Agoraphobia - Looking to hear your experiences

Totally @Snowie .

I've got room for improvement too @Snowie . If I don't have to go out, I prefer not to.

Me to @tyme I only go out if I really have to. Even then I get in and out as quickly as possible.

An example is food shopping. I get in, get what's on the list and get out. I always go to the same place so I know where everything is, so I don't have to wander around.

Very thankful for online shopping.

Totally.. and to be honest, at the shops, I always go to the self check outs so I don't need to speak to anyone... is that sad? @Snowie

I do the same thing @tyme with the self check outs.

Have also driven further so there is less chance I bump into someone that I know.

Yep! And I go early early in the morning or late at night so people do see me lol @Snowie

I thought this was only me. And you know how you're 'supposed' to say hello to people you see on the street? I avoid them at all cost.

I normally go early too @tyme

I am rude and pretend that I don't see people I know. Or just turn around and go the other way.

Even gone into the toilets to avoid someone before.

To best honest, I don't go to the shops to makes friends so I don't care I'm rude or that I hide @Snowie . I just know I need to go home!

Thanks for understanding @tyme

It's nice to know I'm not alone and other people do similar things to me!

LOL. Yep! Certainly not alone there. I wonder if @Louie333 does something similar?

I'm pretty sure there are others out there who do the same lol

Yep, I whirl around a supermarket like it's an olympic sport, bee line, self checkout and sometimes run o the car. It is so rare I go . I think you and @Snowie are brave and however gets you through is great.

Not at all opposed to hiding or changing direction to avoid people I know. @Snowie and I both have the comfortable at the hairdressers in common. Mine had a little converted garage off her house, loved it, just her and her dog. It was a rare family outing because I would take both teens. She just retired, no way would I go to a salon in town.

Accountability also works for me, especially with the Psychologist. Covid meant online was and still is acceptable but I feel good about showing up. I do try and do the op shop next door to her office after some sessions, sometimes I have to hide in the changing room if someone I know comes in.

The weirdest thing for me is that I get hyper overstimulated if being out is going well, like an extreme extrovert, I will have great lengthy conversations with total strangers. It's surreal and I crash with exhaustion after one of those outings. I will feel wonderful in the moment then inwardly start feeling unworthy. Honestly feel like I have freak show written on my forehead in neon letters.

Last two weeks, I went to a concert with my son over two hours away. I think that falls under accountability because he was looking forward to the gig so much. Can't tell you how many event tickets have gone to waste in the past. Anyway, felt a sense of achievement. I do wish I could stop the intrusive thoughts of being some sort of monster unfit to be in public, hope to break through that one day.