I understand how you feel. I been through the same. I stopped driving for more than two years after cutting a finger off with a cordless saw. I realized how disconnected from my surroundings my brain had left me. I began questioning much of how I interact with different situations and environments.

How about just going to 'visit' the gym. Don't even dress in work out clothes. Be prepared to walk right back out. Have some ear plugs and dark glasses with you to see if you need them. Maybe you can talk with a trainer about when the gym is quietest.

I know that I can endure just about any environment if I can make a quick escape. I may come back out with a "woooh, that was close ! " but still be able to avoid any return of symptoms.

I know that, "I can't do this but can't explain why" feeling.

It may help if you discuss this with your family and ask them to support you with a spur of the moment quick visit to the gym. When you have someone with you and no time to get overly anxious, the momentary stretch to go in the gym may be more tolerant.

Ask them to just offer a walk through the gym when there is time and you are just driving by the gym. Keep your ear plugs, sun glasses and gym shoes in the family car. A sort of "Hey, we're right here by the gym. Let's just take a quick quiet walk through." Then do the walk through quietly with just one supportive family member.

I know that too much thinking can get in the way of making the move to go.

Also, go out with family just to be along with them. Sort of a testing the various waters excursion. This is the only way you will learn your tolerance levels.

Just be sure to have an escape plan. Have that escape plan any time you go out.

Knowing you have support for your escape plan makes these excursions much easier.

Also, I bet you have days and times of day when you feel better. Recognize them and use that time. It feels good to use that time to get out.

Save the stretching your limits until you have had enough successful quick trips.

You can do this. We are behind you.

My best to you.