I Just Feel Like Being A Hermit Lately

[Onyx]

I really think it's the dark cold icy weather that's got me doing this - but I used to love the ice and cold and darkness. I only go out to take my kids to school and to get food and that's it. (I work for hospitals from a home office so I don't go out for my job).

I actually really wanted to go to City last night but I panicked a bit at the long drive, thinking about what would I do if my car broke down on the way back at 3 a.m. I could actually visualize this happening.

Now this is just not like me to imagine something like that. For one thing, my tires are in good shape and I do know how to change one quickly should I get a flat. My car is 4 years old, but in very good running condition and I just had a very good mechanic go over it all a month ago - running perfectly.

I nearly always have a good time at City, but it's hard to remember this when I feel fearful like that. WTF is wrong with me lately?

I used to make the trip at least twice a month and most of the time more. I'm sort of disgusted with myself for being like this and also puzzled at my strange reluctance to go out. It's depressing because I have mixed feelings - wanting to be social but not wanting to go out.

[Soulrev]

Yeah I can relate to this. I get like that when winter is coming. When you gotta be couped up in the house all the time and it feels like there is nothing to do.

Sounds to me like you just need to force yourself out of the house. Go to CC next weekend or something. Once you get yourself out of the house you'll feel better.

I can't figure out why you'd panic about your car possibly breaking down. Hell, I have to drive 3 hours to get to CC and I've done it in my POS 91 Ford F-150 that I barely trust to go more than half an hour away from my house in.

I think maybe you're just experiencing a lot of stress and need to relax with a night out. Don't let cabin fever get the best of ya

[Klaus]

I think maybe you're just experiencing a lot of stress and need to relax with a night out. Don't let cabin fever get the best of ya

I totally agree! just get up and out and enjoy! it doesnt have to be for hours and hours on end just go around the block, down the street.

I myself am the same way. I get cooped up in my house and feel like im a hermit and supposed to be inside. i gotta force myself out to remember what "outside" is

[Msterbeau]

We love you. That is all. :-)

[Fierce Critter]

Sounds like me when I was depressed.

I really couldn't get myself out to do anything. It was just easier not to.

I wouldn't throw the depression diagnosis at you, 'cause I don't believe everyone with the same symptoms as me is also a depression sufferer. but perhaps there might be something physical? Hormonal changes? Dietary changes? Or maybe you're susceptible to a bit of SAD?

[saechalyn]

I totally relate to this feeling. I'm dragging myself out tonight because it's been a month since I did anything social, and as much as I feel stir crazy it seems the longer I go without going out, the less I WANT to go out.

I also worry about my car breaking down or some other kind of emergency will happen and I'll be stuck out in the cold by myself. Which is silly because I have AAA and a cell phone, but still, the anxiety is there in a way it never used to be.

[Homicidalheathen]

Me too.