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Original poster

Anxiety about leaving local area - anyone else feel like this too?

14 replies

EllieQ · 19/07/2020 11:45

I had a weird moment this morning where we were discussing heading to the coast for the day (about an hour’s drive from where we live), and I started feeling really panicky about the idea of leaving our local area. Has anyone else had this reaction?

It was unexpected as I have felt fairly calm about Covid-19 and lockdown - we have followed all the lockdown rules, but I wasn’t overly anxious even at the start. We had a walk every day, went to the supermarket once a week, and my daughter returned to school in June. We’ve been to playgrounds since they opened, been on the bus, been in a couple of non-essential shops, had take-away coffees, and had a couple of play dates. I would say I’ve been careful (eg: using hand sanitiser after going to the playground), but not excessively so. So I’ve been really surprised at how awful I felt about the idea of leaving the city where we live.

I’ve told myself it’s probably because we live in an area with low numbers of cases, and where people are generally still social distancing while they’re out, and going somewhere else is scary because it’s unknown. Plus, I know the coast will be busy today as it’s a sunny day. But we were planning a few days out over the summer holidays and I don’t want DH and DD to miss out because of me! Has anyone else felt like this, or got any idea of how to stop feeling this way?

OP posts:
Original poster
EllieQ · 19/07/2020 16:55

Anyone?

OP posts:
annabel85 · 19/07/2020 17:00

I've just gone by the rule of not being out long enough to need the toilet.

ScrapThatThen · 19/07/2020 17:21

I think it's just a normal reaction. We've been through a lot of change and now doing normal things again feels weird. Have a great time!

waltzingparrot · 19/07/2020 17:25

Yes, it's all about toilets for me too. I would like to visit my mum in her care home garden but it's a 3-4 hour drive there so I'm going to have to use motorway services. Thousands of people pass through service stations daily, so there's a high chance it's floating around in there. Obviously I'll wash my hands and wear a mask but it seems quite viralent - it's getting passed on easily somewhere/somehow.

CogsandGears · 19/07/2020 17:32

Yes same here and you've already been more adventurous than me. I've gone no where and can't see that changing.

Frownette · 19/07/2020 17:42

I was fairly anxious about moving back after lockdown started to lift, but went fine, even with a suitcase.

Bus was easiest and driver even told me to take my mask off Confused

It's natural to feel some confusion with everything that's happened but don't let that spoil your day out, enjoy it :)

copperoliver · 19/07/2020 17:54

I have this all the time especially when I have not been there before and would have to go with someone else. X

Original poster
EllieQ · 19/07/2020 23:04

Thanks all, it’s good to hear I’m not the only one feeling this way. Toilets are definitely an issue, though a friend who was at the beach we usually go to last week said they are clean and the beach itself wasn’t too busy. We didn’t go today, but are planning to go later in the week and I will try to stay calm.

OP posts:
BogRollBOGOF · 19/07/2020 23:13

It is more awkward venturing beyond the familiar. Different places are doing things slightly differently, so it's not the normal autopilot.

It is worth it though.

Geraniumblue · 19/07/2020 23:16

I think it’s just practice tbh. I also take the view that it’s worth getting out now, if the infection rate is generally low in the area, and having some kind of summer in case we are locked down again in the winter. I’ve been to a big city and a beach in the last week and felt pretty safe in both. The most unsafe I felt was in any smallish shops where it’s hard to distance. The beach was lovely and fairly empty!

copperoliver · 20/07/2020 08:42

@EllieQ Thanks all, it’s good to hear I’m not the only one feeling this way. Toilets are definitely an issue, though a friend who was at the beach we usually go to last week said they are clean and the beach itself wasn’t too busy. We didn’t go today, but are planning to go later in the week and I will try to stay calm.

If you are also worried about going into the toilets because of germs take gloves antibacterial wipes and hand gel, dettol spray with you. That's what I'd do.x

Frownette · 20/07/2020 08:44

I think toilets are mainly open again

Bluesheep8 · 20/07/2020 09:37

I feel the same op. Apart from a hospital appointment I didn't leave my village from 14th March til last weekend. I was really anxious about travelling out of the area, I still am.

Original poster
EllieQ · 22/07/2020 09:22

Update: we did go to the beach yesterday and it went very well. I did feel a bit panicky on the drive there (good thing DH was driving) but felt happy once we arrived. The beach was busy, but everyone was able to social distance as it’s quite big!

It was really reassuring to know that other people felt this way, thank you Smile

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