COVID-19 A scary situation

furryfriends (TEAS)

furryfriends (TEAS)

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Yesterday, a few of my neighbours went out into the road, for a drink and a chat, as part of the VE Day celebrations. They were social distancing! One of them text me to ask if I was going out to join them! I was just about to eat dinner, so said I might go out after I'd eaten. After I'd finished dinner, I went upstairs to get changed, ready to go out and as I went to close the bedroom curtains, I started to panic, when I saw how many people were there. Not really that many, but around 12, all sitting in their own household groups! My heart started to pound and I went shaky and sweaty and just felt terrified! I was just too scared to be around that many people! I phoned a friend and spoke to her about how I was feeling, but didn't go out!
 
I hope you feel better now, after speaking with your friend. I think a lot of people will face different challenges (anxiety/panic attacks/acrophobia) when lockdown is finally eased. What's important is you recognised the reason for your panic and that's something you can work on.

Your definitely not alone in your feelings, and don't be scared to talk about what's happening. It is so important that we keep communicating - a problem shared is a problem halved.
 
So sorry you felt anxious about joining in that VE Day gathering. I think this will be a common feeling once lock down eases for many people myself included. I have always hated big crowds, walking around Leeds or London always makes me ill at ease. I know over the years I have become far more insular, from being a very outgoing, confident young person to someone more introverted and happy in my own company
Hope you are feeling better today x
 
Oh gosh Debbie, it's a scary experience and I remember it well. Many years ago I had recurring stress related illness - stomach bugs etc and kept getting signed off work. I remember being invited to my brother's just before Christmas and as I got to the front door I had an anxiety attack. On that occasion I forced myself to go because I knew if I didn't it would escalate but with the lockdown it's not that straightforward. Perhaps message your neighbour and suggest a socially distanced cuppa today instead?
 
Debbie hope you are feeling better today. A lot of people will feel just like you.
I suffer with anxiety when going out at the best of times and it's definitely got worse.
I had to go to the chemist the other day, only around the corner felt terrible.
If you need to talk we are all here for you.xx
 
I hope you’re feeling better. It’s good you could phone your friend and talk it through - so important at this time with having to stay at home and so on. Hugs.
 
Hope you feel better today. This sounds so normal to me. I'm on meds for anxiety permanently but they don't suit everyone (Eg my husband).

Even with meds this would be scary though, walking alone into a situation with so many people already there. I'd definitely avoid it and go for an over-the-fence cup of tea or something another day.
 
I'm thankful that I'm confident when it comes to dealing with people I don't know, being a community first responder and a traffic officer will help with that, plus all of my public facing jobs over the years.
 
I’m still working and so very much still in amongst people but its amazing how quickly we are being conditioned to the idea of social distancing. I was watching a Michall Palin thing and kept prickling at the crowds and lack of distancing before reminding myself it was BC (before covid).

Bring out with appropriate distancing though is low risk. And the biggest protection always is washing your hands and not touching your face.
 
Sorry you went through this Debbie. I had a similar situation on new years eve, my neighbours invited me upstairs to their maissonette, I was thinking it was only those 2 there, but I walked in and there were about 10 friends. Was well awkward at first because I'm socially awkward, unless I'm in a situation where I know about something. But once they got their pet rats out the cage and let them crawl over everyone, it broke the ice. Needs something to break the ice.

It's good to think back to why you got invited in the first place.... Exactly 👍.

Going back to what I just said though. I feel socially awkward, but people say they enjoy it because I go against the grain. Not the same clone with small the talk. Il take that I think lol👍
 
Thanks everyone! I think I've just got so used to being on my own, this passed few weeks, and feel safe on my own! I wouldn't say I've ever been a party animal, but I would normally enjoy a get together with my neighbours. There wasn't even that many there, but it just looked so scary out there. I think there is another issue involved too. When my daughter was so poorly, back in 2013 and I was having to dash up and down the motorway, to Wakefield, every day, coming back to do pet feeds, I coped really well. Then when she was out of hospital and life suddenly became more normal again, I started to struggle with going outdoors in the dark. I would be fine in the house, but I would feel anxious all the time I was out, until I got safely home. The anxiety eased a little, but I have never felt completely happy with being outdoors after dark, since then. I hate the winter months, especially as I have all my pet care home visits to do, in the evening, when it's so dark.

I've had a good day today. I managed to get some coursework done and should hopefully be able to submit it by Monday.
 
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