Advise on agoraphobia and anxiety

[Chloekay123]

Hi everyone, a few years back I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, a few months back I was told I had developed a phobia called Agoraphobia. Which is a fear of going outside (leaving your safe space etc) due to many different reasons, fear of having a panic attack, fear of crows etc. I’m not quite sure why I fear going to places so much I just feel safe at home the outside to me is big and scary and I’m not quite sure what it is that scares me about it? Also I have some side effects with my anxiety, brain fog, headaches, neck tension, I’ve told my gp about it and he just says it’s normal. But I don’t feel like it is. Has anyone else experienced this? I asked for a brain scan because I’ve convinced myself I’ve got some sort of tumour or something but my gp doesn’t think this is necessary, plus it’s also the fear of going to the hospital for it. I’m just constantly thinking something is wrong with me. Please if any one has advice then let me know thank you x

[Agora1]

Hi Chloekay123, I so totally understand your fear in going outside.Once anxiety becomes overwhelming, it takes hold of our rational mind

and we begin to fear everything including the fear.

It happened to me where I stayed in my house for 5 years. At the time, I had

a doctor come every 3 months for check ups and his nurse would come once a

week. Lab tech would also come for periodic blood tests and ekg and/or ultrasound.

As great as this sounded to me at the time, I see now in how this only prolonged my

agoraphobia.

The therapist came to the house at the beginning and then switched to phone sessions.

Groceries were delivered and of course there was Amazon. I had convinced myself

that I could live forever like this until the 4 walls started closing in on me.

In time, I started working on all I had learned through therapy and self learning

and put it in action. That was when I started to heal. Small steps forward (even when

unsure) got me to move and not just stay frozen in fear. The more I got out and made

some achievements, the less the fear became.

I learned to accept Anxiety and not fear it which of course led to fewer panic attacks

and less adrenaline, There was a world out there that I wanted to be a part of again.

When the time is right, nothing will stop you. Even the symptoms you are experiencing.

(I had the same symptoms and more) I finally believed that anxiety can cause these

physical symptoms caused by emotional stress.

I was finally free. It didn't come easy but was well worth achieving. Don't lose hope.

Your time will come. Meanwhile we are here to help you through one step at a time. xx

[Tay99]

Oh god it's just like reading my own experiences with anxiety many years ago like you my anxiety got so bad l became agoraphobic could not be in any crowded spaces and requested a brain scan which l had to pay for as doctors said ldid not have a brain tumour had the scan they were right all was fine but l was still convinced something was wrong in the end had to have counselling guess today it would be classed as cbt and tablets it took me 4months to finally begin to get better it was the worst time of my life my heart goes out to you but you will get better with the right help mine was so bad in the end l could not even hang my washing in the garden and dropped to 7stone in weight but as l say got there in the end take all the help you can get l wish you well and hope it won't be long before you are better take care x

[Kathush]

I feel the same as you and i can assure you, it is normal with anxiety to feel those things.The anxiety has me back and forth and the brain fog is taking a toll on me. I can barely remember things on some days. I am trying to get out and about as i also am agoraphobic. It's the ugliest feeling to me altogether.

I, too, thought the worst but i know it is nothing to do with a tumor, it's anxiety rearing it's ugly head. xo

[Titan2857]

This is like reading about myself, I have all of those symptoms, it's hard to believe anxiety can be so debilitating. We have to keep going and take one step at a time.I have come through it before and can do it again, I have to keep telling myself this so I hope you can see that you are not alone with your struggles💓

[Chloekay123]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply it really is reassuring to know I’m not alone with this. Some days can be okay and I can be in control of my mind and tell myself it’s all in my head but other days I can’t control it and work myself up that there is something wrong with me. I always say having a MRI will make me feel at ease? But will it? Or will I just find something else to fear that’s wrong with me. I’m starting counselling in a few weeks with some exposure treatment so fingers crossed I get somewhere with it. Thanks again xxx