[bipolar gemini]

does anyone else have trouble leaving the house?
I have a dinner tonight where i have to socialize and the anticipation is driving me crazy to the point of tears. its not only just special occasions, its leaving the house for normal things too, like groceries and so on. it just gives me so much anxiety..and i hate that i can't enjoy those things.

[hamster-bamster]

On the Anxiety, Panic, and Phobias forum there are a number of folks who share this trait - finding it difficult to leave the house. I think the treatment is generally exposure, as with most social anxiety issues - you force yourself to face going out and gradually become acclimated to being outside, and then success breeds success. "Success breeds success" is a very powerful strategy - I used it for decluttering and yes, it does work. I hope that gradual exposure can eventually bring you to that point where you not only CAN leave the house, but also ENJOY being outside of the house.

For support from people who suffer from the same condition, the Anxiety forum would probably work better than this one (you can open an identical OP there - the site allows x-posting on two forums); you would get answers here, but you would get many more answers there, because over there, it is one of the main recurrent themes.

Also, group therapy for anxiety would be good to try.

[Mountainbard]

When I am depressed it's almost impossible for me to leave the house. I manage to get out to do the grocery shopping, but each time it's an ordeal. I'm sorry this dinner tonight is stressing you so much. I hope you can make it to the dinner and manage to enjoy it at least a little.

[pink&grey]

I do. I've been like this for years and in the situation you describe I would probably cancel. (Not saying you should). I've never been diagnosed with GAD or given anti-anxiety meds until about a week and a half ago. It's helping me a lot! To clarify, this is a problem for me even when not depressed. When I'm depressed I can't even leave my room let alone the house!!

[Curious651]

Sorry I don't have any great words of wisdom. I become very apprehensive at times and do not like social gatherings for the most part. I can handle stores and thing like that, but not to keen on groups or things. Exposure is a way some work on this, but I would like to throw something out there to consider. Exposure could traumatized if not don't right. Perhaps someone you know could help or you could go over that with your t. Best wishes.