Happening over and over again

[CactusDan]

I went outside our hourse. And everytime i do, my panic attacks are occuring.. heavily breathing, pain in my chest, heart is pounding so fast like i’ve run nonstop a thousand miles, seems like there is no oxygen coming into my body.. everytime i’ll go outside. Everytime i’ll go to places which I am used to. Where we are used to.. I don’t know why it is happening.

[fauxartist]

sorry your going through all that, sounds like anxiety or a phobia, do you have a therapist to work out what this is?

[CactusDan in reply to fauxartist]

I dont have. :(((

[fauxartist in reply to CactusDan]

well glad your here with this group who can understand, we are all just other people going through stuff that others can relate to. Welcome.

[CactusDan in reply to fauxartist]

Yep i know. Thank you so much for being here. Hope you have a good day. God bless.

[Agora1]

Hi CactusDan, sounds like Agoraphobia, fear of the open market. When anxiety becomes severe enough we develop a fear of everything in our lives including being outside. Nothing seems safe anymore. The fear of having a panic attack produces more fear that leads to more panic attacks. It's a never ending cycle. Seeking therapy and possibly short time medication in helping you break this cycle is the first step.

I was agoraphobic for 5 years unable to even get to the therapist's office. I was fortunate in finding someone who at first came to my home and then was available to me by phone. Talking me through the fear, teaching me other modalities to use in allowing my thought process to change.

Working on the cause of your fears right now is what will release you from the hold it has on you. Knowing the basis of these fears will allow you to overcome them or accept them in a nonthreatening way. The idea is to never stay stuck in thought or movement. Always go forward, little steps of achievement are very important with agoraphobia. Credit yourself for each step taken. Know that the fear stems from your mind and are not a real physical threat. Accepting that you are safe, nothing can harm you if you are willing to ride it out.

Reading the Dr Claire Weekes book on "Hope & Help for your Nerves" can help give you a start in understanding the Mind/Body Connection with Anxiety. It's been proven over the years that how we think about the symptoms of fear is what makes them take control. There are many ways to physically calm your mind. I use deep breathing. It has been the key to my success in moving forward in life. The agoraphobia is long gone but to keep the stress and any anxious thoughts in check, I deep breathe. When I drive, in my home and is the best tool in the store. It keeps a balance of my thoughts, acceptance that I am safe and makes me feel in control once more.

There's a freedom waiting for you (that light at the end of the tunnel) is yours to have. Rid yourself of all negative thoughts, the "what ifs" and go for it. Once you refuse to live under the control of this Monster, this Bully of fear and Anxiety, you will feel more confident in going forward. I'm glad you are on the forum. Express your fears, your doubts but also endorse every step forward that you take. We are here for each other because we understand. You are never alone in relearning how to be comfortable with yourself once more. It does happen and it WILL happen for you as well. Stay positive CactusDan.....

[CactusDan in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much for putting up much effort to your reply. I really appreciate it. It made me speechless. I hope i can also find that someone just like yours.

[Agora1 in reply to CactusDan]

CactusDan, may I recommend until you do find someone to help you, to go to YouTube. (I always check out the videos before recommending them) There was once a young man on this forum known as "The Anxiety Guy" who suffered through 31 days of Agoraphobia. Not only did he succeed in overcoming it but he went one step further and that is making videos to help others understand and overcome agoraphobia. If you will take a look at his "4 Powerful Steps to Overcome Agoraphobia" by Dennis Simiek *The Anxiety Guy, I think you will better understand what I am saying in regards to letting go of the fear and moving forward.

Make it a great day. Educating ourselves in understanding what we are dealing with, helps us to fear less and take control. My best to you Dan, Agora1

[CactusDan in reply to Agora1]

I’ll see to it that i will watch it. Thank you so much agora1. Really appreciate it. God bless your good heart and soul. ❤️

[Starrlight in reply to Agora1]

I also find deep breathing helpful. Thanks for the book recommendation. I think my anxiety stems from fear of people and what they think so I’m trying affirmations to see if accepting myself more leads to easier times.

[Agora1 in reply to Starrlight]

Hi Starrlight Fear of what others think of us comes from within our own insecurities. Definitely in accepting who you are and how unique each one of us is can instill self confidence and self esteem.

To get started on the right path in celebrating who you are, I found a wonderful video on YouTube. Type in "How to build Self-Confidence" by Michelle Phan

Always believe in yourself xx

[Starrlight in reply to Agora1]

That means a lot, you taking the time. Thanks I will watch it. I wonder if I need to get to the root cause of the insecurities before I build self confidence well maybe Michelle Pham will answer that...

[Starrlight]

I had those same symptoms this morning before I needed to go take my kids to school. I was afraid I’d run into trouble of some kind and though it’s much more likely to have a fine trip, the anxiety grips at me, messes with my reality. It has been easier for me lately though for the most part and I have to believe i will heal. I hope you will also heal. We have to not give the negative power, those heart sinking thoughts, we have to let the energy go.

[CactusDan in reply to Starrlight]

Good to hear that somehow your healing. In time, i’m gonna say that i am at that stage. Thank you so much for being here. And for understanding me. I appreciate you. God bless. ❤️

[Starrlight in reply to CactusDan]

God bless and thank you for your encouraging uplifting words. Yes I think we are healing.

[CactusDan in reply to Starrlight]

We are. Better days are coming.

[Starrlight in reply to CactusDan]

Good days are here. I had a good day with rough patches. How was your day CactusDan?

[CactusDan in reply to Starrlight]

Kinda hard to sleep at night, i always sleep 8am in the morning until afternoon. But tonight i got to sleep at 1am and woke up at 6:30am. So i guess i can call it a good start for my day. :))

[Starrlight in reply to CactusDan]

Nice, glad you got to a good start for today! Wishing you a day filled with beautiful moments!

[CactusDan in reply to Starrlight]

Thank youu. You too. :))