Do I have agoraphobia?

[AchillesLastStand]

I’ve had a really bad weekend. I went to visit my mum and sister which involved a hour and a half trip down the M6 to Coventry. I hate travelling on the motorway at the best of times, and have an irrational fear of being stuck in a traffic jam unable to escape the car. Yesterday was the worst I’ve ever been. The fear and anxiety was so overwhelming, I was shaking all the way home. It didn’t help that the weather was awful and we did get stuck in traffic jam due to a road accident on the way home. I wanted to open the door and run from the car.

I should point out that I was not driving while this was happening. I’m unable to drive due to having a diagnosed anxiety disorder, but not agoraphobia. I’m okay walking my DS to school and going to the supermarket. It’s specifically the car and places I’m unable to escape from. Can anyone relate?

Sounds more like claustrophobia

Yes this is agoraphobia. I also have it…sending sympathy

Very common with anxiety sufferers, its definitely the not being able to escape and feeling trapped though logically there's nothing to escape from. With me it was always worse on the motorway but happened at traffic lights especially being in the outside lane.

But no its not agoraphobia

Do you get panicky in other enclosed spaces, OP?

That’s interesting. It’s the first time I thought it might be agoraphobia but I’m okay in shops but I don’t like busy places or going on holidays. I don’t know why my brain works the way it does! I tried sensory deprivation on the motorway, keeping my eyes closed and listening to a podcast through headphones which helps.

No not really, if I know where the exit is and I can leave at any time, I’m usually okay. But I’m not good in unfamiliar places. I used to be under a psychiatrist for my anxiety disorder but they never mentioned agoraphobia or claustrophobia.

I would speak to your GP, rather than have strangers on the intenet tell you that it is or isn't.

Agoraphobia is very complex and can be so disabling. Claustrophobia and Agoraphobia are not mutually exclusive, I'm sure the many people who struggle with both would be surprised to hear someone say they are two totally different things and it's one or the other, when they cross over at many similar points and so many people struggle with both.

OP I can recommend the book 'On Agoraphobia' by Graham Coveney - one of the paragraphs in that articulates very well how Agoraphobia and car/motorway journeys are challenging and why.

Thank you, this really helpful. Yes, I’m going to speak to my GP. I’m currently on meds but they’re obviously not helping. I’ll have a look at the book you recommended.