Agoraphobia? Who else suffers

[Elephantlover99]

Hi everyone!

I am looking for any advice on being agoraphobic. I never leave my house and when I do it’s major anxiety like I feel like something bad is going to happen if I do. Is there anyone else who suffers from this? Please help a girl out!

[xsor]

Hi lovely I suffer agrophobia it developed wen I started with a anxiety disorder so I can relate to how u are feeling sending u some hugs xxx🤗🤗🤗

[Agora1]

Hi Elephantlover99 x Your post had my name written all over it (Agora1)

When my Anxiety got so overwhelming with feeling as if there were no way out,

I developed Agoraphobia. Fear of everything came over me. I may have hid in my

house for 5 years but honestly was feeling just as afraid inside or out.

Couldn't even put my head out the door to get the mail. The fear was so high and yet

I didn't really know what I was afraid of. My mind just kept telling me something bad

was about to happen. This happens when we feel like we are trapped in life. We need to escape those fears but there doesn't seem to be anywhere to go.

I made the mistake and yet had the good fortune to have medical care come to me.

Therapy was provided by phone. Groceries was done on line, so who needed to go out?

Actually, using all those devices proved to be enabling my agoraphobia to linger.

It wasn't until I started taking a step forward a little at a time that I realized I had nothing

to fear but my own anxiety that was lying to me. Baby steps at first became larger as I

began to feel more confident. It takes time but so well worth the goal.

I am now free again to live my life w/o anxiety and agoraphobia holding me back.

I'm glad you are on this safe site with us.

You will learn from other's journeys in how they too conquered the fear.

Wishing you well. Know that you aren't alone. We understand and support you xx

[Elephantlover99 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you Agora1, your post gives me hope that I too will be able to conquer this awful feeling and get my life back. Thanks for the advice 😁

[xsor in reply to Agora1]

Agora this is me xx

[Aryank]

Take slow steps... some medications also increase agoraphobia.. the best thing is to take a relaxant or beta blockers and then after 20 minutes go outside. It will effect you less... and you have to keep repeating that for example go to a grocery store... once you have reached there and returned do that again next day, keep repeating it so it can be stores in your subconscious mind that it us safe. You are stuck into wishes cycle.. you can break it yourself by taking molecular steps.

[Elephantlover99]

Thanks Aryank! I will talk to my dr about a relaxant or beta blocker and start going outside everyday although it will be hard work, it seems doable

[Aryank in reply to Elephantlover99]

I can feel your pain as i had went through this and still sometimes i have this problem... but trust me dont even wait for a single day as they more you will wait and stay home the more your fear will get stronger... just dont let it happen you are much stronger... keep one thought in your mind when going out that you will not die whatever happens... maximum what a panic attack?!we have seen many in life haha plus when you take a relaxant in initial days it helps you allot and block your fears somehow. Then after some time you wont be requiring relaxants... then just keep one with you for emergency else not required.

[Fearoffear]

Claire Weeks talks in her YouTube talk I posted earlier in the week. She talks directly about Agoraphobia and how to over come it. She tells of how to set your goal for getting out and what to do if you feel anxious while out. The recording may have come from decades ago but is as relevant today as it was then. Good luck and know feelings won't hurt you!!

[Kainan]

Hey. I understand a lot of what you are going through. I had the same issue years ago and it was very tough to go through. I agree with a lot of what's been said by other members. Going out a little bit further each time will help. Also looking around at the environment around you whether it's inside a store or outdoors. It just might help draw you away from the mind and into where you are right now in that moment. If you find that you're really having a hard time getting out the door, another strategy might be saying to yourself "So what?!" So what if I'm out there and the worst happens and I have a panic attack? I have made it through before and I can do it again. This one might bring on some strong emotions possibly anger, but it might be enough to encourage you to take action, even if it's only in the moment. Know that you have a lot of support here and you are well on your way to doing whatever it is you want to do ✨👍

[Iammesues]

I rarely go out, because everyone must be talking about me. They are surely discussing how ugly I am. I do have a major case of the uglies, so better for me to avoid people pointing any talking.

[Twenty2]

This is what worked for me, I would walk around the block, slowly, and imagine lying in bed that night when I could relax and breathe slowly, and as I walked I just pretended I was in bed. Also as you’re walking concentrate on listening, to the birds, the traffic, dogs barking etc. and don’t rush round to try and get it over with and back home

[Elephantlover99 in reply to Twenty2]

Thank you for your response, I will have to try that.

[Queeniegirl27]

Yes I suffer from agoraphobia also! It’s really crippling as I just can’t seem to even walk to the shop! I can however go out in cars, so for instance if my brother drives me to somewhere like Tesco I can go and get what I need. Or I can go out through using Uber’s but it’s not an ideal way for me to live life as I so want my full freedom back. It’s so difficult and lonely at times as I just can’t seem to let go of my fears. But I do have a good boyfriend that supports me and my mum is really helpful too. Have you anything to help you overcome your agoraphobia and has any of it helped?