Absolutely terrified about getting back to normal

[Frownette]

I have to be out tomorrow after so long being trapped inside. I found my passport and nervously clutched it because I feel like I need ID to even step outside the front door.

My best friend completely surprised me yesterday as he went down the pub. I didn't realise such activities were allowed.

The psychological impact of this is huge though. I think I've avoided COVID by side stepping around it and luck but am so used to trying to avoid it I'm very nervous about my new freedom.

Must be people the same.

Do you go out for walks? Can you start with small steps today and go for a couple of walks, venture to an open space?

Pubs are closed

Clutching your passport because you think you need ID to step out of your door is extreme.

You know you don't need ID anymore than you used to.

Please talk to someone IRL the stress hormones you will be producing are no good for your body.

Take it slow, do some breathing exercises.

Where are the pubs open? Are you not in the U.k?

Have you been shielding? Have you been vaccinated? Sorry for all the questions but it’s had to understand your fear without background info!

Take it at your own pace.

Assume you are not in the uk if people are going to pubs?

Whilst I understand where you’re coming from I do think your reaction is extreme. Keep up the distancing and other precautions and it’s actually one of the safest times to be out and about given how low infection rates currently are. Everything is still based outdoors where the infection risk is much lower anyway.

I’m also at going down the pub - that’s not allowed yet in the UK.

I saw a group having a BBQ at a pub yesterday evening. I assume it was the family who run it (it was outside). But perhaps not...

There are no pubs open in the UK, so that's not happening. Unless your friend is abroad, op?

Also why do you need ID? You don't

Have you been shielding all this time or confined indoors, because your reaction is extreme. Have you not been to shops etc in this entire lockdown?

Have you actually been trapped inside or just chosen not to go out?

I would suggest small steps.
Today try and go for a 15 min walk around the block, do that again tomo.

Well you have gotten yourself into a pickle! Try to calm down, it's OK outside, honest.

I think there have been so many horror stories put there, but nothing else. If it helps, I have been back in the office a few days a week since August (bar a few weeks here and there). I have been shopping in the supermarket and going for walks. I haven't had covid, nor needed a test. (Ie no symptoms and no contact with anyone who has tested positive either).

Take it one step at a time and gradually build up. It's normal for unfamiliar things to feel scary, but also normal for the fear to vanish quickly as they become familiar again - the only way out is through, but doing it step by step is easier.

Hate to tell some of you, but there are many pubs open, lots round here are anyway. You simply slip in through the back door, any noise kept to a minimum.

I'm the exact opposite of you and I haven't caught Covid either so you aren't guaranteed to catch it.

You do not need ID to go outside. This isn't a police state. I work outside the home and have been out of my house every single day since the pandemic started, not once have I been stopped or asked where I am going.

Take it slow. What do you need to go out for?

Go for a walk early morning or in the evening if you're anxious, there's less people around (assuming you live somewhere that doing that would be safe!) and wear a mask if it makes you feel safer. i don't mean prowling the streets at 3am but between 7-8am and 7-8pm tends to be quieter than when there's kids walking to school and people going to work a bit later in the morning and earlier in the evening.

I’m not scared of catching covid....but I am not liking forward to returning to reality, I can feel myself getting silently worked up about it. I feel for you op x

What is it you are frightened of OP?

@Tootsey11

Hate to tell some of you, but there are many pubs open, lots round here are anyway. You simply slip in through the back door, any noise kept to a minimum.

Where?

I’m in

Whereabouts @Tootsey11? I'm in London and surrounded by pubs, not a single one has been open since the lockdown at Christmas. Gagging for a pint!

I honestly think you could benefit by seeing your GP for anxiety, these levels aren't normal.

Hate to tell some of you, but there are many pubs open, lots round here are anyway
Don't hate it sounds fun!

You simply slip in through the back door, any noise kept to a minimum
Now you have ruined it. I can't be subtle or quiet. Nevermind!

Have heard rumours of secret lock-in pubs. None round here sadly. Lots in Ireland apparently but that is an unsubstantiated rumour..

There are pubs in London allowing people in the back door. It’s not advertised!

I'm the same. I feel somewhat institutionalised!

I think you might need to speak to your GP about how you feel. A bit of anxiety is normal after the last year, but what you describe is extreme.