Is anyone avoiding going outside at all

Uglyduckling

For about a month, I've only been going outside when I have to go to work. That is it. It's making me feel really, really depressed. I'm sleeping alot more too. I just wish I wasn't so afraid of people and there judgements upon me. Rolling Eyes

Antarctica · Guest

Hey I'm 16 and still live at home and have no job and schools starts soon. but all summer i really haven't gone out ever. and i'm gonna be a junior in high but i'm still terrified to go back. bleh. i feel for ya.

monica · Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:12 am Post subject:

same here

uglyduckling

Tirta · Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 6:57 am Post subject:

I never go out, if i go it's always with some people i know because i
afraid going out alone. But i still hate if i must go out.

terresap · Newbie User Joined: Apr 06, 2004 Posts: 43

Im the same too.
I hate going anywhere outside unless its the backyard. I even hate going outside to check the letter box.
I try to go somewhere with people that I know, it makes it a little easier.
I understand what you are going through UglyDuckling, its hard.
Maybe you could do something a little different, say if you drive to work then take a different route than usual, it could spice things up a little. A change is as good as a holiday.

introvert · Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:36 am Post subject:

If you feel like just lying back in bed Saturday morning, and sleeping the day away there are a few things that may help. Try getting up, even if you don't want to. Just know that after the first 10 mins it will be ok. Once your up, start doing things. Anything, no matter how small. Go shopping with family. Get some exercise, perhaps go for a jog. You don't need friends for that, and it gives a mood boost no drugs can.

Once your in a more positive frame of mind, find out about clubs, or events in your area that you could join. Something along your line of interest. And then take the step and go to them. Go alone if you don't have anyone else to join you. You will find there are a lot of others who go there alone. It will be tough. But it's the only way. You need to focus on what you want (going out, make friends), instead of what you don't want (don't want to be judged by others or depressed). So don't think "I'm going to be judged, feel bad etc." think instead "I will get to do X,Y that I enjoy, and perhaps meet a few people".

So do some brainstorming. What interests do you have? Perhaps look on the web for related information on places you could go to in your area. When you are doing something you really enjoy, a lot of the anxiety is taken away.

sabbath92001 · Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:44 am Post subject:

Sometimes I only go out to work on Thursdays and Saturdays. I hate being a hermit. I'm trying to get to my local park every morning and walk at least 30 minutes. But sometimes I get so depressed that I stay home all freakin' week long.
Walking is good exercise, being outside is good therapy, and exposure to sunlight is required for a healthy body. So lets get out there and lets get better.

annie · Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 12:31 pm Post subject:

Hi sabbath92001

"Walking is good exercise, being outside is good therapy, and exposure to sunlight is required for a healthy body. So lets get out there and lets get better."

Great attitude you have - couldn't have said it better myself.

Annie

axrw · Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 12:09 am Post subject:

I avoid going outside too. I dropped out of highschool a few years ago and when I decided I should "go back" I went for this distance learning thing over the internet. I pretty much don't have to go out at all now. I don't think that fact is helping me, but I can't seem to force myself to go out and do anything. So, I guess I know how you feel in some way.

Lonely Dude · Guest

I dropped out of HS too, and I never leave the house now other than to go to two classes at a community college, and usually I miss those.
Sometimes I just drive around and look for places with "now hiring" signs too, but I don't think that counts as I never leave the car.