Suggestions?

[Trieste7777]

What to do when you fear even leaving the house?

[BonnieSue]

You have to suck it up when you have your psychiatrist app't. because you know that's one you can't miss. Also your counselor's app't. you can't afford to miss! You might be able to talk on the phone with your counselor for a few app'ts. if she/he will allow this. That may depend on your state laws.

I am guessing but I'd check with your psych Dr. to see if there's an effective medication for agoraphobia. There just may be one. Also, there may be some useful materials on my non-drug list of materials to learn how to conquer anxiety. This list you may have seen. If not, I can print it here if you'd like.

[BonnieSue]

Some ways to learn how to slow and control your breathing and calmness are to learn taichi, yoga or meditation or mindfulness.

Some natural remedies and non-drug sources of information are books, videos, and workbooks suggested by other people on this site:

1---"I've found David D. Burns' "Feeling Good" and "When Panic Attacks" to be very helpful."

2---"I am working through the anxiety workbook by Dr David Carbonell and it has helped immensely!!! "

3---Mindfulness has helped many people and is now recommended by doctors in the UK. Here’s just 1 link that explains it’s usefulness: heartwoodrefuge.org/benefit.... Another option of many is called MINDSHIFT. You can download it to your phone from Google Playstore.

4---TRE (Trauma releasing exercises) is something you can learn in a class but you don't have to talk about your problems and once you have learned the technique you can use it at home.

5---"A good book that I came across recently is "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, 6th Edition" by Edmund J. Bourne, PhD. You might find this book to be of some help to you, although communicating your thoughts and feelings in a group setting is enormously helpful as well. "

6---“The book DARE, which is about anxiety. It’s a very good book about accepting anxiety and letting go of the fear. The author is Barry Mcdonagh and he also has a YouTube channel and a Facebook support group.”

7---For anxiety: Claire Weekes audio books on iTunes. “Self Held for Your Nerves” is one title that is good. You can see her on YouTube. “The Dr. Claire Weekes book is easy to understand and will help you on your way to recovery through acceptance.”

8---Another really good CD and book is the Linden method.

9---How to be good with yourself: self-compassion.org/the-thr...10---Try the meditation app called Headspace. It's done in 10 mins slots once a day.

10---Videos on YouTube by THAT ANXIETY GUY helps with anxiety re: depersonalization/ de-realization states.

11—For UK residents: Have you ever been in touch with the organisation called MIND? They offer one to one sessions with a Project Worker free. They also run courses that you can attend free of charge. One of the courses is about Anxiety. Their website is mind.org.uk

12---"Go on the psychology today site and look for a therapist that specializes in anxiety."

13---Instead of mercilessly judging and criticizing yourself for various inadequacies or shortcomings, self-compassion means you are kind and understanding when confronted with personal failings – after all, who ever said you were supposed to be perfect? self-compassion.org/the-thr...

14---“Have you ever listened to Louise Hay on YouTube? Some of the talks help motivate you and hopefully you will feel a positive energy.”

15---“I called one of these online therapist sites. The therapist was really good. It was prestoexperts dot com. Her name was Lori Burke. Definitely a professional and she got me through this awful depression/anxiety morning.” (There is a charge for this service)

16---For meditation look at:

Tara Brach and Chopra Center

17---theworrygames.com/anxiety-f...

18---“AnxietyNoMore” by Paul Bywater. A phone app.

19---“At Last a Life” book by Paul David.

20---The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook

Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance

By: Matthew McKay PhD, Jeffrey Wood PsyD, Jeffrey Brantley MD

A Clear and Effective Approach to Learning DBT Skills

First developed for treating borderline personality disorder, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has proven effective as treatment for a range of other mental health problems, especially for those characterized by overwhelming emotions. Research shows that DBT can improve your ability to handle distress without losing control and acting destructively. In order to make use of these techniques, you need to build skills in four key areas-distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Source: NewHarbingerPublications

Caution for non-Buddhists: Zen Buddhism inspired aspects of DBT, along with behavioral science and dialectical philosophy. Source: GoodTherapy.com.

[ADAAadmin2]

Telemental Health is becoming a very viable option now. Most states have regulations, meaning they must use HIPAA secure software etc but it's very helpful for people, like yourself, or those who live in remote areas. Read more about this option on our website and see if we have any providers in your state. We've also just posted a blog about this too.

adaa.org/finding-help/telem...

adaa.org/blogs/telemental-h...

[Groovygirl]

I feel the same way sometimes. I just want to hide under the covers...........

[plzmybabies]

If I want to leave the house, I just have to do it. No thinking just doing. Do you have a friend who you can get out with?

[Takirby06]

I have felt with agoraphobia for over 10 years so I completely understand the struggle. You have to take it in small steps. First, try sitting outside on the driveway for a while. Then next might be taking a walk around your neighborhood. Once you've accomplished that, drive to a gas station close by. With each accomplished goal, you can create a new one and little by little you'll feel more confident. Go with what works for you. The only thing I can tell you is that when you've decided you are going to do something - regardless of how high your anxiety gets during the situation- wait it out. Do not leave or escape. This will make that exposure ten times harder to do the next time you try. Just know that the anxiety will come down and you will feel so proud once you accomplished a step - even one as small as sitting on the driveway.

[plzmybabies]

I made a map of my comfort zone and kept expanding it. I can now go between 3 states with about an hour drive into each one. I wanted to fly to Florida next month but with the little ones, I am a bit hesitate right now by myself, if someone could go with me, I would. Hopefully in a few more months.