Hey David,
Here is some advice from the community that may assist with your goal:
Justin Reid
Like most I’ve slowly built up to it started with smaller groups of friends then started going to a cafe then larger shops each time I only just managed to go to Bunnings for the first time last week myself it was a bit overwhelming at first but hopefully each time it will get easier🤙oh and breath I find breathing exercises when it gets to much helps me 🤙✌️
Corrine Mcl
All the above suggestions plus noise cancelling headphones, I only go when I absolutely have to otherwise it’s too much of a sensory overload.
Ree Alice
Good on you, David. Not sure if you're walking well yet, or need some aids, however I took my trusty walking stick for a long time - a) because I needed it and b) I hoped it sent a message to those around me to give me a bit of space! The latter didn't happen all the time and I truly felt at times I was going to be knocked flying by running kids or careless people in general. Fancy knocking into the arm of a person walking with a stick just because you're in a hurry, or actually knocking the stick - eek! Take a family member or a friend along if feeling vulnerable, until at least you feel more confident. Finding out if your local supermarket has quiet times would be of help - or go at 7.30am/late at night perhaps, and to visit shopping centres in quieter times as others have mentioned. As to noise levels, lights etc, that is very individual. Lights didn't bother me but any time spent in noisy environments, especially where I had to concentrate, make decisions/use my poor tired brain (eg, easing back into work), left me exhausted. All the best!
Chris Lysaght
I try and go at 7am opening time its quieter for me then and it does affect me if its too crouded still, as after easter they didn't open until 9am and over 100 people all at once confused me so i had to leave as my brain injury along with stroke recovery i am unable to think my mind goes blank?
Carrie Mackay
If you have a choice, go to a smaller shopping centre and when young children generally aren’t around. Their high pitched scream always went right through me and put me on edge. After a few trips it became easier for me. I did shut down for three months and didn’t go anywhere. I don’t recommend that, make yourself go.
John Turner
Hi David it's good to hear you have set goals ,that's the first hurdle to achieve those is the next hurdle an my experience 12 years post stroke was in the wheelchair were are the toilets ,what steps are there ect ect my wife was my carer so I was lucky so to have a friend or someone you trust with you would be a big boost to your confidence mate all I can say really is bite the bullet ,feel the fear an go for it nobody will laugh more likely try to help if you ask all the best on your adventures an god bless you
Glen Baulch
Definitely take a family member with you, when I was feeling unsure of myself I would put my hand on their shoulder to steady myself sometime even stop and close my eyes for a few seconds. Everyone is different so take all of the above suggestions and try. Good luck👍
Leasha Ann
Try to go at the quieter times to begin with.
Early in the morning or at night.
I personally prefer later at night. Having less people around really helped with my confidence as I didn’t feel rushed or pressured to choose the things I wanted, or move around with haste.
Colin Cook
Also, many supermarkets now offer "quiet times" where noise (background music, announcements etc.) are minimised. Tis is especially aimed at people with autism, but suits others too.
Davina Foster
The first outing and constant talking and people movement was overwhelming ... having someone break something behind me even showed me my numbness and avoidance couldn’t escape it... I just had to calm my mind and left when we could then just tried again at a later date... don’t think I made commitments to do it weekly till I got comfortable with being out n about within my surroundings and still today shopping and noise and the task can make fatigue appear
Colin Cook
Get some volunteer support (organisation, family or friend) to escort him for a few trips to build up his confidence. I have vision problems following my stroke and Guide Dogs Victoria helped me with one trip, but friends and family often accompany me (mainly to help spot things!) I have successfully navigated the supermarket on my own (and found everything!). Some sort of identifying badge might help too (I wear a Low Vision badge)
Lynda Christensen
take a support person with you then often they can dash for the items you forgot to get and choose a shopping place that is not too large this helps with fatigue also do not choose a busy day or time of day take a wheelchair so that you can sit if when and where you need to often there are not many places to take a much needed seat hope you have a pleasureable experience
Amanda Baxter
Anxiousness over the crowds, noise and lighting in shopping centres was difficult and planned for times when not so busy and for short periods to start - I was working up to longer times and amounts of exposure then covid hit and due to being fully immune suppressed I haven’t been out but for essential medical treatments for the past year - certainly for me was small steps forward now a road block.
Nathan Bishop
I jumped in the deep end and went to a footy match then just sat in the food court a few times and had a coffee just to get used of the crowds and noise. I still got a bit to go with noise but definitely getting there.. everyone's different and do it differently but if I didn't do it then I would never do it... Good luck and slow n steady wins the race 💪💪
Linda Johnston
I'm 4 years post stroke and I just jumped in and gave it a go. Scary stuff and I still struggle with the sensory overload and fatigue that hits you all of a sudden. Mornings are better as has been suggested. If i have a vision of where I need to go and a list of things I need to do, I feel more in control.
Scimarec Ceramics
Slow and steady wins this race, i walk a little, sit a little walk a little , im better on my own than trying to keep up with someone , and i reapedly say to myself, ive got this , i got this !
David Zarb
Try wearing sun glasses so you don’t have eye contact. I’m suffering from major depression and it seems to reduce my anxiety a little