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Original poster

Leaving the house

45 replies

calmday · 08/08/2017 10:21

Hi. I'm becoming quite scared of leaving the house. I haven't been out since Saturday morning. I am really anxious about it.

I have to take my DS for a haircut on Thursday and pick up my prescription. I feel really anxious and a real sense of dread about it. But I have to go. I'm scared.

My partner could go instead of me. He doesn't work as he had to give work up to look after the children when I was in the psychiatric hospital for five months. And I'm not well yet so he hasn't gone back to work. He's supposed to be my carer. So he could take DS for a haircut and pick up my prescription for me. But I know he would refuse to get my prescription. I don't know if I could make him take DS for a haircut either.

I don't know what to do Sad

OP posts:
BlankSpace1 · 08/08/2017 10:29

Sounds like you're having a hard time, I'm not having a great time myself at the moment!
That's nice your partner made sacrifices for your health, maybe if he won't go and do these things for you though he could just go with you?
Or even be nearby, it sounds silly but perhaps if he drives he could park in a street near where you have to go, so you are doing it yourself but may take comfort in knowing he is close and can go to him if you need to?
Baby steps sounds the way to go here, but you can do it :)

PersianCatLady · 08/08/2017 10:30

OP - Whereabouts in the country do you live?

Original poster
calmday · 08/08/2017 10:32

I'm in Scotland

OP posts:
PersianCatLady · 08/08/2017 10:35

That's a shame. When I read threads like this I just want to come round and help people like you. Sadly I live on the South Coast so it would be a long long walk.

Do you have any neighbourhood schemes where people can come and help you with little tasks.

In our town if is called (Town) Helpful Neighbours and they can do little jobs for people who need a little bit of help.

ScruffyLookingNerfHerder · 08/08/2017 10:40

I felt the same a few years back after a medical condition. I was effectively house bound (apart from hospital visits) and genuinely thought I couldn't do it.

I know it was in my head, but it is still very real at the same time.

What worked for me was very small "steps" (not literally). Going out a short distance, for no real purpose, and then headed home. It took time, be patient with yourself.

Hope you DO go out if you feel you can.

Original poster
calmday · 08/08/2017 10:42

Thankyou both for your replies. Blankspace unfortunately neither of us drive, that would certainly make things easier.

Persian that is very nice of you. You sound like a lovely person.

I'm just struggling with the idea of going out so much. They have me on weekly dispensed prescriptions so I have to go to the chemist's every week. Not good when you feel like me Sad

OP posts:
crazycatguy · 08/08/2017 13:46

Can the chemist deliver? Mine doesn't but my Gran's does (this might solely be due to her age tbf). Her pills come in an NHS Scotland dosset box so she knows to take them or if she's missed one?

PersianCatLady · 08/08/2017 14:06

Call the pharmacy and say that you are unwell and ask if they can deliver them this week.

When are you going to run out of pills?

Original poster
calmday · 08/08/2017 14:15

I'll run out of pills on Thursday morning. I'm with Boots and I don't think they do deliveries?

OP posts:
PersianCatLady · 08/08/2017 14:54

My Boots does deliveries but keeps them quiet as they only do them for those who genuinely need them.

It sounds like you genuinely need them, why don't you call and ask to be put on the route for TOMORROW?

LapinR0se · 08/08/2017 14:57

You poor love. I absolutely sympathise as I had raging agoraphobia previously and at one point didn't leave the house for 7 weeks.
Have you had any therapy for this specifically, are you on medication now?

LapinR0se · 08/08/2017 14:58

I mean medication for this not anything else

Original poster
calmday · 08/08/2017 15:50

Thanks guys. I'll phone Boots and ask them about a delivery. Lapin I'm currently on citalopram. I was on mirtazapine and aripiprazole as well but I recently came off those to try and lose some weight.

OP posts:
Original poster
calmday · 08/08/2017 16:16

I just phoned Boots and the lady said to phone back on Thursday to say how I feel and then they can try and sort something out. So looks like I might get my prescription delivered. So thanks x

OP posts:
PersianCatLady · 08/08/2017 17:31

I am glad that they are going to deliver it for you.

ncbacktoblack · 08/08/2017 17:34

Why would your partner refuse to pick it up for you? Confused

LapinR0se · 08/08/2017 17:36

I will go against the grain here.
It isn't good that they are bringing it to you as it will allow you to stay housebound for longer. I know it offers a bit of relief but it is making the problem bigger.
You need therapy to tackle this, gradual exposure therapy is best. Have you got access to any therapy or can you request it?

Original poster
calmday · 08/08/2017 18:40

My partner refuses to pick it up for me cos he says "I'm your carer, not your slave".

OP posts:
Original poster
calmday · 08/08/2017 18:43

I've had loads of therapy with the NHS when my OCD was really bad. I think I've had my fair share of it, and I think they see it this way too. I can't afford to pay for it myself.

OP posts:
PelorusJack · 08/08/2017 18:46

It might not be that your partner is being unkind as he might be refusing to go to encourage you to leave the house. It might be him thinking he is doing the right thing.

BTW You could look into getting a mobile hairdresser to come to the house?

ncbacktoblack · 08/08/2017 18:52

I walked in the rain 10 mins each way to pick up my DM's prescription today. Shes not afraid to leave the house but was busy and had run out yesterday. I offered. It was just a nice thing to do. Your partner is an arse.

LapinR0se · 08/08/2017 19:18

Tell them it isn't a different condition tonyour OCD and that you are on a change of medication and you need therapy again.

LapinR0se · 08/08/2017 19:18

Argghh. It is a different condition

Original poster
calmday · 08/08/2017 19:22

My partner has just had a go at me. He calls me "a joke","lazy", and that I "care nothing for the children".

OP posts:
LapinR0se · 08/08/2017 19:25

That is very unkind. Is he generally supportive?