This is a kinda embrassing question to ask so pls don't judge.

I did have moments where I like... went to the local library alone, or like an all day school trip or something...

But I never really like... explored outside alone... especially far from home...

So like... I feel scared about the idea of like... just going for a walk all by myself...

I realize I've always just asked parents to drive me somewhere so I never got a chance to just get in the habit of being by myself.

I don't have a driver's license so I don't really have like a car to "retreat to", if you know what I mean, like as in sort of "castle".

How do I even "feel safe" just being outside on my own? For context I'm non-white so it's... kinda intimidating... especially in the current context of US political atmosphere.

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[–] 1 point 10 months ago (2 children)

Have you seen a doctor for the depression/anxiety?

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  • [–] 1 point 10 months ago

    I have, and yes this is the answer. Meds are great, they're why I don't have panic attacks anymore, but exposure therapy is the gold standard for irrational fears (as in not dangerous) for a reason. CBT is also awesome, and it's what helped me the most. But the biggest thing I had to learn was that it's ok to be scared, but I still had to do what I needed to do.

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