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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to feel proud after managing a solo walk?

95 replies

QuestionableMouse · 24/08/2026 19:57

I've been struggling with anxiety and agoraphobia since my mum died in Jan. I haven't left my flat for more than a few minutes since her funeral in Feb.

I've just walked around my block six times by myself and didn't panic. Feeling very proud of myself at the moment! I know it's on a tiny thing but it genuinely feels like a huge accomplishment! 🥳🥳😁😁

OP posts:
BlondeFool · 26/08/2026 21:04

Baby steps (couldn’t help the pun!). My friend who suffered terribly would stand in the front garden then each day would walk a little further. It was great meeting her in the pub a few streets away. You are doing brilliantly.

TheChosenTwo · 26/08/2026 21:02

Wow op this is incredible. I can see I’m a little late to the thread but what an achievement. I hope tomorrow you wake up and feel the same motivation to get round that block again, WELL DONE YOU - YOU ARE AMAZING 🥳

Original poster
QuestionableMouse · 26/08/2026 21:00

Thank you everyone!

I'm really sorry to other people who are also going through this because it's genuinely horrible.

Haven't been out since because I've got some sort of cold virus that's absolutely flattened me unfortunately ☹️☹️☹️

Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow so I can go for another little walk.

OP posts:
Acommonreader · 25/08/2026 15:27

QuestionableMouse · 24/08/2026 20:02

Thank you all! 🥰🥰🥰

Not sure what motivated me tbh. I just felt like I could do it do I did. It actually felt really nice being out in the fresh air l!

Well done for being so positive and pushing yourself! It can be so hard to make changes in our lives, you should be very proud of yourself.

Helpisonitsway · 25/08/2026 14:04

That’s amazing @QuestionableMouse, you should feel proud of yourself 💐

Elmtrees · 25/08/2026 14:02

This is wonderful news, well done @QuestionableMouse ❤️

Tinydogssitter · 25/08/2026 11:03

QuestionableMouse · 24/08/2026 19:57

I've been struggling with anxiety and agoraphobia since my mum died in Jan. I haven't left my flat for more than a few minutes since her funeral in Feb.

I've just walked around my block six times by myself and didn't panic. Feeling very proud of myself at the moment! I know it's on a tiny thing but it genuinely feels like a huge accomplishment! 🥳🥳😁😁

That is not a tiny thing! It's huge. You should feel proud.

MrsAvocet · 25/08/2026 11:00

Well done OP. You deserve to feel proud of yourself. I remember the first time I left my house alone after I'd been seriously injured in a car crash. I only walked to the end of the road and back but it felt like I'd conquered Everest, and not just because of the physical effort, but because of the sense of vulnerability that being outside on my own brought, after months of not going out. Now I go out alone on my bike for hours , and up mountains on my own but it all started with that first short walk. Take it (literally!) one step at a time OP but you're doing brilliantly.

Ooodelally · 25/08/2026 10:54

Well done you, I’m so sorry for your loss x
I hope you feel up to doing it again tomorrow or whenever feel right to you x x x

CharityShopMensGlasses · 25/08/2026 10:51

Well done you! Thats a brave and brilliant thing to do and hope you feel better for it :)

mishgs · 25/08/2026 10:47

Fantastic! My DD struggles leaving the house so I know what an achievement this is. Be very proud of yourself.

Icecreamisthebest · 25/08/2026 10:41

This made me smile! What wonderful news. Proud of you

iamnotalemon · 25/08/2026 10:37

I’m sorry for your loss. Well done on your achievement.

ZippyPeer · 25/08/2026 10:31

Great work OP 😁😁😁😁

StrawberryBunnies · 25/08/2026 02:07

That’s fantastic ❤️

Rainbowlou0001 · 25/08/2026 01:33

Well done, and we are all proud of you too
I lost my brother last year and still couldn’t do what you have done so good for you’

ApricotTulip · 25/08/2026 01:27

Well done. I'm glad it's given you a boost.

Seaglasscat · 25/08/2026 01:17

Well some op. One step at a time.
sorry for your loss

WarmthAndDepth · 25/08/2026 00:33

This has made me so happy. Losing our mums is a big life event, and loss makes itself felt in some unexpected ways. You've just shown that you can hold both grief and a life that is lived courageously in your heart at once.
I'm a year into the same journey, and being out walking is one of the ways I feel 'closest' to my mum now.

ForMerryPinkCat · 25/08/2026 00:13

This thread is lovely. Well done @QuestionableMouse

OneNewEagle · 25/08/2026 00:05

Very well done OP!

From a fellow CPTSD agoraphobia anxiety illness sufferer.

it starts to get easier with time.

fumingrightnow1 · 24/08/2026 23:40

You should be so proud of yourself thats amazing I suffered with agoraphobia and did some exposure therapy and its really not easy. I hope you've treated yourself to something for doing it.

Twilight7777 · 24/08/2026 23:23

Well done! I can imagine your mum beaming with pride watching over you ❤️❤️❤️

canklesmctacotits · 24/08/2026 23:23

Well done!! It always makes me well up seeing or watching or hearing about people who confront their fears head on - and all the more so when they end up beating them. It’s so courageous. I’m proud of you too, OP, and I haven’t a clue who you are. Out for coffee next!!

Sacredbirman · 24/08/2026 23:19

I can only say that is wonderful.