Agoraphobia

[Kayleigh1991]

Hi everyone!

Just wondering how people who or have suffered with Agoraphobia overcome it or what helps them overcome the fears when out!? I feel as though I am depending on everyone to do everything for me? I don't do nothing, besides clean the house, washing, cooking etc! I feel as though I want/need to start getting out and being that independent mum that I need to for my kids sake!' It's driving me mad!! Even the thoughts I get when I know that I have to do something? Drives me mad!! I feel as though these pathetic thoughts are taking over everything!!! Praying on someone to help with some advice? Or your experiences with this horrid mental illness!! 😤😢

[Hidden]

Hi Kayleigh1991, I went through this a few months back. I was becoming an Agoraphobic due to a few occasion when I felt like I would pass out when I was outside. I started to fear the outside, For about a month I would only leave the house if I was accompanied by someone because the thought of going out alone would literally make me sick and that was here and there because I would spend days at home. I would start getting lightheaded before I even went out just by thinking of it. I started to go out alone little by little to local businessess. But I still struggle to go out alone anywhere far and not to mention I haven't taken public transportation in a very long time. Not ready yet. Maybe you can start going out accompanied by someone to the store for example. Baby steps

[dragons7769]

Oh, I SO know how you feel! I was diagnosed with panic disorder and agoraphobia 8 yrs ago. Medications did not help as I am very sensitive to them. The only thing that helped was Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I had a hard time finding a therapist that specialized in CBT bc I did not had good insurance. So what I did was research online and bought books on CBT. At first, I couldn’t leave my house. It took years for me to get to a point where I feel like I can return to work and become the independent badass woman I use to be. It’s all about baby steps. Keep pushing yourself. Know you can get through this because I’m telling you YOU CAN! We learn to live with our disabilities. For me, it became a part of who I am. Instead of trying to push it away, I embraced it. I still have bad days, but I also have really good days and it’s those good days that help me move forward. Talking about it really helps too. The more I open up to people, the more I realize I’m no different than anyone else. Most people struggle with something or know someone who is. Knowing I’m not alone is comforting. Oh, meditation is huge! Whatever your spiritual preference is, practice it!

[kenster1]

hi my mum was very agoraphobic too.i could be wrong but she had three children that died before the age of one.she suffered terrible depression after that and withdrew herself from the outside word.i read you suffered the loss of a little one so maybe its a link.

[Agora1]

Hi Kayleigh1991, 5 years of being prisoner in my home. I couldn't believe that Anxiety brought me to a place of hiding from the world. Actually thought I was unsafe to go outside because the fears were so intense. The first couple years I had everyone come to me including doctors, nurses, lab techs, ultrasound and therapists. I ordered my groceries, bought my gifts and personal items on line. Heck, I thought I may never have to go out again. (And now a days it just keeps getting easier to sit in front of the computer and order what you need)

Actually that was feeding into my agoraphobia. I knew I needed to change my way of thinking. I did my homework on the Mind/Body Connection and everything I could get my hands on in educating myself, understanding what I was up against as well as being determined that I would win. I realized that the fear I was feeling was within my mind, so it was there whether I was in the house or if I would try to venture out. Which seemed like an inpossibility. Small steps forward, a few steps back, but that's okay at the start. What could I bring with me to make me feel secure. I don't have a dog, I even thought about buying a human size stuffed doll to sit in the passenger seat

The answer for me was "deep breathing" It was the key. Deep breathing in the house, in the car, in the store etc. It's always with you, no one need know what you are doing and it works.

Don't allow this to take over your life. Get back in control Kayleigh. We will help you through this since there are many of us who have dealt or are dealing with agoraphobia.

My best, Agora1 xx