Trying New Things Is Scary

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Hi.
Erm.
So.
I decided to try to start doing a few new things. Not all at once; I've spaced them out somewhat.
I used to do a lot more stuff without getting freaked out and retreating back home. Somewhere along my perimenopausal journey, and heavily influenced by an abusive marriage, I lost myself and have found it increasingly harder to do stuff. Any stuff. Even stuff I've done before.
I know that hormones can influence autism and ADHD, so I'm guessing that is why all of my traits and issues have been so magnetised over the past few years. (I also have PMDD.)
I decided that I'd had enough of waiting for things to calm down and booked myself some tickets for a couple of events, and have started filling my diary with things that I hope to find enjoyable enough to do again.

Does anyone else struggle with hormonal involvement?
Do you struggle to take part in the activities that you used to be able to?
Do you have specific ways of encouraging yourself to do the thing...whatever that thing may be?
Do you find it easier to try something new alone, or with a friend/partner?
Anyway.
That is all.
Danke.

Welcome to WP!

I find it's just that I'm more tired now. More on my plate like a daughter, an elderly mother, no friends to go out with, lost confidence to drive etc.

Life has just been so hard for the last 20 years after getting pregnant, that started the decline. Everything has just worn me down and I've given up.

Hi! Welcome to WP! I hope you find it to be a comfortable place to visit.

And, the rest of your post doesn't really apply to me. I'm quite retired and not too ambitious about doing stuff.

Thanks all for the responses.
I didn't mean to laugh at the statement that the 20 years following pregnancy have done you in. It's not a laughing matter, but the way you worded it was brilliant. I was born and thennit all went down hill from there...
My mother struggled with driving confidence and, at one point, couldn't leave the town we lived in. I had some struggles in that area for a while, so you have my sympathy there.

I think you may have misunderstood me? I meant when I became pregnant with my daughter, I was seriously ill during pregnancy, it basically ruined my life for a few years, then my daughter was very ill, it was like a nightmare, and I did it all with minimum support.

It's worn me out tbh, I haven't got the energy for much these days.

hello.

Does anyone else struggle with hormonal involvement?

i dont understand what hormonal involvement means. so i suppose i do not struggle with it.

Do you struggle to take part in the activities that you used to be able to?

Yes.

Do you have specific ways of encouraging yourself to do the thing...whatever that thing may be?

well i try to focus on the idea that every day is a new day and therefore i can try again.

Do you find it easier to try something new alone, or with a friend/partner?

i find it easier to try new things with a friend. especially if it involves leaving my home.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Thanks Captaintash.

Women's hormones and how they affect our health are generally not taken into account enough IMO. My periods, pregnancy and general hormones have NEVER been normal, I've struggled horrendously with them all.

Also, my friend pointed out, until the 1960s or so when contraception became widespread, most women were pregnant most of their reproductive lives, so continuous periods are not something that has been studied very much. The monthly wear and tear on our bodies is unrelenting.

As well as the mental wear and tear. Knowing you're going to be very ill every month is not exactly calming or leading to a relaxing, stress free life.

Hey Captaintash,
I'm a similar age to you and feel sluggish and stuck, I hope it's an age thing that will pass!
I am sure my intelligence is not what is used to be, my memory is rubbish, sometimes my words come out jumbled up, and my general organisational skills are rubbish.
I would like the opportunity to try new things, or old things even, but feel a bit "stuck" due to parenting a difficult child, and all that entails. But before that I'd love a small holiday on my own to de-stress (impossible sadly)