Stress Center Peer Support

About two weeks ago, I had a severe panic attack on the way to work. I finally got to work and the anxiety was still there, and I dreaded driving home that night, so I decided to get drunk. Well, I called out from work the next day and told them how I was experiencing major anxiety and could not phsyically leave the house. I pretty sure I have agoraphobia, because I'm afraid to leave the house, only because I'm afraid of having another panic attack. I've been listening to the tapes for two weeks now and I know that you have to face your fears and experience the panic, but I'm just so afraid to fell that panic attack that I don't want to leave the house. I'm letting my family down, because they are trying to help, but they see no motivation on my end and they are getting frustrated. I want my life back, but I want to end my panic attacks. They are so scary that I would do almost anything to avoid them. Is there anything that I can do to face my fears and get on with my life?

Hi Bobby,
I had agoraphobia for awhile and can relate to everything you said, including the drinking. You need to start by telling yourself you are safe whether you are at home or at work or at the mall etc. Nothing bad will happen to your body physically just by leaving the house. Will you have anxiety, probably, but get out there feel the anxiety and roll with it. Don't fight it just let it do its thing and pass. Try it, the more you roll with it the less powerful they become and eventually the anxiety fades. Takes practice but believe me it will work.

Also tell yourself when you are away from home, that you are OK, safe and you won't (fill in the blank).