Agoraphobia

[stovall1992]

What are some ways to overcome agoraphobia? I’m still suffering from it and haven’t left my house since December. My birthday is next Friday, and I really don’t want to be stuck in the house for it.

[Agora1]

Hi stovall1992, We can't have you spend your birthday in the house next Friday x

Have you addressed the issue that might have started the Agoraphobia in December?

There is always a root cause that first started the anxiety that then grew to

overwhelming proportions that causes us to fear everything. Inside and out.

The thing is the fear is indescribable. During my time in the house, I read and

learned everything I could about Agoraphobia. What was it about outside that I was

so scared of? I learned it was my irrational part of my brain, the subconscious mind

that was lying to me and I was believing it.

I did have in house therapy because I had gone on like this for 5 years. No more, the

walls were closing in on me and I wasn't going to allow anxiety to win it's game.

Pills aren't the answer, even therapy can only go so far. The key is within us. Believing

in ourselves and what our minds are capable of accomplishing. Like anything else in

life, when we take off a big chunk, it is too much to handle. Same with Agoraphobia.

Small steps will lead to bigger ones which will make it easier to get out once more.

Step one, was walking around in the backyard just to feel the breeze and sun on my face.

5 minutes the first time. Then sitting on the stoop out in front the next day. Of course I hoped no one would come along and want to talk with me... After a few days, sitting in my

car in the garage was my next important step. From there to starting the engine, driving to

the end of the drive and back, eventually driving around the block a little further each time

until one day I choose a destination for myself. Not far but somewhere I really wanted to go.

For me, it was the Dollar Shop. As I drove there I used my deep breathing that I had been

working on while recovering. Deep Breathing helped me immensely. I soon found myself

at the Dollar Tree store, walked in, took a cart to ground myself and within moments I was

going up and down the aisles as happy as a clown. I forgot about my anxiety while I was there. I was happy, I was preoccupied. An hour and a half later, I walked out of the store

bags in my arms and such a feeling of accomplishment in having won.

Each time I went out after that has gotten easier and easier. It's been a great feeling ever

since. We will help you take those small steps so that next Friday, you can celebrate your

birthday in style by going out and treating yourself. Stay Positive, You can do this. I have

no doubts. xx

[stovall1992 in reply to Agora1]

This is honestly one of the best responses I have ever received. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me

I had panic attack last year, when one so bad that I ended up the in the hospital. I was diagnosed with Anxiety with Somatization and Tachygardia. My anxiety comes from health anxiety and strong anxiety symptoms, which is what landed me in the hospital. I’ve had numerous test and they all came back fine.

I used to drive all the time, and then one day I took my mom to the airport and had a severe anxiety attack in the car and when I got into the house. from then on, every time i’m in the car, I have a anxiety attack. but i also am afraid to leave the house. last time I left the house, my heartrate rose tremendously and I had shortness of breath. that often leads to anxiety attacks.

I understand that it’s an irrational fear, but the anxious throughly are so strong

[Agora1 in reply to stovall1992]

Thank you for sharing Stovall. I totally understand that the anxious thoughts are

so strong. It takes time. It might have a strong hold on you now but it is not

a forever issue. There are many on this site who are agoraphobic. You are not alone.

They will share their journey with you and maybe something they may say will be

what turns you around. Meantime, the promise I made myself years ago was that

once I no longer was agoraphobic, I would pass my support onto others struggling

with this issue. Anytime you need to PM me, I am here every day. There is strength

in numbers and you will find it on this site. xx

[stovall1992]

Thank you so much. I have some hope now, that i can overcome this. I am grateful that i am not alone