[Travelinglady]

I know someone who really wants to get some help for her anxiety about getting out in public. But what can she do, when she is even too scared to leave the house to see a therapist? This issue has me really concerned. Thanks so much.

[pegasus]

Hello TravelingLady!

Yes they say that agoraphobia, or anxiety around getting out of the house can be difficult to treat. Your friend needs to recognise the issue herself.

It looks like, in the first place she has a good friend in you. If you can make an excuse to visit her often and get her talking about her feelings and make an excuse to take her out for a coffee. Your friend will feel she has safety with you and if you manage to get her to come with you, keep the conversation light and make the visits out short but frequent. Eventually you can get her to meet you at a coffee shop.

If you feel you can't do this or she can't, can she get to see her doctor. Medication may be required for the anxiety and the doctor can refer her for more specialized help. In the UK we have mental health services that will come out to the person's home so they can start off therapy at home. I believe there is something similar in the USA.

Would your friend take up on self-help books or would she use the internet at all, there are a lot of resources online, and this could be a good first step to progressing to in- real- life therapy. Here are some links Psych Central: Anxiety and Panic

Hope some of this helps.

[Travelinglady]

Thanks so much! You have helped a great deal. I feel a sense of relief.

[Sad&Bipolar]

Phobias can really be debilitating. I know from my experience of fear of heights. I cannot climb further than the 2nd rung on a ladder. I have to depend on others to do many things.

In my studies in psychology and mental health, the best therapy for any phobia is systematic desensitization. There is a workbook called "Anxiety and Phobia" that covers the step-by-step process. If she cannot leave the house right now to go see a therapist who specializes in this, she could start with the workbook until she can get to the point that she can go to a therapist's office. I forget the author. I have the book, but it is at home, and I am on vacation right now.

[Risperdon't]

She needs a good REASON to get out of the house. Plan something she loves to do or used to love to do. That made all the diff for me when I finally got out because I was going for a motorcycle ride. Nothing else could have done it. it was a miracle. Whatever her passion might be or something she wants to try....hone in on that and make a casual plan. no pressure. stay with her.