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Posted 10/2/2014 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hello friends

I have found in the last few month that I dread leaving my house. I haven't even been attending church because of this. My house is my safe place. I know I need to get past this but it's so hard. Is anyone else like this or am I just weird?
Posted 10/2/2014 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
So not weird. This happens to me when my anxiety is at its worst. It got really bad for me for a little bit. I kept scheduling play dates with neighbors and then cancelling last minute because as soon as I would leave my house I would start hyperventilating. I can only say that taking my xanax regularly has helped me because it allows me to get out the door and then once I'm out, I am able to see that nothing bad is happening.
Posted 10/2/2014 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Cornell! I haven't had this problem, but I think agoraphobia is VERY common with anxiety/panic. I have had times where I just didn't feel like doing anything/being around anyone, but that's about it. I'm sure this will get better for you in time. Church seems like it might be a good place for you to go if you can. I'd imagine you might draw some strength from your church community. Take care friend!

Post Edited (MissGigi) : 10/2/2014 7:45:09 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/2/2014 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
I have it when my anxiety is bad. I had it most of the summer. I didn't grocery shop, go out to eat or do anything, really, the whole summer. It's not fun:( I had to make a lot of uncomfortable trips to stores and shops to make me feel less anxiety (along with a small dose of xanax). It's not gone, but better. Actually my anxiety has been increaed this week for some reason and I have been having a harder time going out again. Hoping it's just a bad week. I hope you feel better soon:)
Posted 10/2/2014 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
Not as uncommon as you may think. I'd hazard a guess that a bunch of us on here have versions of the same thing. As for myself, yes-yep-yessiree, I have been dx'd with Agoraphobia (among a slew of other goodies). I have *issues* leaving my safe place, (or leaving it for long).

You've got a lot of company. This Forum makes for a great way to connect with people, especially for those of us dealing with issues such as these.





M.
Posted 10/2/2014 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
You weirdo! Lol, just kidding. I stayed in the house for quite some time. It's easy to try and avoid triggers, and if you're like me, you've found a good routine in the house that seems comfortable. It is a very humbling experience though, to go out of the house with anxiety. People will see you, as you really are, and that is with anxiety. And it's ok.

I remember breaking down at church a few times, wanting to hide my tears, and run to the bathroom. But I sat there, knowing that if anyone judged me, God knew my heart first and foremost. Oh, and it's also the worst to start having heart palps when talking with someone. But it gets easier with each venture out.

From the sounds of it though, you're considering heading out a little more? Having been through it, go slow, and don't expect to not have anxiety in public. It will unfortunately happen. But as time progresses and you start utilizing your coping skills out there, I assure you that you will once again become a professional at going out. :)
Posted 10/2/2014 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, C!
I know EXACTLY how you feel! As you can see from the other responses, you are definitely not alone!
Even though it may be hard as steel, try to make yourself get out anyway. If you have to, start with small jaunts out. Believe me, it is better to try and "nip it in the bud" than to become confined to your house with full-blown agoraphobia!
I've shared this before, but when I was first becoming downtrodden with deep depression and severe anxiety (I was 28 or 29 at the time...50 now), we lived out in the country, 14 miles from town. I was an anxious mess and had not slept all night, but I made myself crawl into the car with my folks for Sunday morning meeting. I felt MISERABLE!! about a third of the way to town, I had a major PA. My Dad offered to turn the car around and take me home....oh how I wanted to!!! But I knew instinctively, yes, in my heart of hearts, that if I went back home, I'd never leave again without going through even worse!
That day was very hard. Everything went by in a haze. But I was also relieved that I didn't run home either.
Since then, I've been through some rough times...so it goes. But I really do encourage you to get out before you get TOO comfortable! I still feel that way sometimes!
Take care and I wish you the best!
janet
Posted 10/2/2014 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
When I was bad, yeah, I didn't feel like leaving my house. I love it here, I feel safe and it's mine.
Posted 10/3/2014 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
hi cornell. yeah i hear ya. but on the flip side i find my place getting too bogged down with negative energy and i got to get out, regardless. usually to safe places for a chat like my pharmacist and stuff. my safety zone is at my huge desk in my kitchen typing away on hw and listening to tunes. thx for sharing guys.
Posted 10/3/2014 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all your posts! Feels good to know I'm not alone. I will definitely put into practice the advice you all shared. Benzos would probably be a huge help to me but I can't take them. God bless you all! From your friend, Cornell
Posted 10/3/2014 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
Cornell this journey you are about to take, starts with the first step,
be brave this is an exciting thing. My wife suffered from agoraphobia 17
years, dont do this to yourself, Peace my friend.

Larry ***
Posted 10/3/2014 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Larry! I appreciate your words..
Posted 10/3/2014 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
C.,

I think with agoraphobic tendencies, it is good to deal with and treat it early, so it is good that you are recognizing this now!

Can you bring this up with your therapist so that you can do some specific work in this area?

Or could you use some self-help ideas for material that you could work through on your own?

Peace and progress,

S.C.
Posted 10/3/2014 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Cornell- you are def not a weirdo! I have it too in different variations, like Merridia said. I can go out but have issues with unfamiliar places and being too far from my "safe place." The ONLY way to get over it is to face it head on.

Like Larry said- it starts with one small step. He 'ain't lying :-) It can be as small as stepping out your door and puttering around the yard for 3 minutes or going to the corner store. Doesn't have to be big. One small step.

Btw, Paula Deene had agoraphobia for 20 yrs!

Sending love-
Lisa
Posted 10/3/2014 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
No it is not weird or anything. I always feel that my home is safe place.
Posted 10/3/2014 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
Cornell, here is a question for you. I can well relate to what you are saying...but at times, I don't want to stay home either...I just 'don't know what to do'...
My question is: do you feel better if you FORCE yourself to go someplace...like to a place you really usually enjoy going to?
Thanks for your input.
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