Can't say I've ever teared up, squealed in joy, shouted 'hooray' for a complete stranger with such gusto as I did watching this video. Your transparency and willingness to do the hard stuff has GOT to be helping so many people, but most most most importantly, YOU WENT TO A BOOKSTORE, BOUGHT BOOKS ANNNNND LOUSY COFFEE!! Do it for you and those babies. But thank you for sharing it all with us so we can find the grit in us to try the hard things too.

You asked an employee?! That is another level of achievement. Congratulations!

I am so sick of hearing "its not that big of deal" from people who have no idea whats going on inside my head. Keep doing the things. Keep being proud. Because at the end of the day, the only one that'll know how big of a step that was, is you, and that's all that really matters.

Hi!! I'm a therapist and I just wanted to let you know this is HUGE! Also just a little unsolicited idea for you that you can completely skip over if you'd like but: Now that you've done this you get to remind yourself next time of how successful you've been even though you were scared. It's not linear but no one can take this time away from you so instead of "it might not always be this good" try to view it as "this time was SO good" also since you are able to match the excitement of other people, now you have this version of yourself who was so excited to have accomplished this that you're bringing around with you everywhere. Try to match her excitement. Not guaranteed to work or anything but just an idea😊 I'm so happy for you

I know the struggles of agoraphobia way too well. I got it in 2011. I am almost 100% housebound. I could do all the things alone before, travel, go to the movies. But now i cant leave my house unless i am physically hold on to someone or at least see them at all times. and it is a big deal, to just leave your house. going to the bookstore, thats so big. you really need to be proud of yourself. i am so proud of you elyse

This is NOT a small thing. Any time you have to overpower your own brain because even though you KNOW it’s a liar, it is extraordinarily difficult to overcome. This is AMAZING! Well done Elyse!

this video is making me realize I also have agoraphobia and it was such an "aha" moment and explains so much

With 1k comments I don’t think you will see this, but thank you. Thank you for holding a mirror up for me. Because I am supremely talented at gaslighting myself into believing I am just a terrible mom when I take my kids out alone and my anxiety puts me into a panic. I feel so guilty, but it is because my brain is a big lying liar!!

I loved The Midnight Library, I don't think you'll be sad you picked it up. My therapist tells me every time I don't go to the bookstore, the relief I feel is a small dopamine reward toward reinforcing the habit of letting myself off the hook. So good job! Well done! You got your dopamine hit from going! So proud of you.

My brain also is a liar

Girl, you have no idea how relatable this is. My list: 1. Go to the park to sit in the field and read 2. Go to a bookstore 3. Go thrifting 4. Go to the knitting /crochet store 5. Go to a restaurant and like so many others

Lately my brain has been telling me my family deserves better, I’m useless , no one wants me around. You saying “my brains a liar” and doing the hard things, gives me hope maybe one day I’ll be okay too. Thank you for sharing your struggles. I feel less alone.

Elyse, I have agoraphobia too. I'm so proud of you! We will get there one day! It is a big deal! Honor your accomplishment, big or small, friend.

I have anxiety, too. I’m afraid to go to the doctor and just made an appointment yesterday after avoiding it for the past 5 years. Avoidance is the worst part of anxiety for me, so seeing you push yourself to do things that are hard and scary makes me really proud of you. And it helps me want to be brave, too.

You talk about doing things with people being easier -- this is 100% something I struggle with. I tell people that I can do anything on the second try. But I need someone to do it with the first time. I can go to stores, restaurants, places, etc but I can't do it the first time without a partner to tackle it with. It's like a mental block when I go places and I don't know what I'll encounter. It's so good hearing other people talk about having similar experiences.

“I don’t want to hold back my kids because of me”. That rang so true to me, you don’t even understand. (Or maybe you do…you probably do…well, of course you do, this whole video was about that!). Anyway, thank you for this. I didn’t think I was going to watch the whole thing but I had my bowel of cereal and I just got sucked into this journey with you. I appreciate you. Keep up the great progress!

Elyse I sobbed after watching this video. I’ve never related to something more. Knowing someone understands the grief you feel when your world gets smaller because of anxiety… and giving words to what it feels like to admit that you need to make room for it and not hate yourself because of it… it’s humbling and such a relief to know that I’m not alone. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for sharing. You are a gift ❤

"sometimes I worry I'll just be this way forever" ugh! Feel this! I was so sad for years after I started having anxiety, like I had to grieve my old self, would I ever see her again? I do now! I see glimpses of her as I heal, and I also have learned to give myself grace and love myself through this process. You will get there. Proud of you!! 🥰 It's a tiny win for us all 😊

struggling with agoraphobia really badly right now. thank you for sharing your journey. it really helps to see that i’m not alone. i’m so proud of you for pushing yourself and making progress :) we can do hard things!!

3:04 "Even though my mind can't, my body can, so I'm going to let my body do what it can do and let my mind catch up." This is amazing, I need to write this down and frame it to remind myself when I'm afraid to go somewhere ❤

From one anxiety ridden mom to another good on you! Its amazing the strength our children give us to push ourselves to be better! I want to put out there that even if your boys end up with some of the same mental health issues you have, it is not due to anything you've done. I repeat if your boys end up having anxiety it is NOT YOUR FAULT! As a matter of fact your boys will be lucky to have you to help them if it happens. You're an amazing mom and an inspiration to me.

I'm 62 and have been fighting my anxiety for years. It got worse after the pandemic when we were told to stay home. So I did and now I find it hard to go out and be around people. I too have always loved bookstores. Just hanging out in a bookstore with all my new imaginary friends and their stories. I live in a small town with no big bookstores, so I check out the Goodwill if I get the nerve to leave the house.

I first seen the title of this video and avoided it because it felt too familiar to my own struggles. Haven't been in the right mindset to even accept that I am struggling yet alone be open to the possibility of fixing myself. So thankful for you and for sharing your journey. You give me so much hope for my own journey and to just keep trying. Thank you, from a fellow introvert who's struggling to leave home.

I'm really grateful you posted this. I needed to hear this today. Especially at the end, when you said that sometimes you might just be this way forever, but that is okay and you sort of have to come to terms with it. It's something I've been really struggling with a lot lately. Accepting how I've changed and how I am now. But it made me feel good to know I'm not alone at least. 💜

Wow. You've ACTUALLY made me want to face my fears and go to the pharmacy to pick up my meds (which I haven't taken in a couple of days because of my fear of going out and I have been feeling crappy because of it)! It's crazy how I've JUST found your chanel out, right when I needed a boost of confidence. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Super proud of you too girl! I have severe anxiety/panic attacks, & I recently traveled on a plane alone for the very first time. I cried in both airports & had to have someone on the phone with me the whole time, but I survived it physically WITHOUT a panic attack. Just because something’s easy for someone else, doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. We all have different “hard.” I’m really proud of you for facing yours, & surviving too. Sending love. 💛

You're so allowed to cry. I'm crying. I'm so unbelievably proud of you.

OMG, to hear you say that you used to not have the anxiety you feel hits so hard. I was just thinking about the fact that I used to not only go out places but and over the past ~15 years that just completely reversed. I don't even know when, how or why it happened it just became my life. The anxiety of interacting with people and going places and it's not like I even had anyone at home to try and balance things with. Thank you for sharing that part of your story.

I’m neurotypical so maybe I can’t fully get it what you’re going through but I definitely couldn’t help smiling at how happy you were and being happy for you. And then looking up the books you bought.

I had agoraphobia for years. Then one day it just clicked in my head that no matter what, some people will always judge me. And others won’t. And I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks. Somehow that magically shifted my anxiety and I’ve been a lot better since then. I only have very mild anxiety now, and it’s been about 10 years. I’m really grateful for that lightning bolt realization that came kind of out of nowhere.

As someone who has struggled with agoraphobia silently I really appreciate you showing this. Mini goals and practice is such a good mindset ❤

Girl, this wasn't a home run... this was a GRAND SLAM!!!!

I have agoraphobia as well. Unless I absolutely HAVE to leave the house, I don't. It's so difficult and stressful making it out of the house to even go get groceries and go to appointments 😢😢 It makes things worse, because I have lived where I live, most of my life. The thought of running into people unexpectedly is horrifying for me. For whatever reason, I have found going out in areas I'm not familiar with, is easier, even though I get stressed by unfamiliar surroundings. I wish it made sense. All of this is to say, like many others, you're not alone. And thank you for being vulnerable sharing all of this with us! ❤❤❤

I’m CRYING at how excited you are. I often struggle to identify with or understand people who get nervous or anxious in certain situations but listening to how hopeful you were while going through your list and then seeing the absolute joy on your face when you got back to the car hit me hard. Today you taught me how to be a more empathetic person ❤️

there are plenty of us that DO realize what a big deal it is i promise you. ive been agoraphobic since childhood, had ups and downs, years of being okay only to become housebound again in the last few and i just want to say that it is a big deal. its a big big deal! and posting this video is a big deal for people like me to hear someone else put into comprehensible words the same things i experience and struggle with. i recognized so much of my self and so many of my own thought processes in nearly everything you said. so thank you, SO proud of you, and you're not alone. keep going 🩷

I'm crying. You're such a gorgeous, special human being. Thank you for sharing this/yourself with us.

As soon as show a clip inside barnes and noble I said "SHE WENT IN!!!!" out loud. I'm so proud of you for even trying!! I relate to all of your feelings so much and also have abrain that's a big liar 😅

I'm sitting here tearing up because I've been dealing with the most awful anxiety and agoraphobia for the last 4 years and I am so happy for you,- your "I did it!" was so joyful.

This video actually moved me. When you’re in the car talking about your mental health and going out into the world I felt so seen and understood. And then you talking about your sons and not wanting to hold them back with your mental things you have going on. Omg. I have a 19 month old and feel so much of the same. The way you share in your videos you’re really making people not feel alone. I almost cried watching this. I feel like I can relate to you so much. I’m so glad you created a platform to share. You really are a bright spot in this world. 🤍🤍🤍

I usually don’t comment but AAAHH I ADORE YOU! 🥹🥰 watching these are so freaking therapeutic! My BIG anxiety right now is driving. I’ve finally got my license at 25 after a very abusive childhood and I have my first ever car and I am PETRIFIED of driving but seeing you 1, drive so effortlessly! And 2, overcome your anxiety in a different way, helps me soooo much ❤️ keep being you Elyse and keep showing us as much or as little as you like. I’m such a diehard fan of you and your realness 🥹😭

Thank you for sharing this. I’m actively struggling with severe anxiety/depression/OCD leading to agoraphobia. I legit screenshotted a bunch of the transcript so I can write them out to help me when I’m struggling! You’re doing great! Keep it up 💙

Omg Elyse! 🤩🎉🥳 You went to the bookstore, you interacted with multiple employees, got a lot of books (which you had to traverse the bookstore to get to) and even got the journal you set out to get last time you tried! I am so proud of you! Thank you for sharing your victory with us. You are so appreciated!

Great job, Elyse! Thank you for being so transparent and letting other people know they are not alone. Whether you realize it or not, that is very brave! And also very kind. I used to do all sorts of things-travel to Europe multiple times, fly cross-country, and now it's daunting to do things I used to do without giving it any thought once so ever. Your brain IS a liar. Thank you for sharing both your struggles and your victories!!! I'm so happy to celebrate your wins with you.

Scathingly brilliant idea: "Paint along with Elyse." You sit and paint. Literally anything. I make a library program out of it where 10 people come and we all paint long with your video. Like Bob Ross, only it'd be you! We already do a monthly Fireside crafting program where we put a fake fire video on the TV in our meeting room and paint tiny canvasses together. No one knows what they are doing, but it's fun.

While I don’t have agoraphobia, I do have severe anxiety, and I needed to see this video today. Having a high anxiety day and I’m just so stuck feeling. I’m feeling so inspired after your video. Congrats on such a successful book store visit. I’m proud of you. ❤

Needed this reminder today that I can be proud of myself for doing something hard, even if it might be easy for other people. You’re the best ❤

You are SO honest and SO relatable, and it is indescribably heartwarming to see you challenge your lying brain! Not to mention encouragement to challenge my own lying brain! Thank you for being brave enough to share your journey; it's truly such inspiration

I have agoraphobia too, and although it's not that big of a deal, it's also SUCH a big deal. And if you're in a major city like LA (where I am) where it's just so insanely people-y everywhere, it's a whole different kinda deal. I get it 😊

Weep. I'm so proud of you! I feel this so hard and it is a win. Youre doing it mama. Thats the thing. 👏 I never finished The Midnight Library, but his book Reasons to Stay Alive was a book that I do recommend!

Elyse, I found you on TikTok a while ago and genuinely enjoyed your content. Not only are you hilarious but I've also related a lot to your struggles so I was sad to see you leave TikTok. I searched for you on KZfaq and finding this video was a blessing. I’m 31 and have been struggling with panic disorder and agoraphobia since I was 20. It’s something I’m deeply frustrated and ashamed of. Seeing this representation helped me shed a layer of shame. Thank you for sharing, and I’m so grateful for your online presence. And most importantly, way to fucking go!!!! Keep on keeping on!!

I just want to thank you Elyse. I've always wanted to learn to drive, but I feel so scared of the huge trucks and buses and the uncertain of the road that I still haven't learnt. When I saw you, I felt comfortable that, people feel scared too and it's okay. If Elyse can do it, I can too. You are an inspiration. I thank you from the bottom of my heart !

Most of my experience with ghosts is that they're generally trying to ignore you as much as you're trying to ignore them. Strangers in public are much the same way. I remind myself of that basically every time I go outside. No one else is paying as much attention to me as I am. Go you for continuing to challenge yourself ❤ it takes so much strength to face these things and do the thing *for you*

I have never seen anyone transferring to a video my mental barrier to go anywhere outside my home so well. Thank you! And you go, girl!

During lockdown, we packed up and moved across the globe. We couldnt speak the language and the culture shock has literally crushed me. I relate so hard to this video. I can't take a bus because I'm afraid that I am keeping people waiting when it stops for me. I am afraid of getting in the way wherever I go. I also can't drive here, so my life has shrunken to nothing. I started therapy and got an ADHD diagnosis two weeks ago. I have two little boys who deserve to have a WHOLE mother. I will be brave with you! I am inspired and encouraged. Thank you!

I'm so proud of you, Elise! I have agoraphobia too, and anxieties about driving, which makes it even worse. Doing anything alone sounds absolutely terrifying to me. You're inspiring me to make my own list of things to do by myself when I feel brave. ❤❤❤

You got a coffee and books for you and the kids! Seriously that is huge! Like, I do not have agoraphobia, but I do have ptsd that morphs into other things when it is triggered. So I can at least relate to the huge change forward.😢 #proud

Elyse, you are not alone! I used to have panic attacks just driving across my small town. After 4 years of therapy, the correct combo of meds I can now drive across multiple states. I drove myself to one of my favorite places that is 4 states away that I usually just ride with others to. I literally cried tears of relief and joy when I arrived! You will absolutely go far past wherever you hope to go! You are working so hard at this and I am happy and excited for you!

Thank you Elyse for always being your "authentic self" & sharing your struggles...I struggle with similar things and I have had some true milestones recently that were 4 years in the making...so continue to celebrate each "stepping stone moment " and even treasure the setbacks because they all have a "ripple effect" and continue to transform into the person we are meant to be in each moment and season of our lives💗☺️🦋🙏

I have severe anxiety so I can relate to so much that you’ve shared. You saying you don’t want your sons to be held back by you (your anxiety) hit me hard. I have 2 grown sons and unfortunately my anxiety held them back. I am so grateful for their resilience and determination to overcome the challenges that that caused them! I’m proud of you for recognizing that in you and striving to do better for yourself and your children!

Never give up. You are a national treasure. We need you. ❤

I'm so glad you found out that people can't observe you as easily as you thought. A win for challenging negative cognitions!

I struggle with some social anxiety to the point that even going to the small neighborhood grocery store was terrifying. I got myself in by first telling myself “I’m gonna get in the car but I’m not even going to drive to the store” then “I’ll drive to the store but I won’t park, I’ll just go straight home” then “I’ll park but I won’t get out” then “I’ll get out but I won’t go in the store” then “I’ll go in the store but I’ll just walk right back out” and then I managed to go in, buy one small hand pie and leave. Part of my issue with going out is a fear that I’ll be trapped in the uncomfortable situation but telling myself that I can always just turn around made the first steps easier. If I tell myself that if I get in my car then I HAVE to go into a store, a lot of times I simply won’t get into my car at all

Is it weird to feel so proud of someone you've never met on the internet? Because I am so proud and happy for you ❤ this video was just pure joy

There are so many places I want to go when I force myself to go out to grocery shopping for the week and I just can't bring myself to go and do the things because I know just how drained I will already be with getting the groceries, and I only have enough energy for the groceries I HAVE to get for my toddler and I to survive. Thank you for sharing your struggles with us so we can celebrate your accomplishments with you. Your journey is an inspiration. Solidarity. 💙

Thank you so much for sharing!! Way to GO!!! In my beliefs, there isn't something wrong with people, but rather that something is showing up to help them learn something, and it is SO HARD, but worth it, in the end, to have learned the thing. I was in tears listening and relating and celebrating with you!! It made me feel so tender for all of us humans, doing the best we can. Ever since I started dealing with hardcore anxiety, I started to feel even more compassion for people.... it can be so invisible. Someone seeing you in the bookstore would have no idea the huge mountain you had climbed just to be there. We're all going through our personal journeys, and I wish for our compassion for each other, knowing we have no idea what's on the inside for someone unless they share. Even then, it might be too hard to really get it. I started dealing with bad travel anxiety around 2009 and couldn't go 12 miles away from home, couldn't take public transport/ferries/trains/planes/etc. My comfort zone distance has increased considerably, I can take the ferry now, and I am wanting to try flying again, but haven't taken the steps yet to fly. I used to travel all the time, including living abroad, so I understand how hard it is to notice those changes and worry they won't ever change back. I have had a lot of help with EMDR and mindfulness, along with exercise and yoga, and I suppose, just, time to learn about myself. And MUSIC! (Which, by the way, your singing is AMAZING and I am so thankful whenever I get to hear your singing videos!!) I agree with someone else's comment about how awesome it is that as a mother, you have experience to draw from to be supportive to your kids if they ever go through anything similar. I can only imagine the compassion and patience they would get. My issues with anxiety got in the way of me having kids, and I am considering adoption... but definitely worry about how I'll be able to "do all the things" with them since "doing all the things" doesn't always happen with anxiety!! Any tips? Ok- this is so long, and SO personal, so hopefully it's ok and everyone will be nice if they read it! Thanks for sharing all the content you create- you are a light in this world! Keep chugging on your journey- I think you'll have pleasant surprises ahead from all the hard work!

I am SO SO SO happy for you and proud of you! I have my own struggles with anxiety, that bordered on agoraphobia at the peak of the pandemic, and with a LOT of help from my partner I’m to the point I can leave the house with him and very occasionally on my own. Your awareness of the process and acceptance that you can’t control everything is inspiring ❤ I hope you can reach your goals

THE HERSHEY'S KISS on the external hard drive (portable charger?) in the background makes me so happy!

I'm so happy for you. I don't usually cry about people outside of my immediate family, but when you started talking about how you wanted to beat agoraphobia for the sake of your sons... I could feel that tears were working their way up to my eyes, even if they didn't actually end up rolling down. Don't give up doing small but hard things, Elyse! They all add up!

I have struggled with agoraphobia for several years now and I am so excited for you! A lot more than one anxious person has seen and will be less alone because of it. To have someone understand my experience is WILD because I haven't ever found someone who openly talks about it. This whole video was an emotional ride 😂 The excitement and fizziness when you got in the car is the kind of hope someone was looking for today ❤

This made me cry! You are a stranger to me, but I feel so proud and happy for you! I struggle with anxiety and fear too, and have also been working on taking small steps toward the things that terrify me, but will make my life happier. Sometimes those little steps feel totally insignificant to others, but are huge for me. It means so much to see another person so transparently sharing their own similar journey. It’s beautiful to see you vibrating with joy. I love your courage ❤!

The last thing that could cross my mind is “it’s not that big of a deal, get over yourself “. Public spaces are scary, interacting with people is intimidating, being perceived is weird as heck. I can do a couple of things on your list but I have other things not on your list that I can’t do, and I’m trying to work on it. I love watching your videos because you are so inspiring, and I am proud of you just as I am proud of myself! You’re killin it and you rock!

Elyse, thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Every time I watch you explain an authentic part of yourself, I gain language to explain how I feel. I'm a medical school student and my husband and I are trying to start a family. Recently, we've been working on my brain being a "liar". It means the world to hear you so eloquently elaborate on a struggle that I thought I was alone in facing. I am so proud of you! YOU DID IT!!! You did even more than you set out to do and that it's definitely a "home run". I smile with pure joy when I see you accomplishing your goals (and even when you don't because you tried and that takes so much will-power and effort). I'm rooting for you every single time! I hope to grow with you in this aspect of life 😊 I also really REALLY love journals lol

Girl I see so much of myself in you with how my anxiety affects me. Thank you for sharing your struggles and your humour with the world. I don’t know you but I feel like I do and I love the person you are 💖

So proud of you!!!! I’m currently struggling with the same exact thing and I hope that I can conquer the grocery store again soon. Thank you for being vulnerable and open so that people like me don’t feel so alone

Wow, Elyse. Your talk in the car struck such a chord with me. When I turned 30 my health anxiety got so much worse and I developed contamination OCD. There are so many days when I wish I could just go back to the way I was before and don't understand why my life has to be like this. But there are other areas of my life where I've worked on my anxiety as well, and I try a little bit every day. And you're right, so much of it is just accepting that this is the way I am now and I have to learn and try every day to live with it instead of wishing it would just disappear and things would go back to they way they were.

I had really bad agoraphobia almost twenty years ago and now it’s soooo much better… from doing exactly the little, one step at a time, things you’re doing now. Keep going!

So happy for you, especially the part about radically accepting some of the things that feel like they limit us or that the world says need to be *fixed,* I have survived 3 traumatic brain injuries and have several limitations and sometimes I felt like it was limiting my kiddo but he is now 12 and a very gentle kind person and I think that experiencing my radical acceptance of my limitations and need for accommodations has probably contributed to him being thoughtful towards his own and others needs. You are the perfect parent for your children right now, you always will be, we are given the parents we need, and more than needing to go places, August and Oliver just need to know they are loved, which they always will ❤

We are so so so proud of you! I had sever social anxiety when I was younger and seeing how far I’ve come shocks me every day. I cried watching how you overcame that and how happy it made you! You inspire me to keep going and do new things. ❤

WOW!!! I was so happy when it was clear that you walked in in the door, but then more photos of the store, of books!!! You absolutely knocked it out of the park!! I was so worried when you started out on your adventure, because I watched the one where you wanted to go to that cute stationary shop and get a journal, and I felt so heartbroken for you, but what an absolute happy ending to your adventure. I’m so happy for you. I think you just made my day.

I teared up just before you. I am so proud of you, you did it! I also have agoraphobia. The saddest part for me is looking back at all of the special events for my son that I’ve missed. When he graduated from high school he was class president and after his speech I had to leave. The medics at the medical tent we passed on the way out wanted to take me to the ER, that’s how shaken up I was. He was supposed to graduate from college this weekend. I was so excited, I wasn’t going to miss it for the world. We had a plan b, a backup plan, and a contingency plan. I was ready. He called me Thursday to say, JK, I’m actually graduating in August, I have one more class to take this summer. That scamp. Now I have 3 months to be extra, EXTRA, ready for the real graduation ❤

I see so much of myself in you and I am so proud of you for sharing these struggles. It’s made me feel less alone. I get how hard that was!! Grocery store was difficult for me for a period and I had to work through that anxiety

I also have agoraphobia, but with panic attacks added to it, and I'm so proud of you for this! I find that for me it's easier to go places alone, like if I bring peope with me I feel like I have to act like I'm fine? Which I can't do when I feel anxious so it usually makes me panic more, which is a super fun time- I don't drive so I have to take the bus (the horror)... so currently I'm working on taking busses everywhere! I hope you get the courage to do more stuff!!

I’m fully crying tears of happiness for you. This was a HUGE day!!! YOU DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing this special day. And also thank you for sharing the days that don’t feel as special to you. Real pockets of life are always special. Even if they don’t seem like it to you. ❤

As a fellow anxious person struggling & battling with my mental health (and physical health) agorophobic mess, I just want to say I am SO *PROUD* OF YOU!!!!!! Seriously, I am cheering you on so much! Also, the Midnight Library book, I loved it so so much! It pulled me in pretty quickly and I couldn’t put it down. I hope you love it as much as I did.

this vulnerability and honesty is amazing, thank you! and congratulations on your multiple successes today! (new books! you sipped coffee! you read in the aisle! you talked to a human!) and the universe smiled on you to let you know challenging yourself was a great decision 🥰🥰🥰

You did it! I see you. I feel this. I'm so proud of you. Thank you for putting your journey out here for the rest of us who are going through similar experiences. Seeing your joy made me happy cry and gives me hope for more days like that for both of us. 💖

Elyse, you're not alone. I've had severe agoraphobia for years. I was completely housebound for almost two years at one point, and even just stepping into my back yard was a big challenge for me. There are lot of things that "aren't a big deal" to other people that are a big deal for me too. Last week was the first time in at least five years, if not more, that I've ordered something from a little coffee shop and actually sat in the shop to eat a little bit before leaving. And I still can't do it without people with me. I would love to one day be able to go out somewhere for fun, and not as a challenge for myself. Your list of goals really hit home for me. As someone who struggles, it really encourages me to see people putting awareness out there for agoraphobia. When I first started getting really bad I felt so extremely alone. It's people like you who share their stories and the ups and downs of working through this that make people feel less alien, less isolated in their struggles. Thank you for being comfortable enough to share your experiences. And remember to celebrate the little things! We're so freaking proud of you!!

Watching your content helps me learn how to be kind to myself. You're just a few years older than me, and you're going through SO many of the exact things I'm scared will happen in my future. Seeing you make it through once day at a time is comforting in the weirdest way

I deal with HORRIBLE anxiety going to stores, specifically going to the back of big box stores like Walmart. I get really claustrophobic. It was at the worst I’ve ever had during the pandemic towards the last 6 months and since then, I’ve had to gradually get myself to a better place. I’ve always dealt with pretty bad social anxiety but I was never bad until the pandemic with going into stores. Anyway, my point is it’s really such a feeling of empowerment and pure joy when you go into a store and do everything you need to do and then some and enjoy being in a store. I totally get it. From one socially anxious person to another, bravo!

Having my babies actually helped me overcome so much already because I want to be better for them, and I still have so far to go. It was really touching listening to you talk about it. They are such good motivators!

I have agoraphobia too and I’m so proud of you. Since Covid mine has gotten so much worse to the point that I barely can even leave my house. It’s so frustrating/embarrassing but you sharing this makes me feel not as alone so thank you!

I loved the midnight library! Also i love you showing the struggle and also, maybe more importantly, i love seeing you celebrate that you went out. That is one of the things i struggle the most with is celebrating after the win. It was just really nice to see

Anxiety lies. Sometimes I call it by its name “You Liar.” Sometimes it helps. Sometimes it doesn’t.

Go to a LIBRARY. No cost, no pressure. Usually low key.

Watching these videos and reading these comments while also working my way through newly acquired PTSD has given me permission to celebrate my huge achievements that seem tiny. Five months ago, I was fiercely independent and a social butterfly. Two days ago, I was dancing because I drove somewhere without pulling over in a panic. Thanks, Elyse. Thanks, others ❤️

I know what's that like .. I have the same feelings about going out to venture.. in my case I think the isolation of covid and being home to recuperate from illness did it .. proud of you stay strong... you got this ❤

Love that you’re doing this not just for you which is important but your sons. I don’t have your anxiety but there is so much I’m working on for my girls and its so incredibly hard and yes very disappointing at times. All that to say thanks for sharing this ❤

I have epilepsy, so I very much empathize with you on this topic. Overcoming your fear is a huge accomplishment, and so is continuing to fight your fears. Failure is inevitable, that's how we learn! As awkward as social interactions can be sometimes, that's all they are. They're just interactions, not death sentences. Even though it continues to feel like the latter, you survive most of them, and have hilarious stories to tell afterwards. I honestly don't know a lot about you, Elyse, but you are incredibly funny and have a lot to offer the world. Good luck on your journey!

I can't say that I know your struggle, but I can completely relate to wanting to challenge and heal yourself, in part, to not hold your children back and to be able to enjoy life with them! I am proud of you and you have inspired me to challenge myself. ❤

So proud of you - thank you for sharing! I have some major anxiety related to taking my kiddo certain places, where I know she'll be overstimulated/at risk of significant disregulation, and it's been a looong journey for me/us to work on it. The other day my partner mentioned "remember when you couldn't do that?" and I realized how far we'd come, and I hadn't even seen it! I wish this for you!