Anxiety/Depression and crossing roads

keira

Does anyone else have problems with crossing roads? I won't use pedestrian crossings as I can't stand being around crowds of people. So I just cross at other places but have had near misses as I can't concentrate very well and just run across quickly! I don't look cause I always keep my head down when walking. Can anyone else relate to this?

Cocchedda27

I have same issue with the only difference that I have limited mobility as well with mental health problem and I use pedestrian crossing 

thespiceman

Hello @keira How are you.?  I am sure that this is extremely distressing for you.

What would worry me is your safety.  My concern that you will cause an accident.

I can understand this because I have limited motobility and can not walk very fast.  Have also mental health issues.

I have to use pelican crossings because of my disability.  Please can I suggest wait till the people gone..

Other one if there is no crossing.  Do Green Cross Code, try to be patient I know not easy give your self a treat after wards.  Have also a tune or a saying in your head.  Keeps concentration

I say a few songs I am singing this to my self and the same time thinking how can I do this today.  Small steps.

I suffer anxiety mainly crowded areas.

Take care hope any of this works.

Sam_Alumni

Hi @keira

I am sorry to hear that this is a struggle for you, but road safety is so important and it is so vital that you come up with some coping strategies for this as otherwise you are putting yourself and others at risk.

fish241985

Hi my name is Lee [removed by moderator - personal information] I am partsily sighted and have miner Cerabral poalsey. I. Used to find 

fish241985

My name is Lee [removed by moderator - personal information] and I have miner cerabral poalsey and I am partially sighted. After a bad experience whilst up town in 2010 I started to feel extremely anxious about going out especially  trough the dark winter months. My anxiety got so bad that on some days I felt so down I couldn’t face leaving the house. I evenely went to my GP who proscribed Anti depresent they habe helped me a lot but I was still feeling unsteady when going up and down curbs and still felt on edge when crossing buses roads. It was then that I noticed just how many people use folding walking sticks , so I thought that would help me when going  up and down steps and curbs so I bought one off Amazon. My dad then put 2 peace’s of yellow tape on it so I would be seen.It works a treat . Now when I need to cross a road many drivers will stop to let me cross and  offer to help me cross the road. This  has greatly reduced my anxiety allowing me to do what I need to do without dreading crossing  the  road .
if anyone has anxiety about tossing the road it is a great idea and may go a long way to solving this problem.

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @fish241985

Just a quick note to say, I removed your last name as I was mindful of how much personal information you popped on the forum.

Welcome to the community! I am so sorry to hear about your battle with depression and anxiety. It seems you have a good relationship with your GP. Do you feel supported? 

I'm so glad you found a way to help with crossing the road. It is a really good idea! I am actually going to tag @Richard_Scope who is our Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead  

Nashota

Yeap, my son has stopped me from crossing when cars are coming several times now, it's a good job he comes everywhere with me.