Relative with sudden agoraphobia

[doihaveacase]

I have a relative by marriage who has struggled a lot with anxiety for years. He had to start a new job recently, got lost trying to find the place and had a huge panic attack. Now he can't leave the house at all. My MIL is with him, the mental health team are apparently aware but he only has phone contact with them. She lives 200 miles away and is supposed to leave in a few days but cannot leave him in the state he is. We are overseas. We are all completely at a loss. He won't go out at all, even with her. He's crying and scared. What can we do? Has anyone had experience of this? Is there some way we can access more help?

He needs to see a GP and get some meds for his anxiety. Where is he overseas? I’ve had agoraphobia and it’s horrific. He really does need support.

@Overtheatlantic Thanks for the quick response. We are all worried sick. He does take anxiety medication, I've asked my MIL to check he is taking it and to call the GP. Maybe the dose is not enough. He's in the U.K.

My life was literally saved by Citalopram although others struggle with it. In which part of the UK is he? I ask because not all NHS trusts are funded equally:

He's in Kent. I'm not sure which meds he takes but my MIL says it's a high dose already.

The GP will be able to get the ball rolling by reviewing his meds and getting in touch with the local crisis team. It’s good that he has a few more days with your mil. Has he ever had agoraphobia before?

@Overtheatlantic No, not to my knowledge. Anxiety and panic attacks for years, but other than meds he has struggled to get any help with managing these.

I’m so very sorry. I hope you get some answers and your loved one gets some relief. 💐