Getting out and about: what to do if you have lost your confidence in going out
If you've stopped going out as much as you used to because you are no longer feeling confident going out by yourself, there may be some steps you can take to help you to feel more confident. There are lots of reasons you may not be feeling as confident as you once were. For some people who have experienced falls or loss of balance or have noticed that they can no longer walk as easily or as far as they could, this can affect how confident they feel in going out. Visiting Living Well Falkirk and starting the LifeCurve™ is a great way to look at the kinds of activity you can manage at the moment, and set some goals for things you would like to do more easily or start doing again, like being able to get to the shops. You'll see movements and balance exercises, tailored to you. Some people may find that they are getting out less because they feel anxious about leaving their home, or low in mood. It can become harder to get out and do the things we once enjoyed, which can be frustrating and get us down. NHS Scotland has produced a guide to help you work out if you are experiencing anxiety and that will give you practical techniques to use when you are feeling anxious. Find the guide by visiting nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-self-help-guides/anxiety-self-help-guide.