Agoraphobia

Sometimes I think I have agoraphobia. I hate leaving my house and don’t like going out. When I’m at home I feel safe and like nothing bad can happen to me. And when I hear I have to go somewhere with my family I start feeling really stressed out, start having to breathe slowly to calm myself down, and just scared. I get so upset bout having to go out I feel like I’m about ready to cry. Then my whole family wonders why I never want to go out and it makes me feel worse about myself. Does this sound like agoraphobia.

[Agora1]

Yes Christine, it sounds like the start of agoraphobic thoughts.

Do you have a therapist now who might be able to work through

the reason this started happening?? xx

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

I don’t know by this started. I’ve been like this for a long time. I’m 27 and 10 years ago I was diagnosed with depression but 3 years before that I was diagnosed with ADHD. And I’ve never liked going out or being in big places with lots of people or small places with lots of people.

[Marc787]

Hi Christine, I’m sorry your dealing with this and going through this and your not alone, it’s just a word label and can be only temporary. In reality we learn to become that and the great part is we can unlearn what our brain made us falsely learn to be like this. It involves our brain, our inner thinking (our thoughts) what were telling ourselves negatively so our brain thinks we are in danger, then it sends all these nasty physical symptoms we have to feel and deal with headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, ibs, chest pains hot flashes and the lists goes on. Anxiety, panic and fear kicks in. So most of us don’t know how to deal with this so avoidance and runaway to a safe place is the choice. If left unchecked things can get worst and manifest into something like this. ( agoraphobia it’s just label) I’ve been there. The trick is to retrain what were telling ourselves in our mind. Self positive inner talk. Please check this out ilovepanicattacks.com even on YouTube. God bless

[Hidden in reply to Marc787]

Is there any specific medication that can help at least control or calm down my agoraphobia. Because I’m already on 10 mg of lexapro for my depression an 0.25 mg 3 x a day for my anxiety.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Medication might help...some are more curved towards agoraphobia. Overall though, CBT via a therapist is the winning way to go. Testing your boundaries of the safety net until you can convince both your mind and self that all is okay in the here and now. I know it sounds like a bunch of crap, but really, it's the manner to overcome. You'll begin to challenging yourself on a smaller scale until you're coping or even doing well in a situation or place you might otherwise feel agoraphobic.

[Marc787 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Chrisdtinejarvis27, I'm assuming .25mg x 3 a day is anti anxiety medication. It will help with your agoraphobia but should only temporary and not long term. Please lookup Dr. Claire Weekes on youtube for anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia. It will help you understand, accept, and overcome this. God bless.

[Want2BHappy3]

Yes, I have a niece who is suffering from that. She's in her 30's, she wants to she's called me several times asking me to take her out. She always backs, she's told me her dreams of having a family. I told her no one's going to come and give it to you. That she needs counseling like you do. She's cost me money because of her backing out. So I won't listen to her anymore, lately there was a misunderstanding with het, she cried to her mom about something I said, which was a misunderstanding. Her future is Not good if she doesn't get therapy. You should get on board with that, things will only get worse?

[itgetsbetter5]

Hi there, I used to feel the same when I was in highschool. Everyday I dreaded going outside and stayed at home for almost 3 years only going out when going on holidays and felt like I had no choice. I remember everytime I had to go out I would have to listen to music or a motivational video to help me and I continued forcing myself to go out whenever I get invited to do something. Eventually I’ve improved and my didn’t feel too tensed, teary eyed and emotionally overwhelmed when I’m in public places. I have faith you can improve and overcome this, wishing you the best.