[Kmbpeace1171]

Out of nowhere triggers have come up and set me back, I was diagnosed with agoraphobia amongst other things and gave myself permission to not leave thehouse today too much fear. anyone know why this can just be dormant for a long time and then out of no where? boom.

[Omers]

My big anxiety challenge is a little different... I can leave the house but other than my young son and animals I can't have anyone in or even near my house. Mine got set off very badly last year and I have not settled back down.
My triggers tend to be:
Tired, stressed, bad day
PMS
Being forced to have someone in my house
Having it happen expectantly
when someone does come having them be in anyway "critical" (and I am super sensitive)
Not having a specific reason for why someone is here

The other day I had a friend drop by unannounced and let himself in. I was taking a nap and they made it to my bedroom door before I woke up (so much for the guard dog). Now I am back to a panic when someone walks on the sidewalk across the street from my house!

Not sure I was much help but you are not alone.

Causes

Agoraphobia is usually a complication of panic disorder. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which you experience attacks of intense fear (panic attacks) that for no apparent reason trigger intense physical symptoms. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.

You may develop agoraphobia when you begin to make a connection between your panic attacks and one or more situations in which those attacks have occurred. You may avoid similar situations in an attempt to prevent future panic attacks. People with agoraphobia are especially likely to avoid circumstances in which it would be difficult or embarrassing to escape if a panic attack were to occur, such as in a crowded stadium or an airplane.

In some cases, fear of having a panic attack may be so great that you may not be able to leave the safety of your home. In other cases, you may be able to overcome your fear and tolerate most situations as long as you're accompanied by a trusted companion.

Rarely, agoraphobia may occur without an accompanying panic disorder.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ago...4/METHOD=print

[Kmbpeace1171]

Originally Posted by Omers

My big anxiety challenge is a little different... I can leave the house but other than my young son and animals I can't have anyone in or even near my house. Mine got set off very badly last year and I have not settled back down.
My triggers tend to be:
Tired, stressed, bad day
PMS
Being forced to have someone in my house
Having it happen expectantly
when someone does come having them be in anyway "critical" (and I am super sensitive)
Not having a specific reason for why someone is here

The other day I had a friend drop by unannounced and let himself in. I was taking a nap and they made it to my bedroom door before I woke up (so much for the guard dog). Now I am back to a panic when someone walks on the sidewalk across the street from my house!

Not sure I was much help but you are not alone.

I could have honestly written this myself not feeling alone is so helpful and thank you, I have the intense fear of criticism too and also I am not comfortable with anyone being in mmy home or space that so fear feels safe. So far. I had horrible nightmare lastnight and am very angry at myself for not making myself go out at all yesterday , i have started a pattern now and am scared to take my walk today.

[Omers]

If it were me...
I would peer out my blinds, make sure no one else was out, make myself step onto the front step of my house, dart back in, slam the door, lock it and go take a nap.... Thinking about how I went out, I didn't let it win and when I was feeling stronger after my nap I would be able to take my walk.
Sometimes it doesn't work but I make sure I accomplish something even if it is little... Like not hiding in my closet because the kid next door is playing basketball in his driveway. He is a very nice kid, mows my lawn for me, but his driveway is right outside my bedroom window.

Most of all though, be gentle on yourself. Being critical of ourselves only makes us more scared about others being critical of us... My T would laugh if she read this... It is almost word for word what she told me last week... I told her I didn't like that answer and stuck my tongue out at her!

[Kmbpeace1171]

What started all of this was when a neighbor guy asked me if he could carry my bags of groceries up the stairs for me, dumb I know, I told him know as yes would have given him an IN into my safe place, my apartment. Then I looked at pictures of my abusive ex who I fell hard and fast for and it just through things all off again, there's a few others but not comfortable sharing them yet.

[Kmbpeace1171]

Was thinking about this today that I need to really learn the difference between healthy boundaries and walls.

[Omers]

Yup, that would do it! I would jump out of my skin if someone asked to carry my bags!!! Thank goodness my neighbors are just nosy not helpful!!! I am not as bad about my car but I don't like people around it either.

Just had to take an anxiety med myself today. My Pdoc wants me on something all the time for anxiety but I won't give up the one I am on now that I can just take as needed. I have been on it for 7(?) years now and know how much I need when and take just enough to be able to stand what ever is going on.

I wonder if the weather has anything to do with it. I seem to be worse in the summer.

I get the abusive ex thing too. Have one I fell SO hard for and can't let go. He lives really far away now and is in a relationship but I friended him on Face book. I would still love to be with him but it just wasn't safe. also have an abusive 'friend' in my life right now that I am not ready to let go of. Keep trying to find away to have a healthy relationship with them but deep down I know it will not happen.

[Omers]

Perhaps we are living the same life in different bodies!

Fort Knox has nuthin' on me!

[Kmbpeace1171]

This might sound like a strange question but fora time I didn't have much of a sex drive due to other circumstances like living with seven children for 2 years LOL and once in new apt it took me a bit to feel like I am home etc what I'm wondering is could return of sexual feelings and drive trigger memories too? Just wondering, ty.

[Omers]

My guess would be yes... however...

I went to a catholic college that still had about 5 nuns floating around. I talked to one of them about becoming a nun... Her reply... You can't be a nun, celibacy would not be a sacrifice for you... you have no sex drive.

[Kmbpeace1171]

How in the world would they know that?

[Omers]

ROFL... It was kinda obvious! LOL
If I was awake I was in class, in the library or doing something with one of the churches. I was a very active member of the Methodist church, at every Catholic mass with campus ministries and active with our local inter-faith alliance. I was a religious studies major. The campus priest is the best... we still keep in touch, he is and always will be one of the most important people of my life.
I went to a bar twice in college, drank once... alone before a gym class with a guy who triggered me.
Had a serious boyfriend my senior year but he grumbled enough about our not having sex for the whole campus to know!

I am a pretty easy read. If I were a book it would most likely be a picture book or one with very few words.