Agrophobia : Hi all was wondering how... - Anxiety and Depre...

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Agrophobia

Tre83 profile image
12 Replies

Hi all was wondering how many of yiu have had or are still going through agrophobia, I have suffered from panick attacks anxiety and depression for 20 plus year. I have always seemed to manage but over a year ago I had a bad panic attack on public transport, ever since I have trouble getting out the house and start to panick and feel hot and light headed as soon as I do. Was wondering of anyone has been through a similar experience. Thank you all 🙂

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Tre83 profile image
Tre83
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12 Replies
Agora1 profile image
Agora1

Hi Tre83, Welcome to a safe and informative community of virtual friends

We may not be doctors or therapists but do relate by our own experiences

with others struggling with the same issues.

After having anxiety and panic attacks, I developed a fear of going outside.

My world got very small around me and those 4 walls in my home.

I was Agoraphobic for 5 years. I thought I could hide from the fear but

learned that I couldn't because it was within me. Working on myself during that

time became a stepping stone to freedom. It wasn't easy but nothing in life is unless

we want it bad enough. Getting out and facing the fear of big box stores was my goal.

After all, the fear itself exists in our mind not in the store or public transit.

These are but lies that our anxious mind tells us and because of the state we are in,

we believe them. Once we do, the fear grows and makes us paralyzed to normal living.

With the help of both medication and therapy, you can overcome this state of mind.

I did and I am here to pass my success forward. I'm so glad you reached out to us.

You are not alone :) xx

Tre83 profile image
Tre83 in reply toAgora1

Thank you so much for responding, I have just started medication and having my 2md therapy session on Thursday, I'm hoping this combined with me actually trying to get out more will help me. I realise there isn't a quick fix for this and it will take time and patience. 🙂 xx

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply toTre83

Tre83, you just started the most important step forward and that's this first step.

Small steps will get you to your goal. We're here if you need that extra boost. ::) xx

Beevee profile image
Beevee in reply toAgora1

❤️ this post.

gajh profile image
gajh

Hello and Welcome. I am still going through agoraphobia. It helps so much talking with people here who truly understand. I have been able to take baby steps with the support.

Beevee profile image
Beevee in reply togajh

As I always say, if you learn to cope with the anxious thoughts and feelings the right way, the world is your lobster.

It isn't the outdoors , shops, cinema etc that you fear, it's the fear of the anxious feelings that arise if you set foot outside .

Anxiety has duped you into thinking it's those places and nothing but a confidence trickster.

Accept them all and float past them.

Send me a postcard when you get there 😊

Bon voyage!

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply toBeevee

:) indeed Beevee

MudSurfer8 profile image
MudSurfer8

I just don't go out much at all now because I don't want to deal w/it any longer. I'm happy here at home

CatsandCheese profile image
CatsandCheese

Had it years ago. Had been under a lot of stress at work, a long with too much coffee. Panic attacks. Fear of dying or "losing control". Then I started avoiding going out until I was afraid to leave the house. I got over it by taking baby steps. Remembering to BREATHE. I realized when I was getting anxious I would hold my breath. Unfortunately I have it again. Health issues, loss,etc. I need to get back out there again. Even if you just go outside the house, never spend a whole day inside if you can help it. It can be overcome.

zqb95v profile image
zqb95v

Not had agoraphobia, but can relate to panic attacks including a couple of times on my regular commute into the centre of London.

jjpeabody profile image
jjpeabody

Hi Tre83, you are going to beat this with your meds/therapy. One note on meds, I have never had an SSRI work entirely by itself, but people react differently. You might discuss low dose of Trazodone to use in combination with sertaline. Also, Clonazepam at a single dose of 0.25mg-0.5mg as needed is another alternative that will more likely get you out of the house immediately... discuss with therapist of course. Another thing I heard another person say once "is to live your life as if others could hear the things you're thinking and see what your doing at all times", this has been a helpful tool for me to do what's right and live a good life as much as possible. I can tell by your post you will succeed. Good luck.

Ellelou1 profile image
Ellelou1

yes, and it’s such a bad feeling . You will have to work I. Getting out in baby steps

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