Panicking at the thought of going outside.

[Anothernamechange567]

NC, regular user.

The thought of going outdoors has started to fill me with dread.

I'm very lucky in that, as things stand right now, I only have to go into the office one day per week (I work for a police force). Just come off a team meeting where my boss said she hopes for working normality in March and it's spun me into a panic. I don't think I can go back to 5 days a week, I also have a 90 minute commute each way. The one day I do go in, I can't sleep the night before and am on edge the whole time I'm out.

I don't even like going to the supermarket or the local shop right now.

I feel like I'm on the brink of a panic attack. It's very bizarre because at the same time I'm craving normality, but then this happens when I have a glimpse of it.

Not entirely sure what to do or how to deal with this.

Are you afraid of going out because of covid or because you've got so used to being indoors?

Don't think about going back to work in the office full time yet - March seems optimistic for that anyway tbh. Focus on getting outside at least once a day, even if it's only for a ten minute walk. If you're nervous around people then go at night or in the early morning when it's quiet. First you need to retrain your brain to understand that nothing bad is going to happen just by stepping out your front door, but you can only do that by practising. Once you feel more comfortable you can build up to taking walks at busier times, then going to the shops etc.

The hardest part is getting yourself to step outside in the first place. But do it every day without making excuses (unless you're self-isolation of course!) and it will quickly become less intimidating

Oh no unfortunately a lot of people feel like that .... as above what is it you panic about ?

Agree with the above go for a walk each day ... have you read the DARE response ?

Definitely just because I'm so used to being indoors.

I'm not worried about catching it (maybe a little more so in the last couple of months), but I am worried about potentially being asymptomatic and giving it to others. No vulnerable people at home or in my work bubble, but I still don't want to.

It's very strange. Before this I was always out, seeing people and doing things, and the thought of a whole weekend at home was awful - now it's the complete opposite.

I do try to make myself go for a little stroll every day, but this panic combined with a complete lack of motivation means it doesn't often happen.

It's just a very strange feeling for me and I don't like it. It's that rising panic in my chest when I think about being in a supermarket or getting on a train that is confusing and frightening me.

Sounds like anxiety !!!! Unfortunately it is happening to a lot of people there are some charities to give you advice

Anxiety UK
No panic

Cal them and they can give you advice x

Thank you @Spiratedaway. It's a very new feeling for me so difficult to pinpoint exactly what I should do.

Try to think of it positively. If you're back to working in the office like normal, the virus rates will hopefully be a lot lower than now. Many millions will have been vaccinated. It won't be like you going into the office right this minute.

If I were you I’d try to get out of the house everyday, even if that’s just for 2 mins. Baby steps. Walk up the road and back. Build up gradually.