How can I stop being nervous about leaving my house?
16 Answers
Last Updated: 05/30/2022 at 6:51pm
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Lisa Meighan, MSc Psychology
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Top Rated Answers
Make baby steps, go to the mailbox, go to the corner store then go to the park .. never go to place with a high circulation of people that will set off your nervousness and make you retreat back home. Keep it simple and eventually you should expand to the small mall in your community.
Anonymous
April 15th, 2015 12:13am
I actually suffer from the same problem, and I have started taking Zoloft to help level my social anxiety! :) If medication is not for you, though, it is great to have a support system that is willing to cal you down when you need it. Relaxation exercises are also beneficial, and I might even recommend a reward system for every time you manage leaving the house!
Anonymous
June 17th, 2015 8:23pm
dont think about the things that could go wrong. thin about the pretty thing outside, like the clouds or the sun or maybe the sea if you live near or the birds or the pets youll see on your way.
Anonymous
October 4th, 2015 6:00pm
I'm having the same problem and I could relate to it. I have been taking my Ipod and listen to calming music when I go out, But I only go out for short periods of time
Take your time and gradually increase the amount of places you can be outdoors confidently. If you feel anxious outdoors, go out somewhere indoors once in a while. If you're anxious about crowds, go early in the morning or in the evening when there's less people around. Use positive experiences as a foundation to keep moving forward.
Find a great group of friends or family and have special events every so often ! Events like going to Starbucks, Ross, McDonald's even
Anonymous
June 11th, 2015 11:31am
You can try to take something that represent/reappear the image of home most clearly. This can ensure you in public circumstances and reduce the chance of being nervous.
Learn grounding techniques to put yourself in the present and avoid worrying about what might happen when you leave your house. If a worry pops into your head don't get upset at it and don't continue to entertain it, just say "I'm not going to think about this" and then think about something else. Notice and appreciate colors, smells, sounds and other sensations of being outside. When you come back to your house write down or tell somebody about at least one good thing that happened while you were outside. Your nervousness is you anticipating something negative happening in the future, likely from a traumatic event int he past, and the goal is to override that with enough positive experiences that you stop associating going outside with bad events. If this doesn't help, I suggest seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, because my agoraphobia was cured by a combination or therapy and anti anxiety medication. Good luck!
Take it one step at a time... start to desensitize yourself to the idea of leaving your house.... then leave your house for brief periods of time.... then leave your house for longer periods of time... and then before you know it you have no problem leaving your house.
I'm so glad you asked that question! Would you be open to an idea?. Sometimes it just takes having the courage to open the door. When that becomes a safe feeling, put your foot out. Taking things one small step at a time give us courage to keep moving forward
Anonymous
October 13th, 2015 10:47am
I struggle with this everyday. Try to focus your mind on why you want to leave and where you are going. ☺
Find reasons for your nervousness. Discuss them with a confidant. Make big problems more manageable.
Anonymous
February 22nd, 2016 2:49pm
Think of all the great fun things that are outside! If you stay inside it wont help a thing to anyone.
it’s totally normal to feel that way. try using things that soothe you and make you feel more comfortable? like listening to music or reading a book. or try going out with someone you’re close to and feel safe and comfortable with. or it could be with your pet if you have one. and keep in mind that it’s a totally normal feeling. the outside world is far from perfect. but there is a lot of good stuff to do and see outside of your home. also, avoid visiting places you feel uncomfortable and unsafe in. i hope i was of help, and don’t hesitate to contact me!
I would suggest thinking about why you are nervous about leaving your house.
If you make a list of the ideas that are causing you to become nervous when you consider leaving your house, you maybe be able to create a list of reasons that bother you. From there, maybe you can think about if there is anything you can do to change the situation.
I used to be nervous about leaving my house because I was scared to drive places. I realized the root of the issue was that I did not feel comfortable driving to new places. I then did a lot of practice driving and started to build up my confidence.
This is a difficult question and although it will be difficult for people when they leave their house. There is a lot of support available to be able to help you. Sometimes it is good to speak to someone about how you are feeling. This will allow you to be able to express your emotions. Nervousness is an important emotion and everyone will experience this. Maybe take something that will make you feel comfortable with you so you are able to feel that little more comfortable. Also it will get better with time and it is always a good idea to speak to someone you trust or organisation if you would like more support.
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