Last year I only left the house a handful of times - thanks to online grocery shopping. I've been out quite a few times so far this year, on average, twice each week. Seroquel has helped, because it's easier to get out when I've actually slept the night before. But to be honest, I've only left the house our of necessity. It started with trips to the dentist, then the doctor. Then my cat became sick and it was trips to the vet, and even 5 hour drive each way when she needed special medical treatment. Many trips to the pet food store to purchase and return food, trying desperately to find something that didn't make her sick. I consider all these outings accomplishments, but not once have I left the house for anything but medical appointments for myself or my cat, or to the pet food store or the drug store.

I feel somewhat anxious being out, but it's more extreme discomfort being away from my safe and comfy home. It's like my home is my linus blanket, and I feel really out of sorts not being here. I miss walking everywhere and getting some fresh air and daylight, but pushing myself out that door just feels like pulling teeth.

I had this problem in my 20s, but then it was pure anxiety and I would vomit just like you, Pookyl. Exposure therapy really worked back then, I found so much reward in leaving the house. But now, it's not as much as anxiety, though there is a bit of that, as it is just dread...I've not other way to describe it. And I don't really know what to do about it either. So thank you for starting this thread, I've read the other responses, I guess I just need to light a fire under myself and get out there..? I didn't have agoraphobia at all through my 30s, it cropped up again after a few traumas starting at age 42, and now at 49 I'm still struggling with it. I thought once I was sleeping again, and the grief from loss was not so crippling, I'd be okay, but I'm still hiding out at home, and I'm not really sure why.

I'm sorry, you're struggling with this too, Pookyl. Are you having any success since starting this thread?