agoraphobic need help!

never give up · Post by **never give up** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 10:04 am

Hello Everyone!I'm just looking for some advice from those of you who have been agoraphobic to the point of housebound.I've pretty much been this wat for 2 years.Well anyway I've been making steps out into the "scary" world lately but having some trouble.Like today I went To the drugstore and when I got inside instantly started freaking out!You know kinda racy and feeling alittle off balanced.Then the thoughts started bombarding me.Like oh my gosh am I going to make it out of here and am I going to pass out.These feelings become almost to much to handle.I force myself to keep moving through the store.I was just wandering what i could do to make these outings a little easier?I'm already on 1mg of Xanax Xr 3 times a day.It's all coming down to me coping with my fears now.It's extremely important that I keep moving forward do to some marital issues and that I have 3 kids that I'll have to be able to take care of.My husband now has already stripped about everything from me.i refuse to lose my kids do to this condition.he will use it against me.I guess that I'm just wandering if any of you have experienced any of these feelings when you go out and how maybe you started making it better.Thank you!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 11:10 am

Hi. Do you have the program?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 11:52 am

Hi, i know exactly what you mean... ive been agorphobic for a long time now.. almost 3 years and its not fun. I hope you can get passed it. Take care

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 11:55 am

Congratulations! You should be proud of yourself for going to the store. You should be even more proud to have stayed there rather than running out when the symptoms started in on you.

I was also housebound and although I still won't go to many places, I am darn proud to be able to do my groceries and errands close to home. I can take a walk around the block (I couldn't even leave my yard). Baby steps but the program is getting me there.

Again congrats to you. Be proud and you know, practice is the greatest thing. Getting to know the feelings and dealing with them will make them not so scary.

Mama Julie · Post by **Mama Julie** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 12:13 pm

It will get better you just haft to keep pushing.My fiance last year actually left me for another female cause i wouldn't usually even walk to the mail box.I could go on and on,but the point is that you freak yourself out with the thoughts of havin a attack.I started out goin to cvs around the corner, make sure you get out every day! Some day's are easier then others.One week you might feel like you are getting better the next you might feel like you are back where you started, Keep pushing.Journaling is very important.Me and my family are finally getting back to normal.I was ageropobic for over 2 years. I barely went to the mail box last year my fiance left me for somebody else over all this. He is home now and we are planning another baby in a few years and getting married!! Think postive i'd love to help you through this. You can pm me if you have any questions and feel that i can help.I know how hard this is! It takes time but with each step you make is a step closer to recovery. I have been going shopping to restaurants, to work with my fiance,taking my kid's out places.I'm still not comfortable enough to leave by myself but i will get there. I just drove for the first time in awhile yeaterday. Good Luck don;t lose hope you will recover!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 12:17 pm

know that you went out of your comfort zone and mad eit back alive like we said you would..i usedto be the same as you and so many others.in time you will have the skills and tools to take you on your journey where you need to go..take baby steps and each time go a little father then the last..in time you will get used to it and the feeling will go away. if i can do it so can you. read a little of my profile and it will fill you in. hang in there and keep on keeping on. you can do it and we will be there for you..GOD BLESS..
don

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 1:05 pm

I know it doesn't seem like things will get better while you are in the middle of a panic attack or just a constant state of extreme anxiety, but the truth is... Things WILL get better. Congratulate yourself for the small things instead of beating yourself up for having to deal with anxiety. Find something, ANYTHING, to focus on that is positive. Try to not dwell on whatever it is in your life that is causing you to feel stressed. Keep telling yourself that although you are having those feelings... You ARE OK.

I have been extremely agoraphobic on and off for about 12 years now. I feel like I am finally on the other side. I actually drove myself with my two kids to Atlanta last week. And you know what. I wasn't honestly scared a bit. It's taken me a long time and a few set backs to get where I am now. But you know what? I am a better person because of what I have gone through. I am more understanding, less judgemental, and even a bit more laid back! LOL If you don't have the program, get it and try it out. You have nothing to loose and your self esteem to gain! Good luck and God Bless, Carrie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 1:35 pm

i have felt what you are going through in spurts over the past 5 weeks since my first panic attack and then all the worrying..I get nervous more when I'm outside my house..And I have had two haircuts since all this started happening and now I'm not looking forward to the next time i go to the barber shop..just sitting there while the barber is taking his time and i feel so trapped..i started having symptoms..i know how you feel..I guess try your best to think that its just anxiety..For 2 years you stayed in and lived, so try to think that just goin to the drug store isnt gonna hurt you..take baby steps...