Anyone have experience or wisdom to share about agoraphobia? Apart from going to the doctor or pharmacy down the block a handful of times, I haven’t really gone out of the house in several months, and I’m not sure how to go about managing my re-exposure. If I overdo it and bail out, I am just reinforcing in my brain that running away = relief = good. If I don’t do enough, on the other hand, it reinforces avoidance behaviour and complacency.
I used to drink so that I didn’t care. I had success overcoming my phobia after getting sober and living a more normal life, but I stopped working on it after a mental health crisis left me feeling so drained, and fearful and resentful of the world. I started caring more about immediate comfort and less about my overall health, and I’m paying the price now.
Hello, old friend! It’s great seeing you back here again.
Can’t say as I’ve not had full blown agoraphobia. Have edged along some social anxiety from time to time though. I know gradual exposure was indeed the main thing that helped with time.
Perhaps something small, like just taking a walk outdoors on your own at first? Maybe work towards something like a public park where you can see other people getting on?
I was/am a loner, I realized I didn’t go out other than work. When we got hit by the hurricane a few months ago I had to rely on friends, and have been staying with a friend and his roommate since then. I was basically forced to step out of my comfort zone. Also my job got wiped out so im back on that trail, being approachable and liked, lol
I should be back home any day now and I hope I don’t go back to my recluse life.
I go to bed early so that’s my excuse, lol. But I do need to interact with people more.
I’m so glad to see you, btw!
Not much help I suppose but baby steps and it’ll happen.
Hey there, good to see you! Well, interacting here is a good start. It would be cool to see you in a TS zoom sometime There are still some longtimers like @Mephistopheles and @SoberGuyUSA and idk who else was there in the very beginning LOL. We aren’t too many, usually 2-5 ppl. No pressure tho.
Thank you everyone so much. My heart if filled with so much love and joy. I can’t hold back the tears. The biggest motivator to stay sober and present.
But my biggest fear about my grandchild is already happening 11 hours in. My daughter started dating their son when she was 17 and still in high school. I was not comfortable letting him move in, and justifiably so imo, so she ended up moving in with them. After they arrived this morning, I politely left to give them all some time. Plus, not much sitting room in a hospital room. I let everyone know before I left that I would be back at 5pm, to give them some alone time and let the new parents rest. Well, I got here at 5:10 pm and they walked in at 5:30pm. So with no where for me to sit once I handed off the baby, I told them I would go outside for a few and give them some time. How hard is it to realize that I would like some alone time with her as well. Like I feel like, that they purposely got here at the same time, knowing that I would be just getting here. I’m trying not to assume things, and feel a little butt hurt about it, but in honesty I am. They will be living with her and seeing her everyday all day. I won’t even get to see her again until Friday because I have to work. Am I overreacting? Sorry for the rant, but I’m trying to acknowledge my feelings, feel them, and work through them, so that I don’t slip up again. @Twizzlers thank you so much again for the info on the meetings. Because I’m even feeling just a little bit out of sorts, I’m signing in as soon as I get home. As for now I have been sitting in my car outside the hospital for 40 mins, trying to decide the most appropriate time to go back in.
Got through NYE been having a good time relaxing,
Still sober, its jan 2nd here my wife and I are out of the house today. Got a few things to do before i go back to work on the 4th.
Checking in substance free for 3.01 years!!! I made it through my 3rd, xmas, birthday and New Years clean.
Saw this post and thought I would share…
“Good morning and welcome to Flight 2023 …as we are prepared to take off into the New Year, please make sure your Positive Attitude and Gratitude are secured and locked in the upright position.
All self-destruct devices…pity, anger, selfishness, pride, and resentment should be turned off at this time. All negativity, hurt, and discouragement should be put away.
Should you lose your Positive Attitude under pressure during this flight, reach up and pull down a self affirmation. Self affirmations will automatically be activated by faith. Once your faith is activated, you can assist other passengers who are of little faith.
Also there will be NO BAGGAGE allowed on this flight!!!
Our Captain, has cleared us for take-off… Destination: GREATNESS!!!
Wishing you all a New Year filled with HEALTH, HOPE, JOY, and STRENGTH.”
Have a beautiful 2023 everyone. We can not do this alone… ever.
A friend pointed out that i cant get help if i don’t ask for it. And that is so true!! I am sorry for being so closed off recently. I should have reached out more than I did. And if you are struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Me doing so cost me 7 months on my timer…
You are worth all the love and respect this world has to offer. And sometimes that means helping each other straighten their crowns.
I haven’t been on here much lately. It started making me feel worse about things for a minute so I checked out. I’ve somehow managed to stay sober through the holidays, but not without struggle. I have struggled with “why me”, and thank God it’s not me, being extremely annoyed with drunk holidays, etc. What I’ve come to realize is these people that are partying and celebrating with alcohol are not me. They don’t have the problem I do. So let them be. And focus on me. 2022 has been a bitch. And while I feel that, I’m zoning in on me and all the newness that this year brings.
I hope you all have a wonderful 2023! I’ll check in here and there, but probably not as much as usual. I know it’s selfish, but I don’t want to spend this next year talking about addiction. The more I talk about it, the more I think about it. But that’s just me. My prayers are daily with all of us.
Today is Day 600 for me. 600 days ago I couldn’t imagine not drinking for 6 days, let alone 600.
I wrapped up my final 9th step a couple of days ago with my fiancé who witnessed the most of anyone of my addiction and downfall. She was the one I lied to and deceived the most so I could continue doing what I wanted to do, which was drink. Finding the courage do to that 9th step with her felt so hard. Hearing some of the things that I said to her in my blackouts I think will forever haunt me. I know making the amends is what we both need in the long term going forward, but damn that was a tough step to do with her and everybody else.
There are still some longtimers like 
and happy new year ,
