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I’ve actually left the house and been for a walk - agoraphobia

128 replies

iveonlygoneandcompletedit · 08/11/2022 14:57

Even this morning I would never have believed that possible .

I weigh 23 stone, I’m extremely anxious all the time and hardly ever go out unless I have to - it’s taken complete crisis point to get appropriate referrals in situ . I am terrified of going for a walk, I worry I’m going to collapse if I try, I hate feeling my heart rate increase (health anxiety around heart disease) .

Honestly my daily steps for a year have averaged at 1-2000 .

I was referred for 1-1 befriending two weeks ago, and befriender asked me if we could go for a long walk today .

I’ve only gone and done three miles . 8000 steps . I forgot I was anxious and focused only on one foot in front of the other . It rained and I even enjoyed that, I’ve forgotten what rain and stuff is like hiding indoors for so long .

Yes I am knackered, yes my heart was pounding, yes I was sweating and puffing my way round and even half jokingly asked my support worker if I could cheat and get a taxi back (one look at her face told me no!) but I’ve totally done it, and going back next week (it’s a walking group) .

I am hugely, hugely delighted !

OP posts:
DollieBantrysPantry · 08/11/2022 17:40

Thats amazing OP, very well done 👏👏👏👏👏

Forfukzsake · 08/11/2022 17:40

I know anxiety and therefore what a fantastic big deal this is. Well done! Your OP has uplifted me. Such a happy post.

PalatineHill · 08/11/2022 17:41

Lovely thing to post on here! Great news. Congratulations!

HanSB · 08/11/2022 17:47

That's really wonderful and you should be so proud of yourself. It's not easy making the first steps and I hope that each walk will become easier and bring you more feelings of accomplishment and joy in experiencing the outdoors!

IntentionalError · 08/11/2022 17:52

Huge congratulations, that’s a fantastic effort. When you can feel your heart pumping, that’s a good thing. The heart is made of muscle, and just like the muscles in your arms & legs, it needs exercise to make it strong. The more you exercise it, the stronger it will be. Enjoy your next walk!

TooHotToRamble · 08/11/2022 17:54

That is amazing!! What an achievement! You don't start small do you, straight in at the deep end! You should be so proud of yourself!

HappyGranny6 · 08/11/2022 17:55

Oh WOW - got really emotional reading that! Bloody well done, really, well done. Please post again next week and tell us about your walk again - I will look forward to hearing about it, I'm sure we all will. What you did today took real courage and I admire you so much for facing your fear and just doing it - INSPIRATIONAL

SignOnTheWindow · 08/11/2022 17:55

That is amazing! Well done - you should be hugely proud of yourself!!

TooHotToRamble · 08/11/2022 17:56

TooHotToRamble · 08/11/2022 17:54

That is amazing!! What an achievement! You don't start small do you, straight in at the deep end! You should be so proud of yourself!

PS And I say that as someone with anxiety disorders myself. I get it.

SouperNoodle · 08/11/2022 19:14

That's incredible! Well done!!
I'm so proud of you xx

Kfjsjdbd · 08/11/2022 19:23

Wow that is really inspirational. Congratulations!

iveonlygoneandcompletedit · 08/11/2022 19:47

Thanks all so much Grin

I'm beyond tired tonight, will be falling asleep watching TV later, but absolutely delighted . I'm not too too sore either (so far at least) . I can't wait for next week's. Once I'm fitter and more able there's a decent Tesco across the road so I'll hopefully be able to nip in there and get my shopping eventually too .

OP posts:
iveonlygoneandcompletedit · 08/11/2022 19:47

And yes I'll more than happily update next week !!

OP posts:
Tiredpigeon · 08/11/2022 19:53

What an amazing achievement! Well done...and so great that you're looking forward to going again. Inspirational!

Sn0tnose · 08/11/2022 20:05

That is such a fantastic achievement, well done!

Coldymccold · 08/11/2022 20:07

Congratulations! That's a great achievement

Rainbowqueeen · 08/11/2022 20:11

@iveonlygoneandcompletedit Epsom salts in the bath are great for sore muscles.

We are all really proud of you.

itsnevertolate · 08/11/2022 20:13

Well done! This made me so happy to read Smile here's to the first day of a happy healthier life. Looking forward to next week's update.

TicketToRideFan · 08/11/2022 20:13

iveonlygoneandcompletedit · 08/11/2022 14:57

Even this morning I would never have believed that possible .

I weigh 23 stone, I’m extremely anxious all the time and hardly ever go out unless I have to - it’s taken complete crisis point to get appropriate referrals in situ . I am terrified of going for a walk, I worry I’m going to collapse if I try, I hate feeling my heart rate increase (health anxiety around heart disease) .

Honestly my daily steps for a year have averaged at 1-2000 .

I was referred for 1-1 befriending two weeks ago, and befriender asked me if we could go for a long walk today .

I’ve only gone and done three miles . 8000 steps . I forgot I was anxious and focused only on one foot in front of the other . It rained and I even enjoyed that, I’ve forgotten what rain and stuff is like hiding indoors for so long .

Yes I am knackered, yes my heart was pounding, yes I was sweating and puffing my way round and even half jokingly asked my support worker if I could cheat and get a taxi back (one look at her face told me no!) but I’ve totally done it, and going back next week (it’s a walking group) .

I am hugely, hugely delighted !

This is amazing.

I am super proud of you, and I hope you feel proud of yourself and empowered.

BrizzleMaverick · 08/11/2022 20:20

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

What an achievement!

devildeepbluesea · 08/11/2022 20:22

What an extraordinary achievement! Just wonderful.

so many congratulations OP, what a brave and inspirational person you are xx 🎉🎉🎉

MsFrog · 08/11/2022 20:22

Congratulations, OP, what a lovely thread. You should be really proud of yourself, what an achievement 😊👍

Clickta · 08/11/2022 20:24

AMAZING!

Well done, that's fantastic.

I'm recovering from agoraphobia too (doing well but I have my bad days) so I totally get it.

Be very proud of yourself.

PaulineFowlersCardigan · 08/11/2022 20:27

That’s amazing.
This post has really made me smile for you! One foot in front of the other is the way you’ll keep conquering it, you should be super proud of yourself x

FightingFatAt49 · 08/11/2022 20:40

Woo hoo 🙌 congratulations 🎊 and well done 👏
I like your style, one foot in front of the other - I need this attitude in my life 😊