Honest Opinion Please
By RasmaSandra
@RasmaSandra (98930)
Daytona Beach, Florida
May 22, 2026 4:24pm CST
As of this June it will have been one year since I have been outdoors. I live in my four walls, where I feel safe and the days go along one after the other, and I know what to expect. It is a good way to keep my anxiety controllable. It is not that I cannot walk, and I have a senior citizen cart to hold onto if I did go out or a four-pronged cane. It is just that there is really no place nearby to shop except for a convenience store and gas station. The Atlantic and the beach are not far, but then I think about how far I am away from home. Usually when I go out I like to be free to stop and buy something if I want it but usually there is not enough for that, and then just walking about alone is not my thing. So for now it is what it is, but then when I think, say, another five years of this, things might start getting to the point where I might want to just hope it won't be for too much longer. What I do online helps immensely; there is that, but in the silence all around me unless I am watching something like game shows on the laptop even while I work on the desktop but there is never any other voice to reply. What say you?
Ducks I used to feed in the winter in a park in Riga
22 people like this
22 responses
@NJChicaa (127329)
• United States
22 May
You need to start going outside even if it is just for short walks. If you can't handle that then find a therapist or doctor to talk to about the agrophobia. Medication and therapy can help.
Believe me I don't like going out when I don't have to but I go to work, social obligations, appointments, etc. There is a difference between not wanting to do it and not being able to do it.
9 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@NJChicaa that is just it it might be a foced decision I will have to make on my own because if I have short finances now you can bet I cannot affor therapy and medication otherwise I might as well not eat so for me it is a kind of between a rock etc situation. Maybe now that summer arrives I might try one day at the river to sit and watch the ducks that is only a block fromme,
4 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 May
@MarieCoyle I will not climb into a van with strange people heading for a destination I do not know, Not me, I will see what I can come up with,
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60311)
•
24 May
@RasmaSandra
If you make the decision to try to get out a bit, just take baby steps. The idea of going to the river to see the ducks when it's so close to home is a good one. I love going to our lake to watch the geese and the ducks. It doesn't cost a thing, and it's so peaceful.
Ultimately, it is up to you, to go out or not to go out. @FourWalls had a good idea about church, there are several churches here that have vans to pick people up who don't drive or have a car. I love to be at home, but I do like to enjoy the outdoors when I can. I love to see nature in action, wildlife, birds, flowers...like I said, the decision has to be yours.
3 people like this
@Orson_Kart (8401)
• United Kingdom
23 May
That is a long time to not go out. I think it’s a vicious circle too. The longer you don’t, the less you feel you are able to. Here there are lots of organised social groups for seniors, or even just those who feel alone. Is there not anything like that over there?
6 people like this
@Orson_Kart (8401)
• United Kingdom
23 May
@RasmaSandra Again, talking about the UK; transport is often provided to pick people up and take them to wherever. Do you not have access to that?
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@Orson_Kart there might be something but I have no transport, no public transport regularly, and I would not venture there all alone anyway,
3 people like this
@snowy22315 (210446)
• United States
22 May
I say use it or lose it. I realize that is blunt, but bottom line that is the truth. It is up to you if you want to challenge yourself or live like a very old, scared person. Maybe just take small steps toward being more active and healthier. You are honestly not an old woman. You see how active I can be, and we are almost the same age. Best of luck to you, and whatever you choose. The first step is always the hardest.
6 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@snowy22315 unfortunately slowly but surely even though I pray each day and thank the Lord for my blessings that other world looks better and better to me because there I know I will have my loved ones. Just saying but my faith won't let me do anythign but what comes natururally,
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (137213)
• Marion, Ohio
22 May
I agree with snowy. Only you can decide. I personally would go insane if I stayed inside all the time.
6 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@wolfgirl569 you have animals that need care, things to do in your yard, a husband nearby so you are much better off and you have transport to get around, I am beginning to realize that I must be satisfied with at least what I have and figure out how to make it more liveable,
3 people like this
@Ronrybs (21630)
• London, England
23 May
Not quite the same thing, but after my rather nasty fall in the street I was positvely scared to go out. Even now I am loathe to step out. I have set my self some targets to do. Hope you can steel yourself for short walks, going ever longer
5 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@RonRybs I am just taking in some advice and thoughts now and then will decide how far or close I can to, Hey, there are trees and grass in the church parking lot across the street perhaps one day I will got there and sit under a tree and see how I feel.
3 people like this
@Ronrybs (21630)
• London, England
24 May
@RasmaSandra I find a walk amongst the greenery is a mood lifter
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (223685)
• United States
23 May
I can sympathize with the loneliness. I miss my husband so much. You don't ever want it to get to the point that you hope it won't be for much longer. You need to talk to someone about this. What about the people downstairs from you? Can you go somewhere with them?
Love the ducks.
5 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@LindaOHio nope those are three grown men; two work and one has his won medical problems.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (191277)
• Boise, Idaho
23 May
I live in my four walls too. I went out to my eye appointment in April and once to a nearby bank in November. My doctor comes to me and i am happy with my situation. I rarely feel a wanting to get out and about. Very rarely.
I think you should get out if you can. I don't because I have social anxiety. I think if you enjoy the world outside and what it has to offer you should go out. But be safe. If you must go out alone go during the day when more people are apt to be around.
3 people like this
@celticeagle (191277)
• Boise, Idaho
23 May
@RasmaSandra .........Do you feel safe when you go out?
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 May
@celticeagle the going out is not really the problem it is the destination and the seeing people I don't know I might try one day going to the boardwalk and walking about,
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@celticeagle that is another thing about this resort town most of the streets until you reach the main street are totally empty and quiet and very rarely you see anyone but a lot of people drive by in cars,
3 people like this
@luisadannointed (11883)
• Philippines
23 May
I understand that it helps you to lessen anxiety, but still it is important to face life again, I mean do not let your anxiety hinder you to enjoy life outside, enjoy the nature, enjoy be with family and friends outside your comfort zone. God bless.
4 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@luisadannointed I have no family or friends anywhere nearby, Also no one to talk to at all,
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (87579)
• United States
23 May
What you need to do is what's best for YOU. If you feel comfortable and your anxieties are diminished that way, then so be it. I don't think it's anyone's business to tell you what "you should be doing" if it makes you uncomfortable to do so.
Have you reached out to a senior adults community in town to see if they have people you can talk to, if nothing else than just to chit chat about the weather? I'd also recommend a church outreach if you're comfortable with that. But you do what's best for you, because you're the one who has to live with the side effects.
4 people like this
@Orson_Kart (8401)
• United Kingdom
23 May
@RasmaSandra I’ve never heard of a Lutheran church, but we have lots of all inclusive churches here that would welcome you, and the priest or vicar (or whatever the relevant name is) would pay you a visit, and come regularly if you couldn’t make it to church. I’m not religious but my mother was and the local Catholic priest came to her when she failed to show up at church. She was over the moon about it.
4 people like this
@FourWalls (87579)
• United States
24 May
@RasmaSandra — I suppose they’ve curtailed it because of insurance, but most churches used to have church buses to pick up the parishioners who didn’t/couldn’t drive.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@FourWalll the thing is I only have my two feet and they cannot go for too long walks. I have found where the Lutheran churches are around here but too far for me and I would not go alone. The pastor would have to come get me 
and I don't think he does such things,
and I don't think he does such things,3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@rakski thank you for replying I will consider all
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@JudyEv I have no radio and no phone,
1 person likes this
@2ndchances24 (12380)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
23 May
I live in my cabin on the computer more than I should at times
& never have any calls or any company to just hang out with
so I can relate to what you are talking about, I don't have much
of a yard to do a lot in but I make the best of what I can do.
4 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@2ndchances24 but you also have a partner close at hand to give a shout out to.
2 people like this
@2ndchances24 (12380)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
25 May
@RasmaSandra Your right but 75 % of the time I'm by myself
which I like most the time, cause we don't have a lot to talk about
& we don't really do anything special other than pay bills & buy food.
1 person likes this
@jaylar (3922)
• Kingston, Jamaica
23 May
You are nearly my opposite. I go out every day to the plaza. I spray the house for bugs, lock and go, and then usually return in under an hour. I spend time outside in the yard... where I used to leave I would go to the cove twice a day.
I know Jamaica is considered dangerous, etc. but where I live.... no.
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@jaylar there is not yard to enjoy, nothing really close by, and no one to go with. Sounds like if I had money I should head for Jamaica,
1 person likes this
@jaylar (3922)
• Kingston, Jamaica
23 May
@RasmaSandra ... that is why I don't leave. I have hated being indoors since I started to walk. I have to go out side every day. when there is a storm... like Melissa... welll... it wasn't so bad in the Eastern Parishes, so yes... I went out. Claimed I was checking on the drains. But I love it outside.
2 people like this
@Ineeddentures (37865)
•
23 May
Sandra
You say staying in makes you feel safe
You mention anxiety and staying inside helps control it
I reckon you need to confront what makes you feel anxious and not safe.
I think you could drive yourself crazy if you do this much longer.
I really do
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@Ineeddentures me myself and I have become very good friends. I often wonder how it would be to find another person to talk to I think I would be very wary of them, and I doubt I would become friends. Anyway, this discussion has at least let me share my thoughts, and now I will consider what I can do to perhaps make things different.
4 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@Ineeddentures I don't understand. I interact with people online every day, I just don't think I could walk up to a person and say hi if I knew nothing about them.
4 people like this
@Ineeddentures (37865)
•
23 May
@RasmaSandra
Do you want in person interactions with other people?
4 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@AmbiePam I am considering my options all around, This is just taking in some thoughts.
3 people like this
@Shiva49 (28494)
• Singapore
23 May
I can understand your reality as your mobility is hindered to some extent.
At times the silence around us can be defeaning.
I think twice before going out even for a walk.
Wherever I go is mostly for essential shopping or accompanying my wife
I do some basic exercises at home to stay healthy.
I worry like everyone else if I live to a stage where I have to depend on others.
That is not a territory I like to stay for long.
Lovely image of being with our travelers.
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@Shive49 but unlike me you do have a partner to depend on and that makes it a big difference,
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (28494)
• Singapore
24 May
@RasmaSandra I agree, that does make a big difference.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4658)
•
23 May
Oh no, do you have agoraphobia? I'm sorry to hear that. One of my cousins has it, but I think her husband helps her a lot with it. I'm glad that you enjoy your time online, but I think you would benefit a lot from some human contact and fresh air. Maybe just try to go to the convenience store once or twice a week for a small treat? You could try to see if you can find a Latvian group online that might be close enough that you could make friends who could visit in real life.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@AliCanary the closest Latvians are in St, Petersburg a long way from me,
2 people like this
@thelme55 (79700)
• Germany
24 May
I agree what @snowy22315 said. You have to think positively. I don’t think you are that old. Life is what we make it and it’s up to you how you manage your life. You know I feel sad reading your post. How I wish I live next to you.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 May
@thelme55 let's see what the summer brings me,
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 May
@nela13 I don't see doctors,
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98930)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 May
@Neil43 it is very different if you live on a farm,
