Feeling stuck.

[Leighakay]

Here lately I've been dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, and some agoraphobia. I overcame this once before with therapy and medicine but now I am pregnant and things are out of whack. I feel like sometimes I'm going crazy and I hate that I can't go out shopping by myself anymore. I feel like I'm losing control and it saddens and worries me. Anytime I go out in public lately I feel panicky and sometimes disoriented. Is there any hope? I just feel so stuck like things will never get better and I hate feeling this way. I've prayed about it and I'm going to read my self help for yours nerves book again to see if it'll help. I'm open to any suggestions that might help. Thank you in advance.

[Agora1]

Hi Leighakay, "stuck" is the worst place to be. It's like being in your car and having

your tires spinning in mud and going nowhere but deeper. Let me tell you that you

are not going crazy and you are not losing control. That's what anxiety wants you to

believe. When you go outdoors and feel panicky and disoriented, it's because you are

already anticipating this happening before you even open the door. Anxiety loves

playing these games with our minds. You must remember that these are just thoughts

and not real threats to you.

Accepting that this is anxiety and nothing more can help you overcome these scary

feelings. Because you are pregnant, you may not be able to be on medication and

that's okay. The key to relieving the symptoms are not found in meds, they are

found within you. Therapy is good in addressing any deep roots of fears that are

surfacing now. Nobody likes feeling this way that's true but it doesn't have to be

a forever situation. Finding methods that can get you "unstuck" is the answer.

When I was Agoraphobic, it was my breathing that was off. When fearful we tend

to shallow breathe or actually hold our breath which gives us fear as well as some

disorientation..

Practicing deep breathing properly will allow you to achieve the control you are

looking for once again. "Sympathetic Breathing Meditation" by Quiet Mind Cafe

on YouTube can get you started in moving forward. The key is daily practice while

at home so that when you are ready to go out, you will be able to be in full control

of your breathing. I use it when driving, walking around in the store as well as

the check out line. No way will I ever let Anxiety trick me again. My life, my game,

I won. (and you will too) Please do re-read Dr Claire Weekes book on "Hope & Help

for your Nerves" again and again until you truly believe her words. xx

[Leighakay in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much for taking the time to kindly respond to my post! I'm so glad to be able to talk to someone who has been in this situation before and overcame it! That really truly gives me a lot of hope and that's what I need is hope. Sometimes I wonder how I will ever make it through this pregnancy as I am only a little over four months along.

I will definitely look into the sympathetic breathing meditation you mentioned and keep rereading the Claire Weekes book.

Maybe I can private message you sometime with some questions if that is okay. Thank you so much and God bless you!

[Agora1 in reply to Leighakay]

Leighakay, I am always available 7 days a week.

PM me anytime, I will get back to you. xx

[Hidden]

Omg I have agoraphobia, anxiety, and panic it’s the WORST. What triggered it? Do you have high estrogen levels?

There is hope. This shit is the most curable out of all anxiety disorders. CBT therapy is the way to go.. and being aware of what triggered this. I’m sure it was stress, because stress turns to anxiety!

You got this, momma!

[Leighakay in reply to Hidden]

Due to being pregnant, yes I do have high estrogen levels. I'm sure the hormones are not helping this situation. I have been agoraphobic on and off for a few years now. I used to have panic disorder as well and I believe it's back too. It's pure hell! Thanjs for your response!