Any other stay at home parents got too use to staying home & now leaving the house is dreadful and full of anxiety? Once I leave the house I feel like I’ve got to hurry and get back home especially if it’s something I’m doing solo with no children in the car which is rare. The few times I’ve been out to enjoy myself, I’m always met with the consistent thought something bad will happen because I’m enjoying myself & not doing responsibilities like grocery shopping, errands, things for my family. I don’t get full on panic attacks but I really have to mentally prepare myself in advance for social interactions and leave at an early enough time so that I don’t have to drive fast to be anywhere on time so I hopefully don’t end up in an accident. I’ve been doing better about showing up to events and such but the stress it causes me in the 24 hours before said event exhausts me. Are there any tips for getting out of this state? I even dread taking my kids to appointments. I still go, but the fear and stress planning and getting ready for it, and not knowing what could happen when I’m not home where I feel safe may become more of an issue down the road & I don’t have time for that.
SAHM got too use to staying home & now leaving the house is dreadful.
r/Advice
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Man, sounds like you’re dealing with some tough anxiety stuff. The world outside can be pretty daunting, no doubt. But here’s my 2 cents: I actually felt a bit like this a while back. What helped was starting small – short stints outside for non-essential stuff that I actually enjoy. You gotta remind urself that outside isn’t just a place for work and responsibilities, it’s full of stuff you love too. Then kinda build it up from there. Go easy on urself, tho. It’s a journey, not a race. Hang in there! ✌️💖💪
I would very humbly recommend that you talk to your OB/GYN or your family doctor about this, and see if they can refer you to a therapist.
The difficulties that you describe above are psychological in origin and thus out of your control.
And you’re correct, this will become more problematic for you the longer you wait to address it.
The reason I suggest that is that there is a disproportionate response on your part to the idea of going outside of your home, which is a completely benign and unremarkable activity.
Please let me know if this is helpful for you, thank you.