agoraphobia/ feeling lonely

[Rosiethecat15]

I'm really struggling with my mental health. Feeling low and tearful.
Also very anxious and scary panic attacks.

It's partly circumstances (I have a lot of sadness in my life) and partly hormones (46 and perimenopausal).

I have suffered from agoraphobia since the birth of my youngest child, 11 years ago. I have had spells where I have felt better and then slipped back into being scared to leave the house.
I make myself leave the house because I have no choice, but I feel so out of my depth.

I long to have someone to talk to but if feels like there is a barrier stopping me from doing that.
I feel so lonely, but at the same time I really struggle to get out there.

Just a suggestion - my sister has agoraphobia, and she talks to a lot of people on a Facebook support group. So she can have a chat without leaving the house. Perhaps you could explore an option like that ? Best wishes to you - I know it's a hard condition to live with.

I am at a crossroads. My daughter has turned 3 and I am looking for part-time work. I am feeling low because I am seeking support from my partner. But he tends to have a negative outlook on things. He considers it realistic, but it just shuts me down. I need a mentor, but I have no one close, or who would want.

Baby steps that's both your answers. You must understand what you are feeling is NORMAL and you can only do your best. Go out for 1 mins then two mins and gradually build up. In regards to working if you are not ready maybe try a work from home job first to get into the swing of things and get yourself the confidence you have deep down.

Self care is massive and a tidy home is a tidy mind. So cliche I know but it's true

Put yourselves first

Do the following before anything else
Lavender under pillow
New pjs
Relaxing music and no screens two hours before bed
Eat healthy
Sing honestly even if you can't just sing loud everyday
Shower or bath everyday
Watch only happy things on your tube or comedy movies/ tv series
Tell yourself your great
Right down why you are great and keep it in a pocket or a bag and look at it when you feel down
Reach out to support groups online
Moisturise
Paint your nails can be clear nail varnish it doesn't matter
Treat yourself to something new it can be a £3 top from primark
If you can afford it get yourself a 'going out in the day' outfit that you where to specifically leave the hose like a uniform in a way to give you a cover like an armour
Hypnotherapy can work wonders
Incense and or candles in your home
Relax when you get a chance
And DO NOT BE HARD ON YOURSELF. If you work on this you can improve

Hypnotherapy can work wonders

Many hypnotherapists have experience of successfully dealing with agoraphobia. It's a relatively simple phobia to deal with (not to suffer from, obviously).