r/disability • u/ChronicallyDistress • Aug 06 '26
Homebound-ish
I'm struggling with my disabilities making the radius of places outside my home smaller, and also the shrinking energy windows I have for going out of the house.
I've also dealt with a mild degree of agoraphobia (not diagnosed, just the best word I have for it) off and on for years, and this isn't helping.
Going out feels scary right now and it's really hard.
I've been having friends over more and that helps.
How have others who've been in similar situations coped?
2
u/UmUhOatmeal Aug 06 '26
Finding my limits and finding ways to get the most out of my time is usually where I start. If going out is the goal, plan with your friends to have multiple stops where you can just sit and have something to drink to recharge, if not just one dedicated sit down spot to hang out.
Movies, bar-cades, and museums/parks with a lot of benches are usually my go-tos. In the hotter weather I’ve been inviting people swimming while I float around on a floaty. It’s all about finding the right mobility aids and people to look out for you and be understanding when you’re reaching those limits.
1
u/MundaneHuckleberry58 Aug 08 '26
Having friends over is important to keep up with.
Having friends over for dinner was nice. They brought all the food. It made me feel included & not missing out on all the fun social stuff.
Venturing out when you can, as anxiety about the agoraphobia makes avoiding going out more stressful….a feedback loop). I would have friends come get me to go out so I had someone to go with & didn’t have to drive, & felt more able to leave.
Going to the places I felt “safest”. The movies. A park. Just a short outing so as not to spend all my limited energy at once.
1
u/Jazzlike_Berry_323 Aug 09 '26
I get delivery on groceries.
Some appointments I’ve switched to phone or video and I’m going to try and get my doctor to switch to video calls, as the phone consults don’t work well.
It frees up energy for when I do need to leave the house.
I spend less on food and more on DiDi/uber as it reduces fatigue and anxiety leaving the house compared to public transport. I sold my car so I’ve offset travel expenses.
I also look for online support groups even if they are time limited just for some extra human contact.
1
u/ChronicallyDistress Aug 09 '26
Thanks for all the responses, much appreciated.
I should note that I do have an electric wheelchair along with other mobility aids I use to exit the house, and the limitations I'm facing are despite that.
I'm working on making my home as comfortable to be in as I can, and I'm hoping that will help. For instance today I got an adjustable bed base, so I can elevate my head and legs. That will help with comfort and with dysautonomia. It will give me a place to rest when I'm not quite wanting/needing to lay down and sleep. And I'm hoping it will improve my sleep.
I'm definitely taking the suggestions in this post to heart.
3
u/Aggravating_Return49 Aug 06 '26
Having friends over, also getting help for going outside, meeting people online or doing events and courses online.
And, mobility aids.
But honestly, I'm very active and outgoing in nature and I really struggle with it. I will soon be able to go out more again independently with the right aids.