I have just left the house for the first time in 9 months

[Mixedupworld]

Due to being clinically extremely vulnerable I started self isolating mid February. Covid rates have been continually high where I live and I've been terrified to go out. I think I've developed agoraphobia. I have made myself go out today. I live in a sort of housing complex, all flats. There is a large courtyard that all the flats overlook. I saw that nobody was out there and I have made myself go out. I'm in a wheelchair so I took myself to the door nearest to my flat that goes out to the courtyard, opened the door and just sat there for a few mins breathing in the fresh air. It took me 20 minutes to pluck up the courage to actually go outside and I was only out for few seconds. I was feeling sick, shaking and sweating but I made myself do it. I'm back in my flat now.

Well done op

Well done. That must have felt so strange after being shut away so long.
Do you live alone?

Well done- maybe try it again tomorrow to build yourself back up? Nice cup of tea now

Well done Mixedupworld that must have taken a lot of courage. Do you think you will be able to go out daily from now on and build up gradually? Could get any help on-line from a mh charity like Mind. My heart goes out to you having to go through this alone. It's so unfair and hard on you.

Well done ok the achievement

Well done

Well done OP 💐

Well done 🎉

What an achievement. It must have been really scary, well done Hopefully next time will feel a little easier.

Well done, that’s a great achievement.

I had a total of 5 weeks self-isolating I found it daunting to go back outside, so to do it after 9 months is great.

Do try and do the same again tomorrow, you’ll build it up gradually :)

Well done! I was shielding for 20 weeks first time, and can remember my first time out into the new COVID world. Small steps op, a little fresh air will do you good.

Well done OP!! This is huge. Big pat on the back and a nice chill out with a cup of tea needed now What's your plan for tomorrow's venture? Any goal for how long you'd like to be outside for?

That's brilliant, well done! I bet that fresh air was lovely? Hopefully you'll manage a little longer - good luck

Thank you so much. Yes, I live alone. I hadn't long moved in here before covid so I haven't met any of my neighbours. I've seen them through the windows but I'd love to chat to them out in the courtyard where we can socially distance. I plan on going out daily now, just a few minutes at a time. I can't see me going out into the big wide world for a while but just going into the courtyard will be fantastic. Someone has some rabbits or Guinea pigs in a hutch. I want to go see them. They are the furthest point from my flat.

Well done OP. I'm very similar. I went for a walk today first time in months and months. I found a very quiet place with no one around and walked around. It's an extra effort for you as a wheelchair user so good for you xxxx

Well done! Small steps.

You should be proud of yourself! I remember how strange it felt walking outside after lockdown the first time; it felt like I was in another world!

Well done you superstar! Just a few minutes a day to begin with will help massively! Do you have any family/friends nearby you could aim to meet once lockdown lifts? Even a ten minute walk? Fear is sometimes easier with company.

Well done OP.
It does sound like you may have developed anxiety, or agoraphobia as you mentioned. Your willingness to overcome it is really admirable, but please don't think that you have to do so on your own! You should contact your GP, or MIND's helpline are able to signpost to relevant phone or online counselling to help you get through this.

Do you have friends or family who would be able to accompany you in the courtyard? It does sound like that is a good place for you to get out to, especially as you can maintain distancing.

Very well done OP!

Well done OP, that's a fantastic achievement, you should feel proud.

Good stuff, OP - do it again before afternoon tea

Well done OP! How on earth did you cope psychologically? How did you cope with not going out and (I assume) hardly any human contact?

Well done OP! That's a a massive achievement.

Well done!! I didint go out out for months and when I did felt like I should have gotten a little medal or something as I was so brave- I have anxiety issues,

So here’s you medal, keep it up medal 🏅