Agoraphobia is a horror story

[MsMeh]

4 years ago I was diagnosed with agoraphobia. Until that moment, I didn't know it existed. When I left the psychiatrists office, I went home, still completely lost in thought, went right to the computers and googled it. I was confused for weeks. How did I acquire such a phobia? Is the Dr sure?

Ever since that day I have only gotten worse.

I understand MY agoraphobia now, but how to heal myself? I tried talk therapy, experimental therapy, medical marijuana, over a dozen different SSRI's (none helping), ive reached out to every local community resource available, even national resources. Yet I find myself here, frustrated with myself that I cannot help myself and no one else has tried.

My agoraphobia started, I didn't like to leave my yard. I could enjoyably sit outside in my yard. Neighbours, because of my fear that ended. I then stopped going outside altogether. Now I barely leave my room. I find my home is no longer my safe zone. Sadly, my room is also becoming less safe and have no where to turn.

could really use some help guys. maybe different therapies or techniques, somewhere to turn or even maybe find someone who understands me.

[jkl5500]

I'm not a doctor, but it sounds like a case where you have anxiety, then you're terrified of the anxiety, and you become afraid to do anything that might trigger the anxiety. As a result, you end up doing less and less, and your world shrinks more and more. The whole thing just builds upon itself.

I understand you, because I've been there too. Have you heard of Dr. Claire Weekes? She had agoraphobia many years ago and developed a method to defeat it. You can watch videos of her on YouTube today if you want. I strongly recommend any of her books. I'm personally familiar with "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" and "Peace From Nervous Suffering", but she wrote other books as well. They should be available on Amazon.

I know how you're feeling right now. Your illness seems unbeatable, but believe me, you can defeat it, and be free again! You're welcome to message me if you'd like.

Take care,

jkl5500

[Agora1]

Hi McMeh, I am Agora1. Had Agoraphobia for 5 years, never leaving my home. You are

absolutely correct in that after a while that isn't even your safe zone. That's because it is

not about what is outside but what is in your head. This all came about for me when life

stressors became so overwhelming that I became paralyzed with fear. I couldn't handle

more than what I was dealing with and so I thought the answer was in hiding within my

home. I was fortunate in finding a doctor who would come to visit me ev. 3 months along

with having his nurses come weekly to take vitals and address any health issues. As for

therapy, I found a social worker who came to my home at the beginning and then switched to phone sessions. Even with all that support around me, it didn't help until

I found the answer within myself in going forward. It is not an overnight process. It comes in taking small steps. You also need to be psychologically ready to overcome the

fear in taking that first step.

I'm glad you've become a part of this great forum. There are many on here who are also

agoraphobic and can understand your pain and loneliness. Welcome MsMeh, you've

taken your first step. x

[hypercat54]

Hi one of my sisters suffers from life long agoraphobia and this I do know. Along with it often comes clausraphobia, zenophobia and all sorts of other phobias. Now she is a total wreck and full of anxiety coz nowhere is really safe for her now.

Agora is very correct that it is up to you to start going outside again as the worst thing you can do is give in to the fear and let it overwhelm you. I know from experience with her that this is very difficult but you need to start going outside your home again. Just do it in very small steps (having someone with you will help) and start just by going outside your yard and keep doing it and eventually you will be able to get further. In other words feel the fear but do it anyway - you must. No one can do it for you.

Also google breathing exercises as these will help keep you calm when panic starts to overcome you.

My sister got help many years ago but with the cutbacks there is nothing now. For a long time she was able to get herself out and about locally but for the past 4/5 years she has gone backwards and is only able to scurry to the shop across the road then run back as quickly as possible. Don't get like her please. x

[Ollyvie]

Hello MsMeh,

Am sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I want you to know that all is not lost

this way but want to let you know that you are not alone. Sometimes life bring some challenging moment but if you have survived up till this time then you’ve got what it takes to go through. Try and take each day at a time. Will suggest that you deal with one challenge at a time. When we think through all our challenges at a time its becomes very overwhelming to deal with. I pray you find courage to do the things you want to do. It may take a while but don’t give up trying. At times we all get scared and don’t know what to do but I want you to stay hopeful and positive. I pray and hope you find peace and strength in this moment.