This is for anyone with agoraphobia. Or someone who overcome it. How do you deal with it? I have the want sometimes to go do things, or NEED to do things, but I just can't. Me not being able to get myself to, puts me in this loop of overthinking, panic, then depression because I'm not doing anything. I know having a good counselor is a great idea, which I meet with my new one this weekend.
But has anyone else experienced this exhausting "loop" of thinking? That's the main cause of my depression lately. And it makes me feel so alone! I want to feel normal again. I've already been on every anxiety meditation there is. But none of them help with this matter. I already have panic disorder. So this sometimes feels like the cherry and sprinkles on top. Ha!
Does anyone have any advice on this subject? Or how anyone overcame this?
Thanks!
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Ubud2021
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I was diagnosed with agoraphobia when I was 30 and could not walk to my mailbox for over a year. It's a particularly dibilitating type of anxiety, and I finally went to a psychiatrist who monitored me on a tricky antidepressant for 6 months. It definitely helped remove the panic and fear of going out, but stress still brings on anxiety. I swear by books by Claire Weekes, who wrote one or two specifically on agoraphobia. Buy them from amazon and you'll find relief in her spot-on understanding. Anxiety also requires that you learn relaxation techniques. Try Herbert Benson's "Relaxation Response" series. Lean on YouTube and Websites about agoraphobia.
Hi I have never suffered with this myself but my sister has it. Do you have a garden and can you go out into it? When you are comfortable doing this then try opening your gate and taking say 5 steps. Keep practising this and when ok with it try another 5 steps and so on. Take as long as you need, but the important thing is to keep trying.
You have to keep fighting it all the way and never give in to it. It would also help if you have someone to go out with you who understands.
Also look up breathing exercises specifically tailored for anxiety and practise these beforehand so you can use them whilst out. Good luck. x
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