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.

It sounds like what you did was very safe and the fresh air will do you good. Next time you do it, it will be easier.

@Twatalert

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?

I have a carer twice a day, district nurse every 2-3 days and physiotherapist once a week so I've had human contact just not with any family or friends. I facetime and zoom daily. I've been working throughout and have had work meetings through zoom/teams most days so I've had plenty of contact just not out of my home and with family.

I replied to the thread you started yesterday, but it died a quick death. Anyway, congrats, OP, it's a lovely day out there today! Keep up the momentum

well done, that must have took some courage. How are you feeling now?

Well done xxx

Well done! That’s amazing, can only imagine how much courage it took to go outside after so long. Hope you are feeling both proud and pleased at your achievement.

Hey well done; isn't a bit of fresh air lovely!
Hope you get to chat to some of your neighbours soon.

Wow well done. What went through your mind? Take it easy and keep going!

That’s a major personal victory, congratulations! It’s ok that this is a big deal.

Well done. First time is the worst time, and that's behind you now.
Enjoy that fresh air and hope you find a sunny day soon.

I'm going to sound awful here but I've been where you are op, and something I was told by a therapist, was that you shouldn't see what you did as brave. The more you reinforce that thought, the more it becomes a big deal and something you need to be brave to accomplish. You want to get to the stage where it's just boring to go out.
You are completely capable of reversing this just keep going and keep pushing. You have got this.

Well done @Mixedupworld 👏 it was very brave of you, be proud of yourself!
Just build it up by a couple of minutes every day, soon it won't be so daunting.

@Mixedupworld Are you on FB, theres a really supportive group if you search for shielders UK, a whole mix of us from all sorts of backgrounds and medical situations, thats if you haven't found us all ready?

The first time back out is scary and thrilling! Well done! I cried at the sight of a field when I left the house, it seemed so big and open and strange after month inside. You do get used to it quite quickly though.

Well done you! That is quite an achievement.

Do you know what? You give encouragement. I feel lightened by what you have told us. I haven't been out since February and prior to that, only went out to post a letter over the road or essential appointment, by cab. I was supposed to go out today, had appointment but postponed until Monday. I'm not in a wheelchair, just scared.

Every good wish to you and may today's outing be the first of, if not many, then several.

well done op, hope you meet the small furries soon and some nice neighbours to have a chat.

Joining the congratulations here.
Tomorrow, imagine us all cheering you on, and hopefully it'll help you stay out a bit longer.

Well done OP! You have done the hardest bit - the first trip outside. It wont be as hard next time. Hopefully your neighbours will be out and about and about and you can get to know them a bit and have a chat.

@Nousernameforme

I'm going to sound awful here but I've been where you are op, and something I was told by a therapist, was that you shouldn't see what you did as brave. The more you reinforce that thought, the more it becomes a big deal and something you need to be brave to accomplish. You want to get to the stage where it's just boring to go out. You are completely capable of reversing this just keep going and keep pushing. You have got this.

That's very interesting, and something to think about OP?

Well done on your first go! I hope it soon becomes something you do without even thinking about it!

Awwww small furries to visit next time?

Well done op, that is a massive achievement

Oh lovely! It's great to get outside!! I hope it's as nice there today as it is here!

You do realise we'll need photos of the Guinean pigs!! (Or whatever they've got there!!)

How far away do your friends/family live?

Well done op, my mum in similar situation, her mental health was suffering. I eventually managed to persuade to start going out once a day. She was the Same first time, however she looks forward to going out now. Good luck op.

That's great news, well done. And I love your idea of working towards seeing the rabbits/guinea pigs. I'm sure if you become a regular visitor you'll soon start to meet other people who visit them, and so the number of people you will know in your block will grow. You've taken the all-important and difficult fist step, the rest will follow!

That's brilliant for you. Try to keep doing this if it's dry, and perhaps a trip outside the complex (mid morning is quiet most places) as you gain confidence, little increments. Even the more blasé of us can feel a little overwhelmed when it's busy these days (I went into the city for the first time since March pre 2nd lockdown and the noise and people were over stimulating) so don't rush it, little by little

Well done

You are amazing. I have agoraphobia, getting out by yourself is a great achievement.