challenging myself to leave my house (and it didn’t go great)
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We’re going on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster today. I do my best to challenge myself to leave my house. Though it didn't exactly go as I had planned, I did get out of the house, and I'm proud of myself for that!
If you’re working through your own challenges with mental health, please let this video serve as a reminder that you aren’t alone!
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Please don’t ever stop making such honest content (unless you need breaks, then definitely take them) because the anxiety disorder community has never been more seen and understood. You have a way of showing and verbalizing anxiety that allows it to be relatable and comprehensive by anyone. Thank you.
This 👆
👏
Was looking for the words to say this. 👏🏼
I hope she keeps making post as she Is the symbol of white feminism 😂 meaning f everyone else as long as the whites good
This is so kind. Truly, so so kind. Every single time I click “publish” on a video, I want to run and hide because I’m afraid people are going to think I’m stupid for feeling the way I feel about…existing? Anxiety & depression are this weird lens that cover all my experiences in my life and I have found ways to enjoy myself while looking through those lenses. But sharing it with the entire internet is a whole other thing, and I’m still getting used to it. I’m so grateful it’s helpful to other people - that means the world to me!
Agoraphobia is like a muscle, you have to go out in public periodically to build a tolerance to it, but you also have to budget for recovery
You also need to keep hand wipes or baby wipes in your car at all times, buy multiple packs and keep them everywhere in the car compartments.
My husband likes to say “we’re just getting some reps in” whenever I panic about leaving the house. It’s really comforting because it helps me realize that even an attempt (regardless of how unsuccessful that attempt may be) is still a successful rep and that counts for something!
Love his attitude! @@elyse_myers Having a hus-friend (/partner) who offers comfort or sweet humor when in the midst of a freak out is so important and I don't think it's discussed enough.
@elyse_myers I'm gonna steal that phrase and use it for myself! It sounds very encouraging. Compliments to the chef.
@@elyse_myers I use that with clients! It's reps to build up a muscle 💪🏽
One of my biggest struggles is gaslighting myself. When I am having a hard time and I think ‘boy, life is hard’, then I start to think, ‘no, everybody else is doing fine, you just suck at life’. I hate when my brain tries to trick me because sometimes life is a challenge and its not just a piece of cake for everyone but me.
That’s like 90% of my inner thought life 😅
I've somehow started gaslighting myself that reading relatable comments on relatable posts means we're ALL making it up. The validation is right there and I'm like, NOPE we're all just oversensitive wimps. WHAT.
Ok. I have not even watched this yet, but I have to comment before I press play. I have not left my property since February. I left today for the first time and I just got home, opened KZhead, and BOOM. This video. I’m so relieved I’m not alone in this.
You really really aren’t alone!!!! These comments are helping me realize there’s more people like me than I realize!
Sending you love and empathy ❤❤❤ I’m leaving the house for the first time in a week today so I can get my cat’s food that I forgot to order, wish me luck yall
After watching this video, I didn't feel alone. I felt like I was the only one who just panicked when they left their safe place but really had a hard time knowing why. I am glad to know that I am not the only one who suffers, but there is a community of us that just want to live life normally.
Same! Sometimes I don't leave my house for weeks. Blessed to have a husband that takes care of me so I don't have to leave. He doesn't have the same issues I do, thank God! 😅❤😊
P😊
"I don't want to talk to people, but I want to be around where the people are" EXACTLY! Having a conversation (including small talk with cashiers or ordering something)?? No thanks. Feeling like I'm a part of something and being active in life. Yes plz.
I wasn' a partier in college AT ALL but I kind of loved the weekends on campus when I could hear the parties happening. I liked knowing that people were having a good time and doing things even if I was only in the general vacinity. I think of it as parallel play for grown ups.
I also feel like this exactly. Sometimes I get panicky being in my house alone, so I really want to leave the house but also can't deal with another person acknowledging I exist
Yes! I've started wearing big headphones in stores so no one bothers me. 😅
@@lutilda that sounds like a great idea!
I’m surprised I’m not alone feeling that way. So comforting.
Diagnosed agoraphobic in 2016. At one point I didn’t leave my house for almost 2 full years. Today, I went to a PUBLIC outdoor vigil downtown in the bigger city next to my town, and I stayed for the whole two hours. i’m exhausted and had to use almost all of my tools from therapy. but i did it. it takes time and practice but we can do this, friend! Be gentle with yourself. be kind to yourself. doing your best is doing enough. Love you Elyse. ❤
Congratulations!
@@MommaOsoIrish67 thank you so much! ❤️❤️
Heck yeah!❤
My boyfriend and I are full time caretakers for his elderly parents so naturally we have a ton of medical gloves. We put them to use, and still do to this day, when we pump gas. Don’t feel weird or uncomfortable, just buy a box and leave them in the car, along with some paper towels and hand sanitizer and trust me, your anxiety will go down significantly. ✌🏼❤️
“Whenever I have free time, I’m so tired, I just want to be home.” My husband and I just talked about this today. So relatable.
Seriously. #parentlife
@@Christine_GoBills#AlsoNonParentLife
And it's cheaper.
@@KaiOpaka stop bragging 😭
It’s comforting to read in the comment section how much people can relate to the anxiety of leaving your house. I am not happy about others struggling, but it’s nice to know I am not alone. I couldn’t understand why it’s 2024 and I still can’t return to my pre pandemic self.
I feel you. Mines also covid induced. I tried to drive somewhere today, almost forgetting I can't manage. Ended up 25 mins down the road, pulled over in a carpark, sitting for an hour to convince myself to drive home. Its hard. I also ask myself why am I not my former self I then try to remind myself that experiance changes us. Trying to be the person I was before is not realistic, and I just need to figure out the new me! Hopefully you find your new you too
I don't think ANYONE can return to their pre pandemic selves. 😢 ❤
So much this! Pre-Pandemic me is like a story in a book I once read instead of a version of me that actually existed and could feasibly return. I just don't think we as a species know how to turn that particular trauma response off.
I've had agoraphobia for as long as I can remember but I've been making huge progress since the pandemic (I think in part because my life became less stressful almost over night when companies and services were made available remotely - they've remained that way for a lot of things and I have so much more independence than I did 5 years ago). Chewing gum helps with my anxiety a lot of the time. Apparently, if your brain thinks you're eating, then it assumes you're safe. (A tip from my driving instructor I wish I'd had 30 years ago). I'm finally learning to drive at 44.
This. All day. I use to HATE being home! I was always out doing stuff. Like all the stuff. Now I can’t even leave my house for something I actually need. I often freak out bc I just don’t understand why I can’t just be me again. This does not feel like me.
YOU ARE A STAR for helping normalize how challenging it can be to leave your safe space when you’re feeling anxious. Your self talk in the car afterwards (“one day I will be able to do this and it will be awesome”) is exactly what I say to myself! We love you and we like you too! ❤
That broke my heart. My Grandfather was agoraphobic. I don’t think I am but i have fatigue and sensory issues that somehow come out of nowhere. So I go out but take naps and do stuff on my phone in the car sometimes rather than do what I went to do OR go home. Anyways didn’t realize Elise had that diagnosis. I feel for her so much.
Thank you. This was so validating. I literally had a conversation with my husband earlier about using the need to go to a FedEx store to also allow myself to stop by a tropical fish store (fishkeeping vids have been a recent hyperfocus here on yt) but I nearly had a panic attack at the thought of going to the fish store and being visible to anyone there. I want to go and see the pretty fishies, but I don't want anyone to acknowledge my existance and look at or speak to me, especially when I feel uncomfortable in my own skin. It's a b*tch of a struggle and it's SO HARD to explain to a mentally healthier person. It helps an incredible amount seeing a similiar struggle and it lessens that isolating feeling. I like you and love you and hope you are able to get that journal soon!
Oh my gosh! Right!?! I FEEL that so much! I WANT to go out, I NEED to go out, but I don't want anyone to SEE me! Thank you for so perfectly putting my feelings into WORDS! ❤
It helps to wear headphones when you don't want people to talk to you, even if you're not listening to anything.
@@kimono5484 I can't believe I've never thought of that before!!!!! That's genius! Thank you!!!
reading you say 'it's a b*tch of a struggle' is so validating. And it IS hard to explain to a mentally healthier person.
What has helped me is not identifying with the term," I have anxiety." Instead, I started telling myself, sometimes I feel anxious. Also, reminding myself that, "I am not my thoughts" has helped. Retraining my brain with healthier thoughts which has led to feeling better. Also, yoga! Because at the time meditation seemed difficult, I started doing yoga and it has literally changed my life spiritually, mentally and physically. A creative outlet is also super beneficial. Our brains are weird. Take your power back!
As a library worker, I applaud your rediscovered love of reading! Also, maybe your local public library would be a good destination to try if you want to get out of the house. Semi-quiet/cozy reading nooks/staff will say hi but not bother you with questions.
Also, many library staff are more than willing to accommodate whatever they know how to!
Yes! I thought of this too. This was were I'd be for people near me but not interacting with me unless I was okay with it and I love my library staff. Never met one I didn't like. You guys keep it up please.
Highly recommend the downtown Omaha library for fun vibes!! They also have an incredible children’s section at that branch!
The library is my sanctuary ❤
I have recently discovered the Libby app and audiobooks?!?!?! I’m on book 24 so far this year! I’m devouring every book that’s been on my list for years!
8:20 oh sweet human, I FELT this drive home self-talk. I am proud of you for doing what you could. And you supported a small business! it won't be this way forever.
🙌🙌
At 8:50 I started crying...I had never seen anyone else struggle like me with anxiety. I did not leave my house for a full year. I felt that "it's ok, it's ok" down to my bones. I want to hug you across the ocean and thank you for being this authentic. We are not alone and you are right, we will be ok. Much love Elyse!❤
I really hope you see this. I suffered a miscarriage in the fall and lost my cat of 17 years, all within 2 weeks of each other. For the next few months, due to my overwhelming grief, I started suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. I even developed driving anxiety. I had to have the same exact conversations you had with yourself when you were driving in your car. I had to convince myself that someday it was going to be okay. After a few mounts of therapy and a lot of praying, I am now living a life that is panic attack and anxiety free. I say this because you went through a lot recently with your son having heary surgery. And that can be a lot for us mama's to handle. Give yourself grace and patience and have faith that you will get better. You're just healing your way in your time. I'll keep you in my prayers. ❤
My mental issues have definitely caused me to become more isolated. Its something I've had to consciously fight and grit my teeth through every moment. And I used to be extroverted!
So, it’s not just me? 😮💨😥
@@cometgirl217No! I am struggling so hard with this.
Same. also a visible disability to the mental issues.... 🫂 You're not alone.
@@meganlovesdisneyandcrafts4780 I'm in the stealth disability camp. So, at least, in so much as I can, I empathize.
@@cometgirl217 Right there with you. Well, in spirit. I don't see people in real life. 🤣
I newly discovered I have agoraphobia. It is crippling. I recently took a trip to the library to set up a library card and had a full panic attack at the thought of talking to strangers. It was the first time in months that I went somewhere by myself (without my husband or 2 kids). My brain is so good at making everything seem like a threat. At tricking me into thinking that everyone around me is staring and judging. I always feel like the stakes are so high. As if my slightest hypothetical mistake will end in absolute disaster. It is exhausting.
It’s sooo exhausting 😢
This was me too. Especially grocery. I got the DARE app it was so so so helpful. I’m obsessed as I tried therapy. I commented above too lol.
Maybe try to remember that you are almost always your harshest critic. It's so true. Give yourself the same grace and understanding that you give everyone else.
Oh hello, have we met? Cause you've just described me down to my soul. It's SO exhausting thinking people are constantly focused on you, judging you, watching your every awkward move and even more awkward words 😒 sending you a hug!
Every time I watch one of your videos, my husband says “I really think you and her could be best friends.” I’m proud of you for doing something challenging. I am a new mom and find it hard to get out because I have a lot of anxiety about taking my baby out!
“Brave" & "vulnerable" are synonyms, not antonyms! 🤯Thank you for demonstrating a panic attack. 🙏 I have panic attacks too, but now I see how they're (likely) fuelled by our unrealistic expectations of ourselves or event. 🌸 Thank you Elyse!
it took me two full years of therapy to even enter a store after a breakdown. i’m proud of you for trying and im proud of you for the positive self talk, that’s essential to growth. keep trying, it will get easier over time
With the combination of the pandemic, and now also being **fairly** recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, I have become a hermit. I go no where. Ever. Outside with the dog, and that's it. I work from home, so I don't go anywhere. I hate it. I miss having real friends and a social life. I'm sorry that outings also cause you stress! I wouldn't wish it on anyone
Same here!!! I’m really struggling to leave the house.
When you said you miss having friends I felt that so deep. I haven't been around people in a social setting since 2019. I didn't even realize how lonely it's been since recently. Thank goodness for dogs, mine is the main reason I get up and moving in the day
I feel this to my soul. Are you me? Here's to hoping we get out in the fresh air this spring. 😅💚
Same
I only leave for doctors' appointments.
I swear life often plays jokes on you with the amount of things that it throws at you! You did amazing not only leaving your house but also getting gas, taking pictures, going into the store AND filming it all! Then sharing it with us means a lot. Even though it did not go as planned or as hoped ❤ Seeing someone that is, in my opinion, successful in their career and as a mother struggling with very similar things makes me feel much less alone and not crazy. People who don't struggle with these things can't even fathom the possibility that what we are experiencing is possible or real which makes these struggles 1000X harder. Sending you all the love, Elyse 💖
I can not explain just how comforting this was. It sometimes feels so lonely with how I feel that I end up totally isolating myself because why would anyone want to deal with these feelings. Then the similar to your gaslighting thing happens where I wonder if these feelings are real or not. To know I'm not actually the only one who feels scared to go out in the world and just generally has a lot of feelings, it's nice. Tldr; thank you for being exactly who you are and where you are in your journey. I feel less alone. 💚
This makes my heart so happy. We’re in this together!!
@@elyse_myers I'm so glad it made you happy as well. ^-^ No matter what we say to ourselves, we have, indeed, got this.
“It’s not personal. Well it’s a little personal, but not for you…for me” 😂 I relate to this so much
when i used to spend most of my time in fight or flight, i would sometimes default back into a version of myself that was very young, and very overwhelmed by what was happening. i've found that the best way to pull the adult me back out of hiding is, like. "____-year old me does not deserve to be handling this for me. it's not safe for her to be here right now." like its love that gets me out of it. eventually. i just thought i'd mention it, in case it might be helpful and i wanted to say, the work ur doing with your window of tolerance is incredibly inspiring. its been an honor to learn from you as you go and to be witness to all of your bravery and progress
I also use this. I think of the adult version of me walking in the room and saying, "don't worry, I'm here to take care of you now" and I try to feel the love/compassion that scared little girl never felt
That’s beautiful, thank you
Exactly… Wu Wei Wisdom really helps me with this re-parenting journey… youtube.com/@WuWeiWisdom?si=cMMDYXD1ZOWFPC-S
I'm AuDHD (Autistic + ADHD) and I always relate to everything you do/say/think so deeply. I often show my husband your videos just because I get so excited to see someone who is so like me! Even the videos where you have found something hard; of course it's sad to see someone upset, but I still feel a little bit happy because I feel less alone to see someone who has difficulty with the same things as me. Thank you for being so open and honest.
When I was 22 years old, just had given birth to my son and was diagnosed with agoraphobia , general anxiety and depression. My psychiatrist just said it so matter of fact and sent me on my way with meds at too high of a dose. Turning 39 this year and it gets more manageable. The good days come more often and the hard times are easier to manage now. I walk onto my porch everyday, even if i dont go anywhere. That act alone has really helped me. I push through the initial anxiety and feel stronger for it. Even if its just for a moment. You're already doing the hardest part, pushing yourself to try. Such a great job! You had so many stressors before going in. Its totally understandable that it became too much . Was very impressed that you got out to take beautiful photos after dealing with the drive . You should be so proud of yourself.
I sooo get that frustration of something you know logically shouldn’t be a big deal, being absolutely debilitating. For me it’s humiliating and hilarious and heartbreaking all at the same time. Seeing this made me feel less alone. Thank you for sharing it.
Thanks for sharing Elyse. I’ve been struggling with the same fears of being in public. I’m a very outwardly expressive charismatic person like yourself and people don’t understand sometimes how paralyzingly experiences can be. I’ve been saying the same things to myself “your ok, everything is ok, they are just people” . I think everyone is traumatized and scared right now and it’s important to share and let people know they aren’t alone. Love you Elyse
This video is so relatable. I feel like we have so many things in common. I'm a mother, 30 years old, diagnosed with ADHD and GAD - with a big emphasis on social anxiety - and very sensitive skin. Going out, going into stores, is an incredibly overwhelming experience to me and I regularly freeze and am not able to just do what I went there to do. It's really frustrating. I appreciate you sharing your experiences so that I know I'm not alone. I'm also so proud of you for all you did, even though it didn't turn out as you hoped.
I dealt with agoraphobia in my past. What helped me? #1). I wrote my anxiety a letter recognizing it's benefit to my life & it's purpose, but explained that it was becoming the very thing I needed protection from. This helped me put my anxiety into perspective that no longer saw it as an ally or an enemy, but something that had just gotten out of hand. #2). I just had to accept that if I die I die. I can't control every outcome, and I had to MEAN it. I had to be prepared to let go and let whatever happens happen. I had to realize & accept that living as I was had been worse to me than death. Once I made up my mind about that... the agoraphobia went away. Every now & then, when I'm under a lot of stress with an extreme need for control... I'll deal with a small set back, such as hyperventilation, but I just have to remind myself to let go of that control.
This is SO helpful. Oh my gosh. Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of this out for me, and others who will see this comment!!!
@@elyse_myers Super happy to be of any help! Agoraphobia's a beast. But it's a beast that can be conquered! Within 48 hours I'd beaten a beast that had my world growing smaller & smaller for 3 years. Love your anxiety, not as a life saver, but as that really good friend that you absolutely value & appreciate... but that can be a little too invasive & co-dependent every now & then & still wear out their welcome. It's like: "I love ya, Anxiety. But sometimes I just want to lounge around in a cozy pair of pajamas and not share the whole plate of chicken nuggets I absolutely want all for myself in this party for one."
“At what cost?” ☠️ I really felt that. DietCoke time shouldn’t be messed with.
Zevia should be chilled and consumed from the can. That way your brain doesn't say "clear" coke. 😂 Also, it tastes unsweet if you've been eating anything with actual sugar in it.
This entire video has me saying "yes" "exactly" "I know right" on repeat . Anxiety is an absolute b*+@# . My husband is very supportive but doesn't really understand how crippling it can be . Thank you for sharing the hard stuff.
❤ ditto
I am so proud of you using positive affirmation and self talk to remember “ it’s not always going to be this way”. I love people, I have rare panic/ anxiety attacks. But some things are just hard. Like ordering food- I’m like embarrassed I’ll get it wrong or take too long or not pay correctly. And I didn’t know that I had anxiety doing that. Hard to admit out loud too. I’m just really proud of you.
Thank you for being so vulnerable and real. I struggle with agoraphobia and chronic anxiety - it makes me feel less alone to see someone I admire so much bravely fighting through it. You're so strong!
Elyse, almost everything about this video resonates with me. From hyping yourself up to go out of the house, to making a random purchase and gtfo during a panic attack, to the momentarily ignoring you have sensitive skin. I can relate so hard. Thank you for the time and effort you put into sharing your life with us! I feel you. And you sharing your inter-monologue going through these moments really helps me to know I need to start saying it out loud. Also, I feel like we would be friends if we were in the same area.
I really love your long-form content. I feel so much better knowing that others are also struggling with the same issues as me. Thanks for making me feel like less of a failure ❤
Just want to thank you so much for being so willing to be vulnerable. You help validate so much of who I am, struggle with, am happy about, am upset by. Seeing so much of my own struggles, discoveries, feeling of inadequacies, embarrassed by things I do, find joy in the little things all in your videos...it helps so much to laugh, cry, smile with you knowing I'm not alone or crazy. You & your precious family deserve all the happiness in the world.
Elyse, watching you in long-form style is a blessing. I love watching you find joy in small things. I can count on the comforting relatability of your struggles. Thank you!
i really appreciate you showing the drive back, i always have to repeat to myself "i am here i am okay i am now i am here i am ok i am now" to keep from spiraling, so so so similar to you. I also get anxious hwen i go to far somewhere unfamiliar. thank you for sharing!!!
Oh man. The gaslighting yourself out of allergies hits too hard. I do that with my food allergies. “You’re fine, you were over exaggerating, don’t complain just eat what you’re offered.” Then a bit later I’m a mess of hives and can’t breathe. Dang it me! You knew this! 🤦🏼♀️
Thank you for having the confidence and willingness to share this. It's weird, when I was a teenager I had no issues going places and doing what I wanted when I wanted. Then I became an adult, got married, and things from my teen years creeped in and made me scared to do things by myself. I wouldn't go anywhere without my husband. Fast forward to 5 years later our lives blew up, I started therapy and finally stared to reclaim myself and worked through so much in therapy. There are still times that I do not want to go anywhere and I want to isolate at home (solo or with my hubby and our daughter) but overall I have come so far. You WILL also improve. Just keep pushing. So proud of you!
Keep lysol wipes in your car so you can't forget them. Wipe off the pump handle before you use it. Not only does it help you, but it leaves it cleaner for the next person.
I live in Benson. If you ever need someone to go with you, but not be with you, I can definitely do that. I haven't been to many of the stores in Benson because I'd probably have to go by myself. While I like being by myself most of the time, sometimes I need someone to do stuff with. The Holistic Expo was last weekend. I had it in my calendar, so I would remember. But when it came around, i just didn't feel like going.
I'm caught in that, I stay in the house 🏡 alot, cleaning 🧹🧼, crochet 🧶 knitting anxiety 😔 triggers around people.
I really appreciate your video and the honesty of each moment you shared. It was courageous! I can see so much of my own struggles with anxiety in this video. It reminded me of how far I've come in the last 20 yrs. I had my first full blown panic attack while driving alone in my car to an unfamiliar place. That set off a series of other anxieties that unfortunately escalated before getting better. It takes time but does get better if you keep trying to force yourself to confront the fears. If you don't, you end up living like a hermit, safe in a little shell, but never growing or experiencing all of life and the adventures that await when you face fear, and learn to live with it instead avoiding it. Good on you for getting after it! ❤ you got this!
I feel your pain! From a 20 minute drive being too long to turning right instead of left, panic attack/tears after going to the new store (for me it’s not finding the lemon juice and by the time I ask someone, if I ask someone, I’m in tears) and being allergic to everything. Thank you for sharing your day with us, including the hard times. I love your sense of humors and your eyes when you smile!!! Your videos are literally the only videos I watch on ‘normal speed’ because I enjoy moment. Everyone else gets 1.5-2, hahaha. (And I never leave comments, what?)
Totally do the journal thing. Love buying them; barely use them. All paper products are my obsession.
1000000% same!
You did it!!!! You went in! You did the thing!! I’m so proud of you!! ❤❤❤❤
The 'this will get better' mantra is mine too - I struggle with travel, even driving an hour away. I used to love traveling, by myself, internationally, and now... I'm good here, thanks.
You really do have a gift for editing your small moments together to make something beautiful. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your life with us. It helps to feel seen and understood when I can’t even talk about this level of anxiety with my friends.
I have lived with agoraphobia for 15+ years now and some years are worse than others but I have and do live a very full life and have three of the most lovely humans I’m lucky enough to call my children and an extremely supportive partner so I get your anxiety and fear but please don’t push yourself out of comfort because it can, for me at least, make revisiting those places even harder. But agoraphobia is so different for each individual, just be kind to yourself and remember you stronger than you know and you have helped me and so many others so much. Sending you and your beautiful family much love💛
So proud of you for going! It isn't going to be this way forever, but while it is, know you're not alone. I felt all of your anxiety at that intersection and then the panic and self-talk in the aftermath. You really aren't alone, and so many people here totally get the difficulties of leaving the house. There's a cafe attached to the bottom of my building that I'm irrationally too anxious to go in. It looks lovely. I have been to cafes a million times. But every time I think I'll go, I just can't. One day, maybe I'll go, and maybe it will be okay. Sending so much love and so many thanks for you sharing these things ❤
thank you for sharing this ❤️❤️ it can feel so deeply disappointing and lonely to have a brain that just decides to be afraid of something when you logically know it isn’t actually dangerous. it genuinely takes away the ability to enjoy life, even something simple that I truly love like being outdoors on a walk can flip if my brain decides it’s going to freeze because of something like someone sitting in a parked car and I imagine them staring at me or having to walk past someone. it can be exhausting. you have made so many people feel less alone ❤️❤️ also that salad looked amazing wow
I just found your channel today, and I'm so glad that I did. I was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, and ASD almost all at once at the start of 2023 after years of not having access to decent mental healthcare. I'm happy to finally have a diagnosis, but ever since I've been having the roughest time trying educate myself, examine/unlearn behaviors, figure out what my brain needs, adjust to therapy, etc. Every day is so hard, but today felt a little less so. I found this vlog today and I cried watching because I've never felt so seen. I also struggle to leave my house. Even going out to get the mail can be overwhelming for me. I also have trouble touching things in public spaces. When you said "up to the elbows," I teared up because I know that scenario all too well. I saw myself so many times in this vlog. It made me feel less alone. I felt seen. I felt understood. This vlog made me feel HERE, and I'm super thankful for that. Your channel is amazing. Your content is a comfort, and I know you don't know me, but I want to tell you that I think you're doing a great job. You truly made my day today. Ty ❤
I love how she films. Its not forced. It feels like just sitting down and hanging out with a friend.
I loved this, Elyse ❤ it feels so good to have you to sit with. You are so kind to yourself, it's really incredible and so healing to see.
I’m in near tears because my anxiety is so bad I barely leave my house - I didn’t used to be like this, and then I had a kid 6 months before the earth shut down due to a pandemic and nothing has been the same. I stay home with her all day every day and you share everything I go through with so much bravery that I aspire to be. I know you do it scared… and with your influence in my mind I do it scared too. I cannot thank you enough for being so honest and true and genuine in your videos. You help me to remember that I’m gaslighting myself too, and it’s ok to feel everything I’m feeling. You just bring so much perspective and genuineness to everything you go through and I… just… thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being wholly and wonderfully unfiltered you.
The shots you set up, the edits, the music, the insertion of the photos you took in the rain...it's like a deep sigh after so much short video consumption. Had myself a few little cries watching this, ty.
#1 you are the MOST beautiful "natural beauty" I've ever seen!! AND when you bare your soul & talk about your quirks or you grin uncomfortably or something I just want to hug & comfort you like you're one of my daughters!! 😢 So YES you are special & so is your outfit, ALL the time ❤❤❤
Its funny that I can identify with you as a mom of young children, while you're young enough to be one of my children! And your children are younger than my grandchildren!! Now that's a special feeling 😊 (btw I was 18 when my son was born & 21 & 23 when my daughters were born & I became a "GiGi" at 40. They're 12, 10 & 4 now!)
Elyse, sometimes I watch your videos and I just see a mirror. Thank you for making me feel seen. ❤
I relate so much to being so excited about the day in the morning, having a full-fledge breakdown midday, then being a tired child the rest of the day and then purely enjoying a salad and packages by the end of it - thank you so much for sharing, and for being you! You've helped me through so much 💖
Thank you for being so real and raw Elyse! I just love watching your content especially your long form content because I feel so seen and it feels so nice to know I'm not the only one that deals with this kind of anxiety. A couple weeks ago I decided to go sit at a coffee shop and sat in the parking lot for over an hour trying to convince myself to go in! I eventually did and was really proud of myself. Grateful for your presence in the world, you're helping a lot of people just by being authentically you 💜
I love your vlogs. You're so relatable. Keep pushing yourself to face your anxiety and fears, but be kind to yourself.
I so appreciate your raw vulnerability. I watch as much to enjoy your content as much as to hold the space for you so you will know that there are people out in the world who care about you.
Thanks so much for sharing your vulnerable moments. But also don't feel like you can't take a break when needed. You help me have more compassion for others.
As someone who has spent the last day and a half curled up in freeze mode with horrible anxiety, I am so proud of you even if things didn't go as you had hoped.
Elyse, you are such a lovely and good person. I want you to have only good things happen to you. Try to keep getting out, even if it’s scary. I’ve found that Ativan can help stop a panic attack, and carrying them with me, knowing they’re there if I need them, makes me feel safer and more able to do things. 💛💛💛
Thank you for sharing your day especially the hard parts. It’s helping me to understand someone else in my life that I love.
Honestly, I'm spending the day calling and emailing people to come out of the closet, and in a moment of attempting to be kind to myself I brought coffee to sunshine and sat to watch KZhead. Here you are, in a sea of noise, being honest about the reality of having a brain and practicing kindness for yourself. I'm just so grateful, and I'm less worried about today, and whatever happens I'll handle it! I really appreciate you, parasocial though it may be (not in a bad way! Just an honest way to not put pressure on you), you've genuinely helped me on a really important day for me! Thanks for being you
Congratulations 🎈 I hope everyone reacted well but even if not I am so proud of you!
I hope you were met with love. Congrats on giving yourself the freedom to be you. ❤
When you’re post partum and hormonal and so tired all the time, be nice to yourself! I’m also in the same place and I got so scared today to go to the vet even though I knew I don’t even have to go in, they come, get my dog, treat her, and then bring her back to my car. I was nervous the entire way there.
I just love this videos so much. Thanks Elyse, these vlogs are like hanging out with a friend.
This is so relatable, Elyse!! I've dealt with varying levels of depression/anxeity for several years and at it's worst, I couldn't make any decisions and have very little motivation to leave my house or drive. If I was working from home and needed to run an errand it would take me hours to decide to leave. If I was working at my office and needed to go get lunch, I'd sit in my car unable to decide where to go. I'm dealing with it again and trying to work out of this cycle. Hang in there. It does get better.
I have the exact same experience and it's so nice to see someone have the same thought processes! Plus the grieving of when the things we view as simple used to come so easily and how we took them for granted! Well done for going anyway. I am proud of you. And lots of love to everyone also going through this !
"You know what's going to fix my life? A new journal," I say as I stack the new one on top of the other 10 sitting in my office. But guess what? They are pretty and there if I need them! Also just wanted to say since I'm here early that I'm really enjoying your videos! As an elder millennial I really miss the original days of YT and long form content and there's only a handful of creators I still watch on here. So glad to see your videos every time you post! For real. It's like hanging out with a friend :)
I appreciate your honesty and bravery for sharing a piece of yourself to us. You have no idea how much I can relate about how tough it is to go outside and navigate the world. We got this Elyse, we got this 💪🏽
Oh Elyse! I love you! I’m sorry you struggle some times, but you make me smile every time I watch your videos. And to me that is a magical gift! Thank you
Girl you are so transparent and your awk is just so relatable. Thanks for putting this out here!! ❤
You are okay and you are safe. If I was in your area, I would tackle all the stores with you! Sending love and support from PA. ❤
Oh geez, you couldn't have posted this at a better time for me, haha... I've been struggling with getting out of the house somethin awful lately. I keep telling myself that it'll just fix itself as the weather warms up but I'm about 99% sure that's not how it works LOL nobody else I know is going through this, so it's been hard not only to feel emotionally validated, but also to feel supported in taking that first step and trying to get out of the house. So thank you
Elyse, thank you. I have struggled with bad anxiety since i had a miscarriage in August. A few weeks ago i was finally back to driving without having a panic attack and i could walk into a store without my husband. Then last week i had a traumatic miscarriage at 17 weeks and needed transfusions because i hemorrhaged. I feel completely set back, back to square one of just panicking at home when im with my kids.But you inspire me. So much so that i just started crocheting to get my mind off of everything. Thanks for being you and being authentic.❤
I am so proud of you. You inspire me. Agoraphobia and anxiety suuuuuucks and it's infuriating to not be able to logic my way out of a panic attack. The way you were reassuring and kind to yourself in the car even though you were struggling reminds me that I'm also allowed to struggle, that life is overwhelmingly difficult sometimes and it might not be ok now, but I will improve and can be kinder to myself. That's a really tough life lesson to master. I have to leave the house in the morning to get blood drawn and I was already starting to feel panicked and *Poof* , like magic 🪄 your video came up. Thank you for sharing the good and the tough. I truly appreciate you and hope tomorrow is easier for all of us. ❤ And I feel better knowing I'm not alone and that my best, whatever that is tomorrow, is my best. Thank you. Sending good vibes and support. (I would offer you a hug but that would be weird because we're strangers and I don't know you, or if you even like hugs, but if you did and you wanted a hug, I would. Yeah... Social anxiety is fun too... oh, no wait, the opposite 😅😂❤)
Elyse, the reaction you had seems to me like the reactions I started having after I was in a good and safe place in my life for the first time. It was weird to me how life could be so good, but i had this problem dealing with normal stuff. It was PTSD. I hope you have a really safe person you could talk to about it. You may or may not remember the original trauma that particular situation reminds your heart of, but your body senses danger somewhere. It doesn't know it's only in your mind. Healing is on your journey dear sister. God bless.
I'm so sorry you're struggling. Self anxiety soothing through stuff like this is heavy business. I am also at these levels often. I hope it gets better for you soon. 💙
It’s so good to know that other people, even people on the other side of the world to me, find the little things difficult too. I barely leave the house these days, and my friends and I have given up on each other. Anxiety is a lonely place to live. Sometimes I just stand at the front door willing myself to walk through it and go out wherever I need to go. It takes me a while to build up the courage to walk to my car, 10 steps away. Once I get somewhere, I find it hard to leave my car and walk inside the building. Like someone else said in another comment, I don’t want to be seen by others, I wish I could just go through life and be invisible and be safe that way. Thank you so much for your honesty in this video and all your other videos. I so appreciate seeing you be your real self, problems and all 💛
I have to second (third, fourth, etc) the comments of feeling seen. Thank you a million times over for sharing the way you navigate through life. It is such a comfort to see someone going through some of the same thoughts, emotions and fears. And it’s equally comforting and amazing to watch you overcome or pause and reset. SERIOUSLY. I’ll never claim to know what you are going through (experiencing) but I see myself often while watching your videos. I feel less alone. Thank you. ❤
I’m loving your longer videos ! Your amazing
your videos are just so aestheticly pleasing and clean 😍
I will continue to thank you for bringing your authenticity to youtube. It's raw and real and relatable. And your humour brings me so much joy!
We have different types of anxiety it seems, mine is more health and death-related, but I struggle with small panic attacks daily and larger, full-on meltdowns (I'm also autistic on top of my anxiety disorder) at least multiple times a week. Seeing you challenge the terrifying and terrible feelings that anxiety creates and doing the things that scare you is so powerful and brings me a lot of hope. Even if things didn't go as well as you would have hoped the fact that you did it at all is what matters. You're incredible Elyse, even if it doesn't feel like that sometimes. Thank you for this video
Pumping Gas Tip: Doggie Poo Bags on your hand to pump gas. Double up if you need to. Toss in gas station trash when done!
Genius!!!
i've made it a goal to go someplace by myself this year that isn't in the town where i live. which sounds stupid to most people, but it's terrifying but (hopefully) achievable for me. thank you for sharing, Elyse. i worry that my trip may go the same way, but you being willing to share your experience? even though it was hard and not what you wanted it to be? validating. thank you, so much. love the vlogs and i'm so glad you're here 💜
You can do it Courtney! 🫶 I'm rooting for you to live according your values and not by fears
Thank you for just sharing your thoughts and feelings and being vulnerable because it’s very relatable and helpful to me personally.
I’m so grateful for you Elyse. I want to make content, but not being perfect and aesthetic always deterred me. You have shown me that being yourself on KZhead is something that can be done. Thanks for posting!
This is me 💯. Wake up feeling like it’s gonna be a good day, drive to a store, sit in the car and contemplate getting out. Sometimes I can, most of the time I cannot and I drive to get food or a drink and drive back home to try again another day. It sucks so bad and I don’t wish it on anyone. Serial stresser merch!!…yessss! Wouldn’t wear the crop top either haha but the hat is awesome! Best wishes always!!
Oh Elyse you are so loved !!! From 11:41 - 12:17 I giggled because i would do the same thing and be just as frustrated. And the why question is so valid!!!! Also the trip (though it didnt go 100% like you would've hoped) was brave and wonderful. One day at a time, one trip at a time, one outside adventure at a time. You will conquer this because you believe in you and thats more than enough to do it. I like you and i love you too!!
You just made my day, Elyse. I loved this whole video. I love it that you took us along with you on your day just as it was. I can’t express in words the gratitude I feel to have found your channel. By the way, in case you have any doubt about this, you are enough and you are worthy just as you are. You are outstandingly human. You rock.
I loved your short form comedy, I loved your story times, I loved your singing, I loved your crafty tutorials, and now I love your vlogs- point in case: I will love whatever you chose to make if you chose to put it out for people to see! Its relatable, empowering, and simply the kind of content I wish there was more of out there! So thank you Elyse !
Take a Benadryl pill when the itching starts and it will help you get through it. At the beginning of the year we have a 100 pill count bottle of Benadryl sent to her house because it not only can work for me but it can also work on the dogs also. It's a good everybody can use pill in our household.
Great suggestion, thank you!!
@@elyse_myersvitamin c can irritate sensitive skin and cause a burning sensation if the concentration is too high It should calm down 💕
@@elyse_myers allergies are worse in the morning. I don't know if you remember we talked about this before, and I suggested that it might be why you feel better when it snows. ... Well now I believe in the theory again. But I'm still not you, so yeah, grain of salt and all that.