It's been awhile...

since I've posted on the forum. I've had some issues I wanted/needed support for, but just couldn't muster up the focus/energy to write about them.
First, I've been through several med changes since February. I'm hoping the current med combo will bring some stability. Seroquel, 25 mg, was added for sleep and it is doing a great job, but I need an additional nap in the morning, so I'm not really awake and focused until noon. I've accepted this, for now, especially since my husband doesn't have an issue with it.
Second, for two weeks I have had a shower at least every other day and gotten dressed. I had a couple of old, shapeless sweatsuits that I have lived in the past 3 years, and I threw them away a couple of weeks ago. I have a closet full of clothes that I still fit in, for the most part, and it is time to make more of an effort to engage with my day. My husband has expressed his appreciation and complimented my appearance almost every day. I've also gotten into a good routine of walking our dog in the afternoon and making dinner. This is all progress I need to celebrate.
Finally, I want to share my realization that the past 3 years since I left teaching, I have become increasingly more housebound and anxiety is at the root of it. I am comfortable walking our dog around our trailer park because I have a set route, going to weekly therapy groups and appointments at the mental health clinic, and grocery shopping with my husband at stores I'm familiar with. Anything else, I need to mentally prepare for it, and I need my husband with me. Home is my safe place, and my husband is an extension of that safety. I guess it is a form of agoraphobia. Does anybody else struggle with this?

Hi and welcome back!

I can relate to a lot of which you have written.
I am struggling with some of the same issues.
Yes, I love the comfy sweat suit! I have been trying to do better and have been adding to my wardrobe a bit, though not too much because I am in the midst of losing weight.

I don't have agoraphobia, per se.
I do go places, most often, with my husband. I like spending time with him. I have to admit that although I don't feel "unsafe" without him, I feel more comfortable with him. I do go places on my own.

I'm glad to hear you are doing better.
It all takes time, and some days, lots of effort.

Hope to see you around the forum, Jensitive.


WC

Thanks for the encouragement, Wild Coyote. Good luck with your weight loss.

I know what you mean for the most part. I have to drag myself out of bed and then force myself to do the things I have too and that is about as far as it goes. If I don't see it as a must it tends not to get done. Unless I get out I live in my pj's. My house is my safe space but I am able to get out and do what needs to be done. It does hinder me from going and visiting ppl though. Glad to hear you are doing better. Congrats

Thanks VJDragonfly. Adding to your thoughts about "must dos". I am at a place right now where I am able to focus more on what I have done and less on what I should do. If I don't, all I see in my life is failure.

You make a really good point. I do much better if I focus on what I have done/can do, as well. Otherwise, I just get too down on myself.

Thank you!

WC