agoraphobia

musicjunkie · Post by **musicjunkie** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 2:10 pm

So I think I have agoraphobia. I seem to get very anxious when going outside the house that I started to avoid going out so I wouldnt have to deal with it. Now I just dont go out all together. Its been a long process to this point but I was doing ok for awhile. The last few weeks I havent been outside and Im super nervous to even go out. Im on session 2 but find it hard to stay motivated to make sure I put it to use through out my days. I get so down over not being able to just go out. and while my family is super supportive to me, they really dont understand what Im going through because they are fine. So it gets a little frustrating trying to make them understand. They can say well just go out but its really not that easy for me. I guess Im just scared of having a panic attack outside of my house or just in general. I dunno. I just wanna live my life like I use to. Just looking for people who may have gone through this and can share some of their experience with me. Thanks

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 2:51 pm

It sounds like you do have agoraphobia (the fear of places or situations--usually related to having had a panic attack there--so much that you avoid that situation or place). I have it with high buildings and airplanes. But I know A LOT of people on here have been house bound. There are people who talk on the tapes (Session 3 & 4, I think) who were house bound.
You're doing the right thing by going through this program. It can really help you. You shouldn't try and "just go out" yet. If you could, you would have already done it by now! You need to work on your self-talk (Session 3) first. Then take things in baby steps.
For now, give yourself a break. You're just starting to understand what your anxiety is all about and how to address it. Be patient and give yourself time. It's OK that you feel like you can't leave the house right now. It's OK. You are taking steps to help yourself, and eventually, you WILL be going out again!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 2:57 pm

hello,im new to this website, but i can offer some advice on this subject. when i was really agoraphobic, i found it really helpful to think really good thoughts and smile/talk to myself when i went/go anywhere.I also bought a cd player with headphones to take with me that i dont travel without,just in case i get an anxious episode(when im in the car alone,i have one earpiece in my right ear).I also haveto say that i pray alot,and can honestly say that talking to God gets me safely everywhere i go,hope this helps.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 8:19 am

Hang in there, Musicjunkie... You are agoraphobic but don't get all hung up in the label. Its just anxiety. The more you let it scare you the more power you give it. I almost got housebound with mine, too. I am now working full time and doing things that I couldn't have dreamed of doing back in the "bad days" Just don't give up on the program, it works, but not overnight.

Panic attacks are awful but it is the fear of them that keeps us trapped. When you get right down to it, panic is just sensations, just thoughts. It FEELS very real but it isn't... once you start to really GET that anxiety is a lie it will start losing its power over you.

I am very glad you have a supportive family. That will help tremendously. I will look forward to hearing of your success so keep us posted!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 2:22 am

Hello,

a few years back, I experienced the same feelings. I would focus only on positive thoughts. When I left the house I would say to myself " I'm ok it's only anxiety I will be just fine". Today Thanks to God I can go anywhere. I wish you all the best.