Published on 12, July, 2020
I am currently going through an episode of agoraphobia which started before the COVID19 outbreak and the virus has only made it worse BUT I am starting to do some exposure therapy techniques and slowly introduce the idea of leaving my house.
I always loved camping as a child and would frequently set up camp and do bush crafting out in my mums garden. It was deffo a hyperfixation for me. I have recently rekindled that hyperfixation and I have a real want and need to get back into it.
I would really love to go on a nice hike and do some wild camping as an end goal for my exposure therapy.
But for the time being, I am going to start camping in the garden again, like I did as a child. Taking baby steps at first, going out there for an hour and if I feel like staying out there then I can, but if I want to come in, then that's fine too. But I have to make it the whole hour at least. Then gradually over time, increase the cut off time until overnights is possible, then bump it up to spending the weekend in my little campsite.
My question is, does anyone else have a hyperfixation with camping? Wild camping experience? Do you think it would be cool if a wild camp / hike trip was organized so a small group of auties could get together and bond over the love of camping and being autistic haha. Because that would be something I would be interested in once I am out of this episode haha.
Thats a shame about your plans :( and yeah I am finding it beneficial. Its kinda like retracing your steps.
what areas have you wild camped in? any places you would recommend that are south east england based?
Yes, i was gonna wild camp this weekend coming with a friend, but lockdown ... .
and similarly, i've been thinking about what worked for me as a kid and exploring redeveloping those joys
Lol! Well I am vegetarian so I dont think I will have that issue haha.
Trust me I will be heavily stocked with back ups of back ups.
Thank you ^_^ I am really proud of myself too.
Totally get you, I am very much a recluse haha. I have no friend group, relationship, anything other than immediate family. Even then, I stick to my two rooms (office and bedroom) and am mostly alone all day. When my sleeping pattern is screwed, I dont see anyone at all because I am awake when everyones asleep. Haha Bliss.
I'm not a fan of the sea either. The thought that we have only explored 5% of the worlds oceans is terrifying to me. I like baths, pools, showers and rain. But big open bodies of water with no idea what lies beneath... no thank yooooou!
Thank you so much ^_^ I think its got something to do with my diagnosis. Its really foggy for me to remember a time when I wasn't masking and performing a personality/character. But I remember camping as a kid and I remember the quietness and how it made me feel relaxed. So now that I have my diagnosis, I kinda wonna try just doing some of the things I enjoyed as a kid while I figure out who I am, what my unmasked self looks like. I think it'll be really good for me.
Maybe try wild camping with a friend first? Build up your confidence? I really want to do solo wild camping but that goal is so beyond the point I am at now haha I try not to think about it.
Well hopefully by the time I am out of this episode, lockdown and covid would of calmed down a bit?
Thats the dream ^_^ haha! I much prefer winter camping to summer camping. So much more thrilling.
And of course. Location is everything. No campsites as I really dont like large crowds of people. Theres got to be enough space so that if people want to spread out a bit then thats doable. I know I need my time alone even when I am with a small group and I am sure others will feel the same.
It will also have to be not too far out travel wise for me as I will be quite fragile being outside and away from home. So if anything does go wrong and I have to go home, I'm not going to get on a train for 6 hours lol.
So quite a lot of conditions will have to be put in place and I can't guarantee a time frame in when to do it because it all depends how I do with exposure therapy.
But the idea is out there now so thats something ^_^ I am setting my intention.
do it,,,,,,, go for it
i had a camping thing when i was 13/14 . I remember running out of food and eating raw saugages because i couldnt get a fire going.......... dont do that ! i went too far i used a boat to move from island to island which was fine while the weather was good/dry but once the bad weather arrived things went wrong very quickly. but that's how u learn.
always carry a one meal emergency pack (packet of chocolate digestives) and waterproof matches and 6 cigarette lighters --- LMAO at memory of myself !
go for it u wont regret it and will learn so much
I am proud of you in attempting to conquer your fears and yes I think this would be a cool idea for a short camping / hiking trip
when i was at school i was on the dofe award scheme which was enjoyable though personally i hate large groups of people and meeting new people so I'm almost a complete recluse now
I'm also sufferer of mild Thalassophobia as well but when you have your victory over your episode of Agoraphobia I would be willing to attempt my own little victory as well
now are there any takers amongst the rest of our community that would be willing and able to participate hopefully yes
I love your plan to camp in the garden. It sounds a simple joy. Why need big ones? And I love that you're reconnecting with childhood passions. If only we could all retain our childlike innocence. And good on you for tackling your agraphobia! And accepting babysteps.
yeah, i like camping and lost my connection to it and i've been trying to reconnect this past two years. And i'm hoping to reconnect with wild camping. I'm a bit daunted, but will get there. I had a plan but then lockdown happened ...
Yes - I camp a lot all year round and have doen for decades. I never use campsites.
You have to choose your location carefully.