hi there, i seemed to have developed agoraphobia after i started having panic attacks a few months ago. i have kept my self so secluded that i have not left my house since July. its almost the end of november, im 21 and i just want to get out. im having so much trouble im already on medication for my depressed and anxiety but nothing seems to work for the agoraphobia. can anyone help or give me tips on how i can overcome it?
this is something that you need to work with a therapist on. They can work with you and show you how to overcome this.
by being in the danger until your anxiety passes naturally. start off by stepping outside. then go a little bit further and further slowly x
when you feel like your gonna have a panic attack when out remember
you can’t pass out from a panic attack
it might feel like it x what helped me was walking around the block. once I had got halfway I had no choice but to carry on until I got back home again because I was already past the point of no return. it gets easier the more you do.
I agree with Jan a therapist will definitely be the best way to go x
Hi,
I’m actually (I think) in a very similar situation. I developed agoraphobia and social anxiety after panic attacks as well. I’m anxious for losing control and panic attacks in uncomfortable situation. Right now I’m on the bottom as well. I’m now trying to push myself through, but it is very hard. Today I walked 20 minutes alone outside and I had lots of panic. Mostly it comes in kinda waves. In a wave of anxiety I feel completely panic and then it will take of in high anxiety again. It’s a huge struggle. One thing I can tell you is that the best thing to do is to do something about is asap. Try to look for therapy close to where you live. I’m currently waiting for therapy and I’m probably going to start this month already. I recently posted my story here as well. I’ve had not left my house alone for 6 months. Today was the first 20 minutes in 6 months. I probably better could shrink it down to 10 minutes.
Hopefully this will give you some relieve that you’re not alone. At least it’s giving me! I don’t unfortunately have tips which instantly going to change your life. It’s a difficult journey where you have to break to your irrational thinking and barriers. Meditation can help you to relax. Try to find therapy asap. The sooner the better. I know that’s very difficult. But just don’t accept your life like it is now and try to break through it. Talking is important as well. Even if you have nobody to talk too just write it down of paper what makes you anxious or bothers you.
If you’d like to talk to me (personally I would appreciate it a lot, because I don’t speak many to people with agoraphobia that often) you can always text me. I’m 20 years old myself so we are even of the same age.
I wish you the best of luck!
I’ve been experiencing something similar after a panic attack back in September. I could barely get out of bed for a few weeks after. What symptoms are you experiencing that’s keeping you from wanting to go outside of your house? Just curious what you’re feeling personally.
I know it’s hard but I would try and take baby steps to get out of the house. Staying in will only make it worse. I’d first try just sitting outside and listening to some music or reading a book, something that calms you. Then try going for a walk and gradually going on longer ones. I like to take my dog with me to calm me. Then I’d try going to the store or a park, somewhere away from your house. I could barely go to the supermarket for a while but forced myself to go and I was fine. I still haven’t gone out to dinner with friends or to concerts like I usually would but I’ll get there eventually! It might be uncomfortable at first but it’ll get easier the more you try. Just remember that anxiety is just thoughts and feelings that can’t hurt you. But I know how uncomfortable they can be! Take care, I hope you get to feeling better soon.
thank you, i will take that in mind
thank you thats really helpful
its such a horrible thing to go through i wouldnt wish it apon anyone i hope you’re okay and you can always message me if you need some support.
thank you. i think im just worried about having panic attacks in public. they are so debilitating and they are quite scary. i get really hot and sweaty even thinking about leaving the house. its ruining friendships and relationships as its so hard to go out and do stuff. i dont have alot of support because what i hear from most people is to “suck it up” or get over it. if only it was that easy. hope youre doing okay
I know, it’s hard for people who don’t have it to understand it. This forum has helped me a lot just knowing there are people who go through the same thing. It is scary and crippling and if we could all just get over it I’m sure we would! Just know you’re not alone. Keep trying to make some steps forward everyday 