You know, your description almost exactly mirrors my own situation these past not 5, but 4, years. All the exact same symptoms (and more) . . .I feel for you completely. But I'm still on my tablets daily, I'm not qualified to give you suggestions about whether you should/should not take medication, Pennkid. I too don't leave my house at all, except when I have to, and then it's most uncomfortable. But youre young: why my son is 26, and guess what age I am? (sshhhhh. 61)!!!!!
Pennkid, I was savagely sexually assaulted by a younger man who had been woking with me, I retired on medical grounds, and have suffered the most horrific mental breakdown. Absolutely petrified to go out. See my poems on this site in the sexual abuse sector.
I wish you well, I hope my little contribution cheers you up . . .you are not alone, free to contact me anytime. Look after yourself, and take care. You are not alone - o.k.?