Absolutely terrified of going out in an hour

[chandlersagirl]

I’ve got long, long term MH issues that make it very difficult to go out without feeling overwhelming terror .

I’ve got a hospital appointment this afternoon at 3.30 . I’ve cancelled it twice already, I really do have to go . It’s only a pre assessment for anaesthetic thing . I’m absolutely terrified though . It’s 25 miles on the bus and then a taxi to the hospital . My mum is coming with me but I’m dreading it . I’ve hardly even gone to the shops since February . Only a handful of very long walks . Sort of resigned myself to a life indoors where it’s safe .

I don’t feel I can cope with this today and I’m so scared . My mum is coming with me for moral support but still so nervous .

Oh OP thays so tough.
I had a particularly bad break down last year and was similar.

You can do this. Your mom is with you. Would it be easier to have it planned out on a piece of paper so you haven't got to worry about it going wrong?
Sending you lots of love

Hand hold OP. I've been there. Only thing I can say is that you will most certainly survive this trip, and you can pay yourself on the back for doing it. Maybe have a nice treat when you get home like cake/bubble bath etc?

Wishing you lots of good thoughts for your journey today.
Think to this evening once you have done the trip and you are back home safely - how will you feel? Will you be proud of yourself?
My advise is break it down into smaller chunks.

1. Open the door and step out.
2. Walk to the bus stop,
3. Wait for bus.
4. Get on bus and pay.
5. Sit on bus for xxx length of time.

6..... you get the idea. This sometimes helps me when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I talk to myself about it too. Do you have any calming medication you can take? I hope it goes really well. Don't forget to update us later

Oh bless you! My daughter in law had problems going out when her children were small, so I sort of understand. Can you take something to distract yourself? A book? knitting? crochet? Otherwise just lean on your Mum, she looked after you when you were young, she will do it again now.

Is there anything that might help you feel calmer?
Have you some favourite music you could play on headphones to help block things out? Take a book to read on the bus? Wear sun glasses to hide behind? Watch a TV programme on your phone?

Good luck

You can do this OP. Your mum will be with you, and once you are on the bus you are safe for a good while. After you get off, it's a short taxi to the hospital. And then you're there!

Has GP given anything to take in emergency?

No, I wish re medication, I only see her every 4-6 weeks - you can’t make an appointment to see doctor unless reception seem your reason ‘essential’ (they ask on the phone what’s wrong that you want to see them) and even then it’s a long wait .

I’ve got my sunglasses, Netflix, Spotify, WiFi on my phone and a necklace that I can fidget with ... hopefully it’s all over and done quickly .

Will definitely do the steps thing as well , that does sound like it could help . Just want it over and done with now . I’m hoping the actual op my GP will be a bit more forthcoming with medication !

Noise cancelling headphones? For next time maybe - presumably you'd be wearing them if you have any... One step at a time and trust your mum to look after you xx

Your Mum won't let anything had happen to you.
Just one step at a time, with your Mum. That's all it is. 🙂

Lots of good advice from other PPs.

It's too late for this appointment but could you look into whether you are eligible for hospital transport next time if you find it hard taking public transport? It might be easier to cope with than a complicated journey with changes.

Again, for next time, your hospital consultant can't prescribe you medication to help with your anxiety but they can write in their letter to the GP that you are nervous and they are referring you back to the GP for appropriate medication. That should help you get an appointment.

Thirteen miles into journey now . Will definitely look into patient transport yes, I think that could be a huge help . I’ve got my Spotify on ... hopefully hospital will be a quick appt . I used to work there every day , you’d think I’d feel right at home ...

Good update op. Well done for getting out the front door and those thirteen miles

Good for you!

Keep mumsnetting to distract yourself!

You are doing really well OP

Well done! 🙂 Hopefully you are well on your way back home now.

op and well done.
Patient transport is brilliant takes all the stress out as even if you're late you're seen as soon as possible as they know you're on your way.

Well done, I bet you're glad that's over with
Definitely ask G P for some diazepam or beta blockers etc, having the pill in your bag is sometimes enough of a reassurance but not giving you anything isn't helping you need to attend appointments to get better.
Good luck.

I find candy crush great for this (I get anxious in queues). Headphones are a must. Water. You could people watch and imagine where everyone on the bus is going and make up ridiculous stories about them (couples are the best).

Btw. Massive achievement. More courage to you!