Returning agoraphobia

[Meredithgrey1]

I have an anxiety disorder and suffer from panic attacks but this was mainly under control. But a few years ago it manifested as absolutely awful agoraphobia, I couldn't go further than the local shop two minutes down the road and even that took a day of mentally preparing myself. I struggled a lot of push past that and it had become virtually nonexistent.

With this lockdown I can feel it creeping back. The way I generally managed it before was by being out of the house, going to work etc, if I don't leave the house for a few days it's harder when I then do. Obviously this is now not possible. I went for a walk with DH yesterday but had to come home as I felt we'd gone too far and I was getting too anxious (we were about 5 mins from home).

Does anyone have any tips, or is anyone feeling the same? I have absolutely no intention of breaking the lockdown rules, but my anxiety is not health related. I wouldn't say I was particularly anxious about catching the virus and that wasn't the reason I panicked on the walk yesterday - it was just a general sense of panic about being away from the safety of home, exactly the same as a few years ago when it was bad.

I'm really worried about how I'll cope when the lockdown ends and I have to go back to the office, use public transport to get there. That's the kind of thing I just couldn't do a few years ago.

We're living in strange times! I think everyone is more stressed than they maybe realise. I think there's no point in speculating about what will happen in a few weeks time.

Try and remind yourself that you've recovered before; you can do it again. Avoid the news and too much social media! Have you got coping mechanisms, strategies for managing your anxiety?

I also suffered with agoraphobia too a couple of years back, ironically it’s a year ago this month I started going about a “normal” life again after my medication had kicked in. I think it’s normal for everyone to have set backs with their mental health lately because of financial struggles, being with family 24/7, children not going to school. The routine is out of the ordinary for everybody at the moment and unfortunately we can’t just take a nice day trip to get our mind off of things. I suggest you don’t be too hard on yourself, everybody has setbacks. This is what I’ve learned lately, it’s ok to not be ok especially during these times. Just know that you’re not alone, even if you feel that way... and soon this will all be behind us. Stay strong

I've felt the OCD n germaphobia I had as a teen creeping back after it being gone for well over a decade. Stress over lack of control causes it I think. On my ever see occasional signs of it when I'm on a holiday usually.

Just trying to keep chill. No watching the news lol.

I guess for agoraphobia...maybe make yourself go outside for a short walk every day. I think you gotta push your comfort zones with this one. It's how I got over my ocd back then, just making myself do what I didn't want to. Hope I dont get so bad I have to do that again. Good luck! Be kind to yourself.

I went for a walk with DH yesterday but had to come home as I felt we'd gone too far and I was getting too anxious (we were about 5 mins from home).

It's excellent that you're getting out, but you have to push yourself and not give in to the anxiety. You must keep going. You will not die, you will not pass out (even if it feels like it), and even if you did have a panic attack, it won't hurt you and your husband is by your side. You simply can't give into the anxiety, because it will only win even easier the next time.

I dealt with this myself several years ago, and I forced myself to keep going, keep walking, and focus on small goals. I would focus on a nearby tree, get there, and then focus on another landmark within sight. Anxiety is such a horrible bitch, and we get stuck in the trap of fearing the fear, but we can get through it. You did it before and you can do it again!

www.amazon.co.uk/Dare-Anxiety-Stop-Panic-Attacks-ebook/dp/B0158S7E1G/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dare+anxiety+book&sprefix=dare+a&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1586735228&sr=8-1

This book REALLY helped me and totally changed my attitude and perspective on anxiety. I have it downloaded on my phone so I can read it anywhere if I need a bit of support.

I am the same, I haven’t even left my house since March 16th. I feel so calm and relaxed, less anxiety than I’ve had in years. The only thing that makes me feel anxious is the thought of having to go back out into normal living. Not very helpful I know, but just wanted to say you are not alone.