Thursday, June 23, 2011

Agoraphobia


I think I may have a touch of this. There are days when I have to force myself to get out of the house. Once I am out it's okay. But it feels like the house has some kind of power over me, holding me back from the outside world.

I have the curse of being an introvert. I think that has a lot to do with this. People who are naturally extroverted usually don't understand... they see it as being unfriendly. I have trouble meeting new people, but once I get to know them I open up and relax.

As I write this, I am putting off going out of the house. I thought that writing about it might help. So now, I am going to put on my "going out in public" clothes and face, and get out there.

6 comments:

Susan said...

I'm the exact same way Judy !! in fact I do feel like 2 people "body double". One who's afraid of everything, shy, anxious, very self conscious and then this other woman (half of the time) who's Madam Invincible - pretty fearless, very outgoing, seemingly extroverted - bubbly even.

I have no idea who I really am ?? In fact I actually believe that I am both. My anxiety I've learned is almost always "anticipation" of an event or outing. If I make myself go I'm almost always OK in fact I'm often the friggin' belle of the ball. Get your goin' out clothes on and face the world and I'll be thinking of you. xoxo Susan & Gang

judy in ky said...

Yes, I know that "body double" thing too, Susan. I did get out for a bit and got some things accomplished. Thank you for thinking of me.

rachel said...

Oh, Judy, so many people feel like this! Home should be a sanctuary, but not a prison. The only way is to just do it, go out, stay out for as long as it feels ok, and come home calmly. That's what works for me! That and making careful choices about what I'll go out for.

judy in ky said...

Hi Rachel, maybe I should get a dog like Flossie. She would get me out of the house for sure!

Anonymous said...

I'm sure this happens to many Judy, myself included. I think it contributed to my low reading of Vitamin D! I agree with Susan's comment too. People say "Shy? YOU??" but some days it's a real effort to get out there.
I've never felt my home could be a trap,but instead love to be cocooned in it.
At work, I can never understand people who say, "If I didn't work I'd go crazy at home".
However,if you are not happy with the situation, I feel you are right in considering other choices.
All the best!

judy in ky said...

Hi Pam! When I used to work all day, I wanted to be at home. When we moved and I didn't have a job, it was difficult adjusting to staying at home. I do love my home, though... sometimes I think I love it a little too much and never want to go out. But... when I do go out, I am always glad that I did. I guess it's a conundrum.