Echoing what Ashley said, when depressed I often say to my closest friends, okay, just force me to go out. And then I make a rule, don't say No to any opportunity to socialize. It helps us heal faster.
I don't go out in the evenings anymore especially when I know the the neighbours are out. I used to go out and talk to them and my kids will play with their kids. I avoid going out in the evenings at all costs. Part of it, it is because I feel awful about myself. I also have put on weight since. I don't feel good about myself anymore. I feel "they" are looking at me because I am fat. I don't feel worthy.
It hasn't always been there - but definitely over the past handful of years. It's affected my life pretty much as you've laid out...I avoid things, social activities, etc. and it definitely creates space between myself and others (neighbors, friends, family, coworkers, and so on).
I'm not sure where this arose from or when or why....but when I think about it it's pretty horrible...I used to be really outgoing, always out and about and hanging out with friends and now it seems like I'd rather just avoid their phone calls than I would talk to them or god forbid actually hang out with them....
When we avoid things due to anxiety, we miss out. As you probably already know, escaping the situation you find yourself in when you have a panic attacks can lead to problems.
• Problem 3: The more you avoid, the less you’re able to lead a full, happy and productive life. As a result of escaping and avoiding, you don’t get to do a lot of things other people get to enjoy such as, going out with friends, driving, going to a movie or going away of vacation.
• Problem 4: When people aren’t able to enjoy life because of avoidance, they beat themselves up. People with panic or anxiety usually say escaping makes them feel better in the short-term but worse in the long-term. The end result is negative thoughts about themselves, the world and the future. This can lead to depression.
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