advertisement
Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
Zapcash
New Member
 
Member Since May 2024
Location: Moncks Corner
Posts: 8
1 hugs
given
Default Jun 20, 2024 at 07:13 AM
  #1
Does anyone here struggle with agoraphobia? I recently found out from my psychiatrist that I am struggling with it and am wanting to know if anyone else has it.

It's not fun when I have to be in public and then worry about not having my way out if something bad were to happen. This type of thing really freaks me out and has made me leave certain events as a result sometimes. Does anyone here with this have any suggestions? I am going to have to do exposure therapy and I am nervous about it.
Zapcash is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
ArmorPlate108

advertisement
Yaowen
Grand Magnate
 
Yaowen's Avatar
 
Member Since Jan 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 3,670 (SuperPoster!)
4
6,516 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Jun 20, 2024 at 11:47 AM
  #2
I suffer from Agoraphobia which seems to have been an outgrowth of my Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. I am so sorry that you bear that burden. Heavy burden sometimes.

Exposure therapy helped me quite a bit but agoraphobia sometimes still affects me. For example, I went on a 7 hour car trip with friends and often felt like a prisoner since others were doing the driving and I had no real way out.

I think there are degrees of Agoraphobia since some people suffer mildly and others are crushed by it. I know of someone who has not left their house in 5 years, won't go to doctor and dental appointments and has their food delivered to them. I hope it doesn't afflict you to that extent.

I seldom go out anymore because I am almost 70 and have numerous health and mobility issues. I was very nervous about exposure therapy, but to be honest, I tend to be nervous about everything. Hopefully this therapy will prove very helpful to you.

Maybe you would care to share your journey with us here on the Forums. It would certainly help me and others who struggle. It is nice to know that one isn't alone with one's particular struggles. I am rooting for you.
Yaowen is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
ArmorPlate108
 
Thanks for this!
ArmorPlate108
Zapcash
New Member
 
Member Since May 2024
Location: Moncks Corner
Posts: 8
1 hugs
given
Default Jun 21, 2024 at 08:22 PM
  #3
Thank you for your response! It makes me feel less alone to know that someone else knows what I feel. I will definitely share my journey with exposure therapy. I'm nervous about it but I'm ready to start feeling better to where I can actually sit in places like restaurants without feeling scared that I will get sick or that something bad will happen and won't be able to find an exit.
Zapcash is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
ArmorPlate108
ArmorPlate108
Member
 
ArmorPlate108's Avatar
 
Member Since Mar 2022
Location: In the west
Posts: 441
2
1,141 hugs
given
Default Jun 22, 2024 at 07:40 PM
  #4
I struggled with agoraphobia about 15 years ago, and relate to much of what you've shared so far, as well was what Yaowen shared.

There are degrees of agoraphobia, and most who struggle with it still manage to go out. In talking to many people over the years, it's clear that agoraphobia tends to be misunderstood. Agoraphobia isn't just about people who never leave home, it's about that fear you feel when you do have to go somewhere. My understanding is along the lines of what Yaowen posted, that agoraphobia is generally an offshoot of another anxiety disorder. For me personally, the anxiety was so acute that my mind became very sensitized and alert to everything- like being in a constant level 10 "on position". That was among the reasons why going out became so difficult -- everything was exhausting and anxiety inducing.

I posted about this on another thread here recently. I used cognitive behavioral therapy from a book titled Simple Effective Treatment of Agoraphobia by Dr. Claire Weekes. Another member noted that the book is available online through a free library. This book changed my life. I'd highly recommend it. The CBT she taught is a lot about resting and learning to calm your mind, and then slow and gentle exposure therapy on top of that. For me, it took about six months of work before there was noticable difference, and after a few years I was able to function almost completely normally. Nowadays, it doesn't affect me much, though on some level I'll probably always consider myself agoraphobic - if only because there may be a certain susceptibility to it and anxiety (if that makes sense). There is hope though.

I, too, hope you will share your experiences and journey as you work through it. You are so not alone!

ETA: https://mysupportforums.org/7426052-post10.html
ArmorPlate108 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
unaluna, Zapcash
 
Thanks for this!
unaluna
Zapcash
New Member
 
Member Since May 2024
Location: Moncks Corner
Posts: 8
1 hugs
given
Default Jun 22, 2024 at 07:44 PM
  #5
Thank you for the suggestion!
Zapcash is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Agoraphobia Jensitive22 Bipolar 2 Nov 10, 2017 12:32 PM
Agoraphobia Anonymous100165 Anxiety, Panic and Phobias 25 Jun 04, 2013 02:40 AM
Agoraphobia babygirl2201028 Anxiety, Panic and Phobias 4 Mar 08, 2011 02:10 AM
Agoraphobia thersalng Anxiety, Panic and Phobias 10 May 27, 2010 05:14 AM
Agoraphobia knw5504 New Member Introductions 10 Mar 07, 2010 02:54 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:15 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.



 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.