National Make a Friend Day

I am not very good at making friends or keeping them it seems. I do not go outside much, in fact I hardly leave my home unless it is family related. That makes it hard especially since friends expect you to come to them at least once in a while and I find I can't.

If it were simply a matter of laziness it would be understandable but it isn't. Some days I can't even open the door to let in some fresh air. I do not know where the fear comes from I just know that that is what I feel when I think about going outside most of the time.

Agoraphobia: Triggers for this anxiety may include wide-open spaces, crowds (social anxiety), or traveling (even short distances). Agoraphobia is often, but not always, compounded by a fear of social embarrassment, as the agoraphobic fears the onset of a panic attack and appearing distraught in public.

Causes:

Genetic and environmental factors

Symptoms:

Anxiety in situations perceived to be unsafe, panic attacks

Treatment:

Cognitive behavioral therapy

That sounds about right. Certainly I have had a fear of crowds for as long as I can remember. The fear of travelling, gods I hope that is not what is happening, I will be ready to throw in the towel of life if that is what is happening to me. I have always loved to travel and see new things. To find myself anxious about such a thing ... I can not even think how dire that would be for me. Fear of wide open spaces? ... maybe I know I keep my eyes on the ground when I do go out and looking ahead can make me feel a little dizzy sometimes.

Fear of the Outside World

Looks like I may have to brush up on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Yes I treat myself because I don't trust many people especially those who seem to think they can fix you with words.