart
I am capable
I can do anything

I keep repeating it while I am scared

[sarahblue]

Yikes! That sounds pretty scary! And the loss of all those heirlooms and memories is tragic.

Maybe plan short outdoor walks, like five or ten minutes to start? And/or go with a friend or family member that you feel safe with?

Also, maybe developing a disaster plan would help you feel safer? Like, keeping a supply of food, water, and so on, and planning where to go if you need to evacuate. There's a lot of resources for this.

[Dix888]

Sarahblue, that sounds really helpful. Thank you! I didn't ever put together an emergency pack b/c my magical thinking was "that will make it happen again" Thanks!