Agoraphobia

[Madibreann]

Hi! I'm 24 and I'm new to any type of group support. I've been trying my hardest to get through this but I'm not getting far on my own. Has anyone else ever experienced agoraphobia or panic attacks? I'm so new to panic attacks and they are so scary. I've always had agoraphobic tendencies but never homebound like I have been for the past month.

[Hidden]

Hi welcome to the site. I have experienced panic attacks before and they are scary. I have never experienced agoraphobia but one of my sisters is agoraphobic so I have some understanding of it.

Have you managed to get to the doctors yet and sought help? It sounds like you need to do this as it is very hard to recover otherwise.

My sister sought help and was on meds when she was younger which did enable her to go out further and have more of a normal life. Now she is not having any treatment and has reverted back to being housebound. She was on diazepam for a few years which helped. She was diagnosed with GAD so I guess the root cause was anxiety.

See your doctor. I don't know if they make house calls these days but you could try that. Keep us updated how you are getting on. Stay with us on here meanwhile and we will support and help you all we can. Take care sweetie.

[Madibreann in reply to Hidden]

I can fortunately make myself leave the house with company. Especially to the doctor. I try not to stay inside the house for more than a week without venturing out somewhere. It feels torturing but I do it. I went to the doctor several times and they have put me on Zoloft which I'm waiting to kick in (it's been a week) and the side effects are making me anxious without doing anything so hopefully that will pass soon! Just having someone to talk to is a lot of help. People do not understand what it feels like if they've never experienced anxiety. Thank you so much for your reply

[Hidden in reply to Madibreann]

You are very welcome. Well done you for fighting this so hard as I know it can't be easy. I know my sister nearly pulled our mother into the road on several occasions when she had panic attacks.

It will take up to 4/5 weeks for the meds to fully get into your system, but I am sure with your bravery and determination you will get there in the end. xxx

[Madibreann in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. Yes I've had to pull over or have whoever is driving pull over often. It's no fun for sure! Hopefully the meds will help once they fully kick in. And hopefully your sister is doing better as well!!!