Anxiety

[JMar13]

How do I get over leaving the house? My anxiety has gotten pretty bad to the point where I only leave the house is to go to work

[jkl5500]

At least you're not completely housebound. Use the confidence you have from traveling to and from work to make short walks on a regular basis. Just start slow, and you can advance things when you relax and your confidence increases. Make it a step-by-step project.

[JMar13 in reply to jkl5500]

Thank you I really appreciate it...I never used to be like this and now it’s like every time I need something I text a family member to get it for me 😞

[jkl5500 in reply to JMar13]

Anxiety is terrible, but it's really a paper tiger. The horrible feelings simply are not real, although they sure SEEM real. You just have to retrain your nervous system. It can definitely be done, and you will do it.

[rasberrylemonade91 in reply to jkl5500]

Do you have any tips on retraining your nervous system?

[jkl5500 in reply to rasberrylemonade91]

For that, get "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" and "Peace from Nervous Suffering" by Dr. Claire Weekes. You can watch videos on Dr. Weekes on YouTube.

[Madison10 in reply to jkl5500]

I just saw your comment on the book “ Hope and help for yourNm Nerves. I recommended it to someone on this site. It’s amazing that people are still using this fantastic book. When I read it, it was like individuals therapy. I found this book in a newspaper add 40 years ago and carried it with me for several years

[rasberrylemonade91]

If you can leave to go to work you are doing okay! I just quit my job because I am no longer able to drive due to my anxiety. The worst thing I ever did was stop driving, because once you stop it’s so hard to start again. So never stop!

[howard327]

Hi, The best treatment for agoraphobia is CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. A good psychologist can work with you on this treatment. It worked wonderfully for me and I believe that it could work for you. Best of luck with this!

[Smd22]

Going through the same, except I quit my job due to the anxiety. My daughter took me to the store about a week ago and I lasted 5 minutes and had to leave.

[lostgirl75]

That's still a huge accomplishment I only leave for Dr apt. I've been trying to just go outside the house each day. Social anxiety is horrible but keep fighting.

[Hidden]

I'm so sorry. This happened to me as well. This was the beginning to becoming agoraphobic. I don't want to scare you but if you aren't seeing a therapist now, please find one asap. I don't want you to end up like me. I ended up losing my job of 16yrs, that threw me into deep depression. This was in 2011 and I am still stuck in my home. I only leave for Dr appts, food store, pharmacy. I see a psychiatrist, talk therapist and a PTSD specialist. Anti anxiety meds can help greatly but ultimately you will have to start pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

You have all of us for support. But please don't let it spiral out of control. Try to get help now. I wouldn't wish agoraphobia on my worst enemy.

Xoxo

[Beanerkins in reply to Hidden]

Me too I’m just like you

The above are my words too everything you said describes me I wish you lived next door we would be besties 😊

[Hidden in reply to Beanerkins]

I'm sooooooo sorry. I know, I get you. Yes I wish you lived next door!❤

It's awful. No one can completely understand agoraphobia unless you have it. I have no life, I just exist. The only ones who have been so incredibly supportive are the wonderful ppl on this site.

Btw, the house next door is for sale. You should move in! I wish.... I know. It's just so difficult. I've lost friends and most of my family. Talk to me anytime

Xoxo

Krista

[lovedogs51511]

Hi there! I've got really bad agorophobia. I barely ever leave my apt. Stay in bed all day. So I know how ya feel. Anxiety is horrible. I only leave my apt for Drs appts or to the grocery store. If I go out for a walk I feel so ugly that if ppl see me they all give me dirty looks. I hate this feeling but can't get passed it. How do you handle your anxiety??

[Hidden in reply to lovedogs51511]

I handle it the same unfortunately. I'm all alone, have been for years. Everyday is like a nightmare. I honestly don't know how I'm still here! I've gained a lot of weight. I don't like myself anymore. My purr babies save my life everyday. I could never leave them homeless without a mommy. They need me. Other than that...idk. I'm totally the opposite of what I used to be.

I recently started seeing a PTSD specialist who allows his patients to Skype sessions. So that's what I do. Not sure if you've heard of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). He promised me that it will work. I'm skeptical. So far I've been able to cut my abusive mother from my life. I don't think so much about the horrible things she's done to me in my past. If I do think about it, I am able to stay calm and hold myself back from sending her nasty emails reminding her what a horrible person she is. But we have yet to work on the agoraphobia issue. First I need to heal from the abuse.

I see a psychiatrist and also a talk therapist. I'm on anti anxiety meds. Ativan works wonders for my anxiety however if I don't take my meds I'm a total wreck!

One thing I do is continue to push myself out of my comfort zone. I don't rely on others to go food shopping for me, or drive me to appts. If I depend on others then I become even worse. More afraid to leave the house and it IS crippling. Everyday is a freaking STRUGGLE. My hope is starting to fade because this all started in 2011. But I'm trying to expose myself to go beyond my comfort zone. And I KNOW how scary it is. Trust me, I 110% get it.

I hope my message kinda helps you. I'm also here for you guys. Just message me.

Xoxox

Krista

Hang in there❤

[lovedogs51511 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Krista, thanks for the message. I think its great that your working on getting better. Sorry to hear you and your mom don't get along. I just went out for a quick walk but had to come home immediately. I also gained weight due to quitting 🚬. 80 pounds gained. Now I'm smoking again praying to lose this weight. I know that struggle all to well. I believe with all your hard work you will overcome agorophobia!! I've been like this my whole life. It is absolutely horrible. I get a lot of anxiety around ppl. That's why I just stay home. Its just easier. I can't take anxiety meds due to my addiction. I'm sober 7 years but when I tried klonopin I just ended up abusing them. I'd go thru a months supply in only a few days. So I really don't know how to get over anxiety without medication. Thanks for the chat. I'm here anytime you need to talk.

[Hidden in reply to lovedogs51511]

Congrats on quitting. That's tough I'm a light smoker. I'm sorry you started back but now you know you can quit again and it hopefully will stick! I gained 80lbs. I used to be 120. It's horrific. I understand.

Well I'm not a Dr or therapist but I see a PTSD SPECIALIST. He is using the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) He promised it will work so I'm skeptical but will try just about anything. There's meditation but I can't seem to do it. My best friend is taking kung fu and it's helping her tremendously!! However, we're agoraphobic so that's a tricky one.

Congrats on your sobriety 😉😉😉

Well done!! Keep up the good work. I'm always here as well if you need me. I'm not on that often bc sometimes even discussing my agoraphobia triggers major anxiety.

Xoxo

Krista

[lovedogs51511]

Thanks so much Krista!! Yeah the weight gain drives my anxiety up cause I know how I look which is so awful. I can't be seen out in public. Its sad but its been like this way for decades! Ugh. Yeah I'm back smoking again. Its a terrible habit that is so hard for me to quit. I'm so addicted!! Hope your having a great day.