Too scared to leave the house

[CariadCymru]

I went for a walk a few days ago and no one was sticking to any kind of social distancing rules. 3/4 people passed me and my toddler DS at a distance much less than a metre never mind 2 meters. It’s ruined my mental health. I am now terrified me or DS is going to fall ill and I’m just wishing the days away until we are 14 days clear and I can relax a bit more.
It has also meant I don’t want to leave the house. I know that’s unfair on DS and we don’t have a garden so it’s the only way he’s getting fresh air. I feel like an awful parent and like the worry is ruining both of our lives.
Please someone tell me it’s going to be ok/ slap some sense into me.

@FloggingMoll it was one of the parks we were walking in, first thing in the morning. If it’s not safe at that time I don’t know when it will be. I’m going to push myself to try and get out again. DS needs me too. I can’t hide away.
Thank you @Alex50

you aren't going to get it from someone who just walks past, even if they are less than 2m.

I am a nurse and work with covid patients all day, granted I am wearing full ppe but the risk is minimal of me catching it, also I have been contacted twice by contact tracing to say that a patient that I was in close contact with for 10 mins has just been confirmed positive and I wasn't wearing full. Ppe but their advise to me is that I am a casual contact so risk is tiny.. U need to b in the vinicity of someone for at least 15 minutes to b a close risk. U are absolutely at no risk whatsoever.. Make sure u get out every day for a walk with ds for both mental health x

Try and find a time of day and a walk that you are more comfortable with. My friend was the same, she only left the house for the first time last week, but going out early and for a less scenic route suits her fine, and she hardly sees anyone else. Ultimately unless you find something that works for you, people saying to just do it won't help; that's not how it works. Maybe looking at the stats isn't helping you? They are very low for you both, and if you are still worried it probably isn't doing you any favours. Perhaps just listen for main updates but try not to get too much information overload? It probably will do you both good to get out and about more, but not if it's at the expense of your MH.

The problem is @sandybval it is at the expense of my mental health absolutely. My stress levels are through the roof and I’m very worried about the tiny percent chance I will catch it when outdoors. I will worry for the full 14 days of exposure BUT it is absolutely to the benefit of my DS mental health. So I will do it and try the less scenic route, maybe going out before breakfast.
The stats should help. But I can’t seem to view them logically.
Tomorrow I am going to get out. I’m going to not worry in front of DS. I will save that for when he’s in bed. I hate being alone and the only responsible adult. But I am and I need to get on with it.

We are all different OP, some of us take comfort in stats and some find they end up down the rabbit hole and it amplifies everything, both are okay. It sounds like you absolutely have your DS' interests above your own, but remember you are important too. Yes try early before you have time to think about it, and so you aren't worrying all day; and take it slow. Build up the time and the distance slowly if it helps. Personally I am happy being out and about, but I do empathise because not everyone does and it's finding what works for you.

Hope this thread had brought you a little bit of comfort op. It must be very hard doing this yourself. You deserve a pat on the back.
I'm hoping you get out for a walk everyday with little ds and this will build up your confidence. And you'll suss out the quieter places and times
In the meanwhile, cut yourself some slack.

Try to get out more, I am a very anxious person by nature and going out every day has been really helpful to the extent that I don't worry at all now. I did at first and was taking my temperature all the time, imagining aches and fevers etc.

The chances of getting anything outdoors by walking past someone are really tiny compared to other health risks that we are used to. I've also got mild asthma and I read a scientific study for work that said that it had no significant impact.

Don’t listen to the news, concentrate on every day tasks, spending time with your son, try and enjoy the simple things in life. Set yourself small tasks each day, All the things you thought I wish had more time to do, read a book, tidy out cupboards. The weather is going to be gorgeous over the next couple of days, is there anywhere you can walk which you really enjoy the area and scenery?

Your fear is totally out of proportion to the risk. Are you scared of colds, flu other infectious diseases? You need to help your son build up immunity. Our bodies have to learn to deal with bacteria and viruses- and you must learn how clever our immune system can be. You need to look at the stats for covid and compare to other risks and get it in proportion for both your sakes.

One step at a time. Round where I live most people are doing it properly, giving each other a wide berth and smiling and saying "hello" as they do it.
There are twats, of course, but most people aren't.
If I see anyone with a little one, I assume they are doing their best but that moving in a specific direction isn't always possible, so I do the moving. I'm not unique, that's most people I see.
Ordinary Northern English ex-mill town.
If you have a bad experience it is hard to take a breath and try again. Give it a go. Good luck.

I haven’t managed to get out yet today but I WILL this afternoon. Putting it on this thread so I can’t change my mind.

Try different times, since there isn't any right time to go out. If you see people and feel scared, go back and try later, or maybe even really early tomorrow.
Tbh, my ds spent a lot of times inside or in the hospital when he was small due to illness. It didn't damage him long term. So, better you can do it for your dc's sake, but if you are worried too much, try another day when you feel a bit better.

Good on you OP.

Hope you got out op.

Hello @CariadCymru how are you doing? I managed to get out with my DD on Tuesday and am gearing up for another trip out on Thursday. 9 weeks of lockdown have taken a toll and some days I just can't face going out the front door, so I completely sympathise. Hope today has been a better one for you!

The risk to you and your DC is absolutely tiny, both of catching it, and of being badly affected by it.
You must try really hard to get out and 'act normal' so that your DC does not 'catch' your fear. Baby steps at first. Maybe give yourself 5 minutes outdoors, then 10, then 15 etc and think to yourself that it's for your DC. You'll get there. Good luck.