To tell you I did a thing

[Flyingpig47]

I just wanted to share really.

My mental health has plummeted during lockdown. I struggle to leave the house due to severe panic attacks. I recently started taking citalopram but didn't feel like it was helping much. I have anxiety that flares up in certain situations so I've been avoiding these situations (which has been more justified during lockdown but hasn't helped long term).

This weekend I managed to go Christmas shopping to a busy centre. I also met up with friends for a socially distanced walk. I wouldn't have been able to do either of these things a few weeks back. I still struggled beforehand and had a big panic prior to going but once I got there I was ok.

It probably seems like nothing to most people but I feel proud that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and hope this is the start of tackling my demons.

What a great achievement Flying! Well done and long may you continue to make such good progress.

Well done!

I am glad for you OP, well done.

Amazing. Well done 👍

Fantastic! Go, you!

Well done Flyingpig47 lots of little wins add up to big achievements.

Well done OP you should feel really proud of yourself.

Hi Op
Well done😊
Rember you did it before travelling all over place having interesting Adventures,
You can do this again if you want to/set your mind to this.
Also you can do other things you have been curious about/wanted to do but lacked the cofindence ..

Small steps add up to the big picture..
Feel proud of yourself

Look after yourself
Such as eating healthy
Do some star gazing
Walk in nature,
Listen/watch good music on YouTube internet etc.
Watch funny/good TV shows/stand up comedians.
Appreciate small things in life people often take for granted.
Practice danish mindset lifestyle Hygge.
Have a go try mediation its free, good for relaxation dealing with stress,thinking with clarity.
there is mediation sounds on internet.
Have a go at creative crafts good for relaxtion /bit of escapism/dealing with stress
Have Holistic therapies such as hot massage etc.
Try out health spa or adapt this idea of home healthsp time out for yourself,check out internet/books for inspiration.

Amazing

I've been in your shoes. Haven't had a panic attack in about 7 years now - it is possible to recover completely. Well done on what you've achieved so far

Fantastic!
Huge well done to you... You deserve it xx

Ah well done. Twice in the last week I’ve needed to go to shops but they were so packed with people I couldn’t go in. Weird how conditioned I’ve become. I’m sure it will get better with time but that’s great news you managed to go. Small steps & we will all get there xx

Well done. Bank this so next time you feal you can,t do something remid yourself you did go to the shops and you were ok. Perhaps it will help reassure you for the future? To be honest I went to a shop to day and it was very quiet, was it because it,s a rainy sunday? Or was because of CV?

I’m in the same hair OP, more since September when everyone got very lax and then a local and the second lockdown.
I managed the beach with my baby, and stopped for takeaway in the way home!

Well done OP. Small steps make the biggest difference.

Well Done OP! You should be really proud of yourself!

Well done Flying

Well done op 💐

I have experienced anxiety and panic attacks for a few years now but during lockdown it's got a lot worse. I have very physical panic attacks - shaking, retching, often needing the loo desperately, so when I'm in busy places or with people in places where I feel I can't escape I get really bad. During covid loads of public toilets have been shut which has also increased my anxiety a lot. Vicious cycle territory.

I do hope someday to be totally free of this as it's restricted my life a lot. Thanks for the useful suggestions, I have definitely began to exercise more, eat better, meditate and do yoga regularly, maybe all of that has helped give me strength that I needed this weekend. I think I definitely have to keep pushing myself. It's so easy to just stay home at the moment but it makes it lots harder next time you need or want to do something out of your comfort zone.

Brilliant well done!

Excellent! Stepping-stone laid. Have a lovely Christmas @Flyingpig47

Well done
I've hidden away today but your post has inspired me and I will not be doing it again tomorrow

Well done OP!! I bet you felt really great afterwards, it's an amazing feeling of achievement when you push through that fear barrier. Have you read Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway? Cheesy old title I know but it's sold in it's millions and has really helped me. It's not some aggressive corporate -style book, it's written by a lovely friendly sounding lady and the style is really gentle and approachable. The first few chapters are about doing exactly what you are now and how much better it can make you feel to face your fears. I hope you might try it and that it might help x

@Flyingpig47

I have recently started the same medicine, I didn't feel it was doing much as I'm only on 10mg, due to be upped. But looking back I've barely snapped at my partner or had the hot sweats. Just generally more chilled.

I'm also so glad I took the leap. We will get there!