Is anyone else agoraphobic?

[teenspirit]

Basically I think I am and I am having a bad time at the moment.
About 14 years ago my dad died suddenly, a year later out of the blue I began with panic attacks and my whole world changed.
From being out and about all the time feeling fine I became a nervous wreck and was housebound for about 6 weeks. Slowly I got back to work but my breakdown was prolonged and lasted about 4 years I had a lot of time off work and had depression. I was started on citalopram quite early on and slowly started to lead a normal life again but avoiding going away, travelling on public transport, nights out other than where I know and feel comfortable. At one point I didn't go to a supermarket for over a year.
Anyway since then I have changed partner, got married had two children and trained as a nurse but basically I only cope in my own little safety zone and still have panic although it was much better.
This year I have had a baby, my father in law has died and the panic attacks have returned. Luckily I'm off work on mat leave but my world is getting smaller and I am finding going out really hard. I have started cbt last week but my kids and I have a flu bug so haven't been out since friday and I'm worried about getting out and about again. I just wondered who else is like this and how you cope.

I haven't got any experience of agoraphobia personally, but I just want to say that I'm thinking of you and hope you come through this difficult time soon. Agorophobia is a terrible condition and I can totally understand how it can come about. You seem to have overcome a lot in the past, though, which suggests that you have an inner strength. Coping with a baby on its own can be a huge burden, but when you've had past problems and other set-backs, well...it's no wonder you're finding it hard to cope. Small steps seems to be the advice I've seen, even just popping out for a couple of minutes.

So sorry to hear this

My mum has bouts of agoraphobia, and has tried counselling (which was quite helpful), but the best results she got was through hypnosis.

She has started to lapse back into it again, but has seen another hypnotherapist and is getting out and about again. It must be a couple of years since the last time.

It might not be for everyone, but it may be worth considering.

Hi there teenspirit sorry you are having and have had a bad time.
My dad died suddenly 9 yrs ago and I also felt panicky in public places and had to leave shops etc.I did not have panic attacks in terms of fast breathing etc but was shaky and fast heart rateand intesely upset/anxious.
I have read that agoraphobia is partly due to fear of p.a.s happening again in people who have experienced a full blown p.a.and learning breathing control and knowing you will survive can help.
I have since had other deaths and traumatic events and had bouts of bad anxiety.I feel the bad events seem to add up and one needs to heal.
I wonder if your fil death has reminded you of your previous loss I found this happened with me.
Don't know if any help but maybe comfort to know you're not the only one.Am not agoraphobic but when very anxious world narrows and the layers of worries build up.Take care xx

Hi There, I know this is an old post but wondered if any of you may still be on here and how you are now. I pressume that I suffer from agoraphobia, although it has never been diagnosed (how do you get it diagnosed?). I hate going out on my own and avoid it where ever possible unless I am having a good day, I NEVER go to supermarkets alone and my partner comes with me (he is brilliant) or I do shopping online. I know this is not ideal and is an avoidance technique but I simply cannot put myself through it as I feel so panicky and ill. The stupid thing is that I don't think I have ever had a full blown panick attack so I don't fear having an attack, I just feel very uncomfortable and paranoid in public places,. I am the same in shopping centres too. I have been on medication all my life and had psychotherapy and started CBT but found it to be poor as it was over the phone so I did not feel supported. Has anyone else experienced this? As you may have guessed I am currently pregnant with my first child and as I have not dealt with any of these issues. I am scared of being isolated due to my lack of confidence because I know that I will not go to classes alone and most of my friends have moved away or got married and drifted.......I don't even go out for walks alone! I'm not really sure what to do.........

hi avss ive been agoraphobic for 13 years ,ive tried everything but nothing seems to work .glad youve got a supportive partner it makes all the difference,mines great too.are your family close?

Hi,
I've been agoraphobic better and worse since my uni days. Not sure if it helps but for me the first thing I did which helped me a lot was what I now see was basically DIY CBT.

I had a real thing about supermarkets and avoided like you. As you probably know the avoiding reinforces the horrible feelings, so if I walk up to Tescos, freeze in the car park and then feel better when I walk away, I reinforce in my head that getting away makes me feel better and so reinforce the fear.

So what I did was when I froze in the car park, instead of leaving I would just stay still until the overwhelming panic and fear started to recede, even a bit. Then I'd go a bit nearer, and repeat. This retrained my brain that instead of needing to leave to feel better, I could start to feel better while staying in the scary situation, and knowing that made the situations less scary, etc etc. I felt very self conscious, but it did work. Now I go to supermarkets like it's nothing.

I'm not sure if any of this makes sense or strikes a chord with you, I suppose I just wanted to say that I really believe you can get a lot better by yourself, it takes some work but you can do it. You sound like you're ready to make a change, and if you start small it might boost your confidence. Anyway I wish you the best of luck.