Planning and Following a journey

I have issues with following an unfamiliar journey as I have problems with my short-term memory meaning I can't remember street names unless it is a street, I am very familiar with. I have lived where I do most of my life and I still cannot remember street names. I don't know why I have these problems, possibly trauma related. I have to plan meticulously before I leave to go on a journey, I do this even if I am more familiar with a route. I very rarely use public transport as I become very distressed, become breathless, feel unsafe and threatened around other people. I feel people can sense my mental state and it makes me feel almost ashamed if I see these people again.

I won't walk around the corner to a shop or cafe (I would be very unlikely to go into a cafe unless I was with someone) unless I know exactly where it is, the noise and feelings of threat are just too distressing for me. It would help if I had someone with me. I walk to work 2-3 days a week which is a short distance from my house, and it is very quiet. However, if a bus lets people off at a bus stop and I feel I am trapped and threatened behind people I will walk out onto the road, sometimes the driver has had to put his breaks on as I am walking on the road. I have had a lot of sickness from my work because of my MH, I have been unable to leave the house due to flashbacks, crying. When I can go out, I do find it easier to go out of the house in the mornings as it is quieter. I do drive and find this easier than public transport and walking. However, I do still feel threatened by pedestrians and other drivers watching me. I also need help if I have a passenger to help with directions if it is an unfamiliar route.

After I have been outside, I am often so exhausted I can sleep for hours.

I am unsure what descriptors of the planning and following a journey applies to these problems?

Do I explain how I plan a journey? By looking at directions online beforehand? I can't read maps. I also contact the place I am going to ask about directions and parking as I get very distressed unless I know exactly where I am going.

Thanks in advance

Hi Gary,

Thanks for your reply,

I have looked at the guides but still find this confusing. I understand the difference between planning and following a journey and undertaking a journey. Whereas I can undertake a journey I sometimes find this difficult. For instance I have asked my chemist to deliver my prescriptions as I find it too difficult to walk there as it is so busy.

Do I need to show I plan a journey before I follow it rather than the trouble I have when following a journey?

Can I tick the sometimes I struggle to undertake a journey as well as I struggle to plan and follow a journey, or can I not tick them both together?

Thanks in advance

Hello

You can score points for not being able to follow an unfamiliar journey without another person. Mobility 1d. 50℅ of the time.