Anxiety just leaving my house

[Kelseago]

Everytime I leave my house to do anything I just get anxious, shakey, hearts racing. I had to drive to the bank today and it felt as if my heart my in my throat. Hands were shaking. I'm really glad I'm not really working right now. I wouldn't be able to do it daily in public. This really *****. I feel like I'm stuck in my house, my comfort zone. I really hope this feeling goes away before I go back to work...

[vicki595]

Okay...welcome to the club!!  You aren't alone and I'll admit to being a recluse for awhile!  It's not unusual but you just can't feed it!!

You have to push yourself. Go out and go out everyday to do something! You just have to... This is one of those deals where you have to go through it and not around it.

You'll be okay but don't stay at home all day...

[Kelseago]

I honestly feel unsafe driving with my kids though. I have a hard time consentrating. I have first meeting tomorrow and getting there, being there...it just scares me now. My husband is out of town wrking so he can't drive me. I know I have to get past it, it's not really something I can avoid :-/

[gnarly_1]

HI Vicki gave you great advise you got to push past your fears to concur them a lot of this is just the anxiety left over from detoxing it hung around for me for quite some time as you get more clean time it will pass in the mean time confront it other wise it could develop into a phobia your doing good so far dont let this discourage you a lot of us go threw the anxiety thing I still think it was my worst symptom hang in there better days are ahead good luck and God bless......Gnarly    

[magnoliaooo]

How long have you been sober? I have struggled off and on with anxiety since I quit opiates. I have 2 months now and it does get better but the first 6 weeks I had several anxiety attacks. The first few were while I was driving and I was really scared. I think our brains just have to get used to us not putting the drugs in our systems. I really understand about the comfort level I did have a rough time. When I first got sober we got a new car and we had to drive one hour away to pick it up, I had to drive back in unfamiliar surroundings and to keep up with my husband on the interstate and he drives FAST, girl I was SO SCARED, I just remember my heart beating like it was coming out my chest and my palms were sweating, then he kept calling me on my cell phone and I was to nervous to answer it!!!!  Of couse I could not tell him how anxious I was he would not have understood. In the beginning I had a few attacks but as time goes on they get less and less. As long as I was home I was fine they happened when I went out. I think so much of it for me was the result of years of pill abuse. I have had to learn to do everything pill free and I really have struggled through it. I promise you it does get better and the freedom from not being an active addict is so calming. Let me know how it goes for you and it gets better each day!!!

                                                       Mag

[Kelseago]

Well, I was at a month but I relapsed. So niw I'm at 3 days again. I have a friend coming to stay with me while my husbands gone. I just can't gandle being alone with the kids on top if the anxiety. I just moved to this town a wekk ago too. I think, maybe, that adds the added anxiety. Since I know where absolutely nothing is. I just need to get out and maybe drive around my neighborhood at first. Maybe that'll help. Idk.

[vicki595]

I know. I've driven and had to talk to myself saying: "You're not going to die. You're not going to go blind. You're not going to stop breathing."  It's awful.  And it IS hard to ignore. But,that's the thing! Don't ignore it. As stupid as it sounds,you have to embrace it. It's your brain getting better and your brain is struggling for some equilibrium. It was so "plasticated" by pills for so long,it's sluggish.

I don't blame you for not wanting the kiddos in the car with you. Can you drive alone to the meeting tomorrow?  Go slow and concentrate. Give yourself enough time.

Today,keep popping outside and take some deep breaths. Really deep. Deep breathing
is a great tool. In fact,I don't think any of us breath enough!!

Also,try to laugh. If you need help,go over to the social forum and read the posts!!

xo

[Kelseago]

The kids aren't coming to my NA meeting. My friend will be here helping me. I do try everyday to get out and walk around with my boy. Play outside. The anxiety just gets to me in the car, public places, etc. I've been clausterphobic (spelling?) all my life and it just seems to be more intense now

[magnoliaooo]

Congrats on 3 days!!!!! I really do understand the anxiety especially since you just moved somewhere new. Does your friend know about your withdrawls? My family never knew it was really hard covering up all the anxiety. One thing that helped me was knowing exactly where I was going I know that sounds stupid but I goggle mapped everything!!!! My husband thought I was crazy since I had never done that before. I think it would be good if maybe you could leave your kids with your friend and then maybe find the closest grocery store and make that your first trip. Maybe each day you could drive to one new place and before long you will know where a few things are!!!! I understand the anxiety all to well!!!! Just remember that you are doing something great for yourself, don't beat yourself up over this, in time it will pass, I am living proof of it passing I don"t have to google map NOW!!!! Just be grateful right now for small things, be kind to yourself your body is going through so much. So proud of you for making the decision to quit, your kids have a sober mom!!!

                                                   Mag

[Kelseago]

I actually do google map everything. It makes it easier. She doesn't fully know, I plan on talking wither tonight. She knows I quit though but she's never been one to take anything so Idk if she'll really understand. My husband has always been around to drive me and the kids around until he got this new job. I know my kids will be much happier when I get threw all the WD. He hates not being able to be here for my meeting. I think he's more worried I'll back out without him being here. Which is why my friend is coming. I have no excuse. I wish I had found this place years ago, during my first attempt. I hate that my kids have been apart of this, but atleast they're still very young. I grew up with an addict for a father (he's 13 yrs sober) and it really affects you. I just hope it doesn't affect them like it has me. I have only just started talking to my dad after 12 yrs. Anyhoo, I'm rambling. Thanks you guys

[laurel453]

yeah, anxiety is one beast to tame after detoxing and it is not easy BUT we can do stuff that helps ... meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, therapy,, As for leaving the house, here's a tip... try eating an apple. :) I have just read it from a therapist, it seems that while we are eating it very slowly ( this is the point, you have to eat it as slow as possible ), it is easier thus to slow our breathing and concentrating on such an easy task  helps with anxiety. Just tell me if it helps :)

[Kelseago]

Thanks for the tip laurel, I will have to give that a try. Anxiety has definitely been the worse part of WD for me. I can handle the pain, sickness nut the anxiety is overwhelming. Thanks again

[dominosarah]

I felt this way for awhile too.  Felt like everyone was looking at me and knew my secret.  I started taking baby steps, short trips, in and out of the store and that helped.  This will get better so just keep working thru it.........sara

[Kelseago]

Thanks Sara. I feel like my kids think I'm nuts. I'm always talking to myself trying to calm myself down. My daughter is always asking why I do that. I just don't know what to say. It saddens me that my kids see me acting "crazy" (my daughters word for me) thanks again

[laurel453]

i have just remembered another tip i was given but i never used it... put a rubber on your wrist, whenever you feel the anxiety rocketing, you "pinch" yourself a little bit with it, it changes the direction of your thoughts.

[Kelseago]

Idk if I can do that. I have problems wearing braclets, watches, really anything in my wrists. I feel confined. Always been that way. Thanks though :)

[magnoliaooo]

I used to talk to myself all the time and I was like sara I thought everyone was in on my little seret!!!! Just keep working through it I promise you it will get better. My son ia a teenager and he would say Mom who are you talking to? I felt so hopeless at times but it is the disease talking to us. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

                                                      Mag

[Kelseago]

I most definitely can/will/have to do this!  I know that eventually it will pass. It's just sooo hard. This is where I always mess up. Thank you guys so much for talking me through this. I know life can and will be better, eventually. I guess I'm just having a really rough day. Thank goodness for this place!  Maybe I'll calm once my friend gets here

[dominosarah]

You are doing really great Kels, you are talking about your fears and that is what we want you to do.  Staying clean is alot like going back to our babyhood years.  We have to learn to walk and talk all over again.......we just dont roll over and stay there.         sara

[Kelseago]

Yeah, that makes sense. I just hate this feeling. I haven't been able to calm myself in like 2 hrs. Clamy, racing heart, dizzy. I just hate it. I feel like if i weren't so scared of driving i wld be buying. I know that's wrong to say/think. Ugh....this is horrible

[dominosarah]

It's not wrong to think as these thoughts happen, what is wrong is if you act upon those impulses.  Using is not an option........

Have you ever sat down and made out a list of all the things you are grateful for?  I also wrote a goodbye letter to my pills.  I thought it was nuts when i first was told about it but i decided i had nothing to lose so i sat down and wrote and wrote and wrote.  You will be surprised at how much better you will feel......

[Kelseago]

I keep a journal. That's as closest thing I do. I just feel soooo overwhelmed

[dominosarah]

That's right, i forgot you keep a journal......

What time is your friend coming?

[Kelseago]

Around 5. Hopefully sooner

[dominosarah]

Can you take a warm bath right now?