Very depressed/can't snap out of it

[cowboyup]

I'm actually writing this from my phone, I can't get to my computer but need any advice or suggestion that may help.

So I was going through photos I've taken from the past ... And getting some to post here from my recent SF trip. Anyhow, I became extremely depressed/sad looking at the places I've been, people I've photographed, and activities and events I've attended. Now I feel like my life is basically over - like that was another person who did all that stuff and I can't even go to the grocery store or get gas in my car w/o feeling anxious & sick.

Rhetorical question, of course but what the he!! Happened? It's like an alternate universe I was living in and now my reality is basically staying at home most often and the city where I live there's SO MUCH to do but I'm too afraid to do anything. I can't remember the last time I felt normal. It makes me so sad and heartbroken. I'm ashamed of who I've become.

Yes, I've taken "trips" but it was with the family, and under circumstances that rendered the trip in the first place. I just engulfed myself in watching the kids so I was "busy" with them.

Sorry if this doesn't make much sense. I want to try to "baby step" my way back into the world-or at least get courage to go 5 miles down the road to the Las Vegas strip, but I get paralyzed just thinking about that.

Any suggestions? If any of you guys get a similar feeling, how do you handle it?

Thanks for "listening"

 

[DeadmanWalking]

I think the only way to confront this is to just do it. Even if you're scared, force yourself out of your zone of comfort. It doesn't have to be somewhere far away. Maybe you could start off by staying outside for a certain amount of time or by asking one of your family members if they'd accompany you out for a walk.

Remember, you control your fate. You can do whatever you want to (within reasonable standards: if you put your mind to it.

 

[razzle dazzle rose]

I feel very similar to what you describe. I have always been anxious, but it has just gotten so bad for me the past couple years. I don't have much advice to give as I am in the same situation. They say it is never too late to start over. Thoughts like that comfort me, thinking tomorrow can be better, that I still have a chance (or several).

 

[jaim38]

I personally don't like taking road trips for various reasons. I don't like sharing a bathroom with other people for fear that they will find out my bathroom habits. And you never know what you might find on hotel and motel beds (bed bugs, fluids, etc). So many uncertainties and unknowns. Plus you need to bring your own handsoap because for some reason, the places that I stayed at don't have handsoap. Which sucks.

But kudos to you for having the courage to go on the road trip!

 

[OceanMist]

Do the thing you fear, and the death of fear is certain. -Ralph Waldo Emerson