Anxiety and the weather.

I’m having serious anxiety issues about going outside and having to walk through the snow. Recently we got about 21 inches here. The sidewalks that I have to walk on to get access to public transportation are untreated. I see a lot of people walking in the street, but I can’t do that on the busy roads in my area.

I’ve used two vacation days from work because of this (other people didn’t go in either so I don’t feel quite as bad – but that was because of the state of the roads). I have no idea why but I’m completely terrified of having to attempt to tread through the snow up to, or even past my knees, with people watching me. I keep having these irrational fears about getting stuck or falling and having people laugh at me.

I could go into work tomorrow or I could take another vacation day. I want to go into work. I get a ride in to work in the mornings, so my only concern is going home after work. I honestly can’t figure out what to do and the anxiety is becoming very bad.

I know where you are coming from, but I would think less people would be out there. I wish we got snow this year but last year we had about the same amount of snow and I would walk around when nobody was around but it was at night. It was relaxing though, maybe you could just use your ipod and try to block it out

I dont walk in the snow. I dont mind snow as long as it isnt so deep that my car cant drive through it.

I'm always trying to block stuff out with my iPod, never leave home without it. It is just that I keep saying to myself, "Okay, I can do this. I will go in to work tomorrow and at the end of the day I will leave and I will make it home. No one will laugh at me or make fun of me going by in their cars."

Then, I get anxiety so bad that I get nauseated. After two days, I keep saying, "Ohh, I may as well just take one more day off. Make it a holiday." but eventually I am going to have to go back into work and it will be a long, long time before the sidewalks are clear.

How far away is your work? Could you take the bus?

Yep, I have to walk a few blocks to get to the bus stop which is what I always do. So my issue is with getting to the bus stop and then when I get off the bus walk a block to my house from there. Work is about 10 minutes away from my house.

Oh duh, I reread you first post. Anways I know it's pretty hard to do, my advice is to take some deep breaths before you go, just try to go outt here zone out to your music and relax, I'm 100% sure you won't fall and nobody will laugh at you. If they do they have the problem not you.

Yeah, when it snowed here, I was really worried that my parents were going to have to drive me to work. I can't take riding in the car with someone else, even if it is just to a normal place I go almost everyday. My stomach churns and the car feels like it's going 100 mph.

the weather definitely changes my mood and my anxiety.

but yah snow is freaky because I like knowing I could drive somewhere fast. Snow = slow and slow drivers. I hate the snow for just that!!!! Having to brush your car off and possibly get stuck is freaky. the few times Ive gotten stuck have been horrible....instant panic attacks

Snow is so rare here in South Texas that it's just not a factor.

Rain, especially heavy rain and storms, makes me feel less anxious. I find it quite comforting.

I have the same exact problem. I miss out on doing things I need to do just because I'm afraid to walk the few blocks I need to in snow & ice to meet the buses. It was especially bad last winter when I was going to school. The way things are right now, I have to walk in the street because the sidewalks are piled up two feet or more with snow & other people who are walking are also walking in the street & I have to keep passing them. Just yesterday, I needed to go to the grocery store & I passed two people. One of them said something to me & it scared me to death. I wasn't even sure what he said so I just ignored him & pretended I didn't hear & that made me feel bad. It's hard to avoid people when you're walking almost right next to them on the street. I also get scared because I know the drivers don't like seeing people walk in the street & sometimes I have to stand almost right next to a car while it's waiting to turn or something. It makes me feel horrible & I start to panic & have trouble even breathing when people walking or in cars are near me.

NathanielWingatePeaslee said:

Snow is so rare here in South Texas that it's just not a factor.

Rain, especially heavy rain and storms, makes me feel less anxious. I find it quite comforting.

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I agree. I love thunderstorms. They excite me, without stressing me out.

Exactly!