New to this.

[Blue4653]

I have been almost entirely housebound with my severe anxiety since 2011. I've never shared this in a public way like here but I'm trying to make some changes and hopefully overcome this with the right help and if anything else connect with more people suffering from anxiety like mine.

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to this community! Good for you for wanting to make a change and get help. That is the first and hardest step.

[Blue4653 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, seems like a good community.

[Lve2dance in reply to Blue4653]

it is definitely a great community and super supportive ❤️.

[Agora1]

Hi Blue4653... Welcome to a safe and caring site.

I suffered many years ago with severe Anxiety which then went into

5 years of Agoraphobia (hence my name) I know it's hard to believe you

will ever be able to get your life back again but know that you can and you will.

It's all about timing as well as finding the right tools to help you through.

Medication and therapy are a good start but not the full answer.

Anxiety tends to fool us into believing it's fearful thoughts. Once we trust our

own power and judgement, we start going towards our goals. With the help of

this site you will not feel so alone. Many of us have struggled with both Anxiety

and Agoraphobia. I'm in a place now in my life where I am here to pass my success

forward as are many others on this forum.

As Norw stated, you just took the first and hardest step today, looking for help

and change. I'm happy you are here with us xx

[Blue4653 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you, I wish it hadn't taken 11 years to open up about this. I've been having a really difficult time lately. My symptoms have gotten better over the years but my depression has kind of taken over lately after realizing how much I've missed out on. I want to speak with someone professionally but I'm scared and I don't know how to go about it.

[Agora1 in reply to Blue4653]

Blue, it is important to speak to a professional. None of us are and can only

share our personal experiences. Therapy to address the long term issues is

important as well as maybe a little medication to break that cycle of fear.

We're here to support you through these steps. xx

[Blue4653 in reply to Agora1]

I am sorry if that was oversharing, I'm looking for guidance to do that, not direct help here.

[Lazy_dog_lover]

My friend recommended this audio book.

A red background with a white arrow pointing up with the title The Expectation Effect

[ashleybakerr01]

I find it hard leaving home too lately. I started celexa weekz ago and still get breakthrough attacks. They get so bad I almost pass out, its so draining and im tired and have no energy rest of day. I'm afraid of doing anything or going out anymore bc i never know when its randomly gonna happen again. So im there with you, i understand being basically almost house bound bc of severe anxiety 😢