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Panic disorder and fear of housework

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Posted 12/25/2010 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
Is anyone else here terrified to do housework? I can't do even the simplest household tasks, I sit in the corner on the couch and just cringe and shake. It takes me hours just to do something that would only take 10 minutes to normally do and everything overwhelms me.
I'm on remeron, klonopin, seroquel, and neurotonin.
Posted 12/25/2010 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
opaqueblues
Hello there and Merry Christmas to you. I am so sorry you have problems with cleaning. For me I just hate to clean and really have to force myself to do the job as I am usually home alone and I feel sad without anyone here to work on cleaning with me. No kids at home anymore. smhair

I will make a task list and do at least one thing off my task instead of attacking the whole house at one time. It may be to just clean the bathroom one day and if it takes me all day with breaks so be it.

Wondering if any of your meds would be causing this kind of anxiety? Please do consider talking with your Dr.

I am glad you felt comfortable talking with us here in the forum and remember we know where your coming from with this anxiety. We are here to support you.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt
Posted 12/26/2010 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi opaqueblues, here's just a thought. When I was suffering panic attacks, I did notice a correlation between them and when I would clean the house, especially the bathrooms. I actually like cleaning, (I know I'm weird and seriously need a life!) so I knew it had to be something else besides an aversion! I realized that I was sensitive to cleaners. When my stress levels are lower I'm okay with them, but if they're high-I guess it's enough to put me over the top, almost like an allergy. I would get weak/dizzy and that was enough to spark a full blown attack. I remember one day waking up feeling great-decided to 'tackle' the house, and ended up sick for the rest of the day!
Could be something to think about. Try switching to natural cleaning products if you also find they affect you.
Good luck,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 12/27/2010 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Opaq-- nice to meet you....

im curious, what is it about the housework that bothers you to the point of not being able to do it? Is it just too overwhelming? are you worried that you might find something? I was just wondering... I used to have major anxiety when it came to ironing clothes. And it may seem funny, but one day when i was ironing my husbands clothes I reached down onto the floor to pick a pair up when out of the pocket fell a note from a woman he was seeing that i had no idea about. My life ended up in shambles, and everytime i would see clothes on the floor or clothes that needed to be ironing id start crying and shaking and lose it. It took a lot of therapy to get over that. Thats why Im saying, maybe theres something that gets you started and if you were to put a name to it, then maybe you could find a way to help you.
Posted 12/29/2010 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
when i clean i rarely stop. till it is done, usually the whole house. am slowing down at the moment-but the urge is forever there. when i begin to overly think my brain goes, jamie, clean time!!
Posted 12/29/2010 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
hello,

 i don't have a problem with cleaning house i just dont like to do it really when my mom lived with me i didnt seem to notice that i was cleaning but now i dont like to do it because i am at home alone with only my 4yr dearing the day while my other children are at school i feel  really sad like right now my kids are here with me but i just feel sad and dont want to finsh doing laundry or changing their rooms around

shell

Posted 1/6/2011 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
I have absolutely no idea why I became terrified of cleaning the house, I just have. When I do clean I am in a total state of terror and feel the need to do it perfectly. Since I'm terrified to do it obviously I can't do it perfect as I can hardly do it at all and then I hate myself for not being able to do it. I feel totally overwhelmed now because my house is in such a state.
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