Agoraphobia

[EndUser13]

I have a fear of being afraid of being afraid... to oversimplify it. I REALLY need to get to the dentist and get some work done. I've been trying since the beginning of this year but I've missed a number of appointments. I try exposure therapy as much as I can but living as isolated as I do I can go a month without actually seeing anyone and I don't drive (I drove when I was younger, which scared the hell out of me).

I try to stay away from catastrophizing but I think in my efforts I try to ignore my anxiety altogether, which I've heard is not the best course. When I need to go out in a car with someone else I tend to bring a small embroidery project with me, it's a hobby I've picked up which I enjoy that keeps my hands and mind preoccupied.

In the meantime, I force myself to go for short walks close to home and try to just live with the anxiety I feel (like riding out a wave). Have you faced down agoraphobia successfully and if so, what helped you the most?

I'm eager to hear about anyone's useful tricks in facing agoraphobia? To be clear I'm not afraid of the dentist, just the idea of traveling away from my home.

[Hidden]

Pack a snack and water? Make sure you have money and I.d. and a phone and a big smile. Keys to get back into the home. Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I mean literal keys.

[EndUser13 in reply to Hidden]

I had been using HU a bit less but your comments kinda turned me off from this helpful resource for the last couple of months. I don't know if you're ignorant about how it feels to be agoraphobic or deal with panic attacks... maybe you were in a bad mood or maybe you just didn't consider how harmful such insipid, banal statements could be.

I've seen a lot of great people, helpful advice and love on this site... but every now and then you run into some mouthy ******* that tends to spoil things. Knowing you a little better than most on here seemed to make this callous, snarky response have more of a sting. I guess it's on me to use this site and ignore the occasional rude commentary.

[Hidden in reply to EndUser13]

I have it and relatives that did too. I honestly was trying to be helpful and upbeat. Planning helps me feel more in control.

[MFM008]

im the same- i get terrible panic attacks when i do leave-- so i dont usually.

[Queeniegirl27]

Have you tried using an Uber? As this really used to help to get around. Or I’d ask my brother to drop me and I’d get an Uber back or I’d go with a person who I’d feel safe with. Usually we have at least one person that we feel safe with and if you can go to the dentist with this person it will really help.

I find that I have some seasons where I just feel like I can do anything. But then I have some seasons where I just can’t leave my house for days or even a week or two. I usually try and get to go to church.

One thing that helps me a lot is watching this video by a girl called Zoella, titled ‘Just say yes’, so when I want to go out I usually watch this for a boost.

I also believe in writing out and saying positive affirmations and confessing them before I leave really helps me a lot too.

Having flash cards with positive words can help too when you are out and about.

Hope this all helps. Keep trying you’ll get there eventually. 😊

[EndUser13 in reply to Queeniegirl27]

Thank you for the great ideas! I think part of my problem is that I live in the middle of nowhere, alone and there's really nowhere to go- I'm sure if I went to a church service that would help (no local 'churches' for my religion I'm afraid).

I ended up making it to my dentist appointment! I went with someone I felt comfortable, I played a word game on my tablet that engaged my mind and kept my eyes off of the road. I think consistently going out (using exposure therapy) would help anyone with agoraphobia.

Thanks for the suggestions, I found Zoella and will watch this video