scared to leave my house

I have anxiety so bad i dont even leave my house. Has anyone gone through this, and how do you overcome it? What is this called? Is it GAD? I want my life back!! please help

Hi Brenm,

I have Agoraphobia. Have had it now for 3 years almost 4.

I have not over come mine. And have not put a lot of effort into it as I'm happy at home. It effects my family more then it effects me. I'm comfortable and I feel safe and don't have the "need" to be out and about.

But on another note. If you want to over come it. You need therapy, meds and help from a trusted friend, or family.

Its all about baby steps. If opening the door bothers you. Crack the door a little more every day. Until you can keep it open. Then focus on just standing at the door. Then one step outside. ETC. Baby steps. Once you make it out side. Spend more time every day out side. Until you reach a comfortable amount of time. Say an hour.
Now check your mail, wave at the neighbors read a book. And then take it to the next step. Standing next to the car, sitting in the car. Take it seriously one step at a time. You will get there if you truly work at it and have patience.

I know it is not easy. It is VERY hard to over come this huge fears, and what if's. But you can do it . Just take it slow self talk, focus and congratulate yourself on every achivement you make. Let it be little or huge but feel good about what you have done. And remind yourself you are stronger and will over come your fear.

I have over came mine enough to drive 1 mile. And that for me is as far as I need to go. I have family that will take me to my appointments and such. But I do not drive my self any further then the 1 mile around me. And I'm ok with that. But that is for me.

One day at a time. Hour by hour minute my minute. You can do this just remind yourself you are a strong person!

Take Care
Cary-Ann

I was there for a short time. My advice is to gradually expose yourself to the outside again. Don't live like this. It's not fair to yourself or to your loved ones. The outside world is not what is making you anxious or frightened. You are thinking negatively and it brings on anticipatory anxiety. You are bringing the symptoms on yourself.

There's a whole world out there. The rest of your life is outside that front door. Find your courage and gradually get your life back. It can be done. You can do it!