Stress Center Peer Support

so Im having a problem with agoraphobia I think. I cant really go out places without aniexty constantly looming over me like a dark cloud. the minute I go out I think something bad will happen because Im not home. Or Ill need to use the bathroom and cant find one. this has been going on for awhile but is getting worse. I started to do better for awhile but had a pretty big panic attack a few months ago and havent really been out since. it frustrates me to no end and then i get very irritated and disappointed.

Anyways I have to go for some stomach tests and Im nervous to go. 1 of them I need to be put out for and that is a pretty big fear of mine since I have never been put out before. So Ive been putting that off for a few months now. I also have to go to the dentist to get a cleaning and a tooth checked out. This is also causing me aniexties. I know they both have to get done soon and I dont know how Im gonna be able to do it. Ive been feelin down because of all this stuff plus some other things.

My doctor gave me xanax a few months ago to take if I needed it. I never took it. I also dont like medication too much. Mainly because I feel it covers up the problem and doesnt solve it. But I am willing to try it in order to get better. But I have a hard time swallowing pills in general out of fear of choking. (please tell me some one else has this too) How does xanax make you feel? I was thinking I might take a half of one before the dentist and other tests. Not sure if it will help. Nervous as to how it will make me feel.

Ok well this is long enough. Just wanted some advice and to hear if anyone else has been through any of this stuff. Like I said Im feeling a little down today and just needed some encouragement I guess. Thanks in Advance.

Hey musicjunkie,

First of all you definitely are not alone about these feelings.

I struggled with panic attacks for a while, but with the help of this program I conquered my fear of them. I had general anxiousness for a lot of things especially when I had to leave home. But I got out of it and so can you.

Dentist and doctors appointments make anyone nervous, so don't think you are any different.

The medicine is not a cure, behavioral modification and cognitive therapy is. However the medication can help level the playing field.

How long have you had high anxiety for?

Do you have the program?

Also,

Don't beat yourself up about the anxiety and agoraphobia. It is something you can work on and really get rid of over time. But let me say that a very key step to recovering is being compassionate with yourself. You are not doing this on purpose so don't beat yourself up. It gets frustrating I know. We are human. I think if you check out some topics on here you will see how very common your story is to others. Its very comforting to know you are not alone

Take care and we are all here to help one another

EddyJ