I can leave the house to go to work and shop by myself, necessary things like doctors appointments.

I cannot go to an event with friends, hang out with friends, do things that are not mandatory or at least extremely “safe” (libraries and thrift stores.) I am experiencing regression with eye contact.

There’s no “thought” I can try to replace or change. I just can’t. I tried to make plans to go thrifting with friends weeks ago - I couldn’t leave.

Part of this I think is a rational fear related to being terrified that I’ll be pulled over and forced to change my license to say “female” - which would make me even more unsafe.

I feel locked in. The internet is the only place I really get to feel like something of a human being.

  • b34n5@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    16 days ago

    Hey. I know how hard it is. I’ve also been diagnosed with agoraphobia linked to irritable bowel syndrome, which I’m also diagnosed with. I barely leave the house. What helps me is keeping my mind busy — for example, by reading. Though I don’t think that’s particularly good advice… it’s more like I’m avoiding the problem. But what I’ve done is adapt my daily activities to what I can realistically handle.

    We have to keep going, even if we can’t see the light at the end of the road. Stay strong.