Posted by pandora on April 7, 2001, at 3:41:17
In reply to going back out, posted by sar on April 7, 2001, at 0:18:35
Sar,
First of all, you are very brave to be "re-emerging into the world". It can be so difficult to take those first few steps, but you will be so glad you did! Even if you have a few "bad days" at first, you will survive and be stronger for having taken the chance. I had panic attacks and was agorophobic (wouldn't leave the house) for about 6 months and taking those first steps seemed IMPOSSIBLE! (this was 10 yrs ago, but I remember the feelings like it was yesterday). A book store is a good place, in my opinion, since it's relatively quiet and a lot of work is done with limited interaction with others (reshelving, etc), so you may not get overwhelmed if you start feeling bad. My "therapeutic job" was volunteering at an animal shelter... the animals couldn't care less if I was having a panic attack, and being around animals really does help (i'm a strong believer in 'pet therapy')
Anyway, good luck, and remember that even the small steps forward count! : )
> Hey all,
> After 2 months of sitting in my pajamas at my parents house it looks like i might be getting a part-time or even full-time job at a bookstore. my second interview is next week and i am scared sh*tless, i've been cocooned up here and i don't know if i can do it. i know it's silly but re-emerging into the world just seems so tough. i went to the mall today and felt like crying, everyone was so dressed up and manicured that thinking about where they got all the energy to make money to buy that stuff and fix themselves up made me want to cry. i'm scared of being a functioning person again, the strain of it seems terrible.
>
> sar
poster:pandora
thread:5537
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010404/msgs/5546.html