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Ugh still battling Agorophobia even while on Zoloft 😥

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Posted 3/2/2015 4:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all 😔,
So I've been on Zoloft for 5 weeks on 25mgs
And some weeks it's ok , the furthest I got is 30 min away , today we went to a family day out left the house at 10:30 and came back at 3 pm
But while we were out I had anxiety not too bad at the beginning but once we were about 30 min away from home the fears started to creap up and I tried coping skills didn't seem to help all that much , well on the drive home we were planning to go to a restaruant and my anxiety went up again we were driving on the freeway and I knew I won't be able to go to eat I felt too anxious , so we got to the place and I had to tell my hubby to turn around , he was so upset with me and I absolutely understand him .


I feel like such a failure and a bad wife I got a family and i need go get it together I'm even on Zoloft and still get anxiety ,
Ugh I thought bad days will come but I'm still feeling super discouraged ,
, I don't feel sorry for my self I feel sorry for my family that they have to put up with this 😥😥 .

I am very thankful that I haven't had a panic attack in one month , they were daily for me before , so I do feel like the Zoloft is helping maybe just not enough ...
right now , I'm just feeling very discouraged and scared for my recovery , I know summer is near and I really want to do things with my family with out fearing panic attacks .
Maybe the Zoloft just stopped working or I need to go up ?!
I don't even know what to think anymore just so sad 😥😥😥

Post Edited (Rn1987) : 3/1/2015 9:44:04 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 3/2/2015 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rn1987,

I'm so sorry that you're having a tough time. I can completely relate to your story. I actually came to this forum this morning because I feel defeated by my anxiety too often but what I can say is that this discomfort will pass. It can take longer than I prefer sometimes but it always seems to ease up after a while or once it has "run its course" for me at least. Plus there was much positivity in your post! And no panic attack in a month? That's great!

As far as medication goes, I am not in Zoloft or an SSRI in fact (I can't tolerate them unfortunately so I had to take a different approach med wise) so you're a step ahead since you've been on your medicine for several weeks. I've heard some say it can take 6-8 weeks to feel a result but if you're concerned it's not working well enough for you, talk to your doctor and be honest. They will know what to do to help.

I'm off for my morning walk to help clear my mind and calm down a bit--this really helps me so give it a try. I don't go too long and listen to relaxation/meditation music.

I hope you get to feeling better soon. Good luck :)
Posted 3/2/2015 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi RN

Sorry to hear you are still struggling with your anxiety but well done on getting out of the house for most of the day that is a big step in the right direction these things can take time so don't be so hard on yourself.

With regards to your medication you are on a low dose so I would go and speak with your doctor about the possibility of increasing your dose to help get your symptoms under control. Remember medication will not cure you they will only help ease your symptoms so it's important to do some therapy such as CBT to help you manage your anxiety better.

Hibee
Posted 3/2/2015 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
RN,

I too am sorry that you are feeling discouraged.:( Recovery is a journey...so try to be patient with yourself and the process.

Look at yesterday as a good step. You were away from your comfort zone for the better part of 5 hours! That is a big leap. So you could not get to the restaurant...don't let that take away from what you DID accomplish!

Little steps...everyday push a bit more to increase your tolerance of that which challenges you.

Are you working with someone to do either CBT as Hibee suggested, or exposure therapy to treat the agoraphobia?

If not, this would be a good next step to take if possible.

Know that we are here cheering you on always. Keep up the good work and positivity...you will meet your recovery goals.

S.C.
Posted 3/2/2015 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you :)
I drove back to the restaurant I ran away from yesterday and ate there ,,just my kids and me :) , then drove to the beach , it was fun , so greatful 🙏
I was still worried and feared the panic but It easier then yesterday.
I still got a LONG LONG LONG road to feeling norma and I want it overnight , that's wishful thinking.
This is definitely a battle .
Posted 3/3/2015 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
No way!! You go!!! That is so fantastic that you went back!

I am so proud of you...this was a huge step...and I have no doubt that you are going to reach your goals.:)

Amazing job!! Keep up the good work...you are on your way to recovery.:)

S.C.
Posted 3/3/2015 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks SC , Im Incouraged because of this trip today , thank you for the support and all your replies . :)
Posted 3/3/2015 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
Rn it's wonderful news so proud of you and how courageous. I'm sure each trip will get better and better wishing you nothing but success.
Posted 3/3/2015 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks barb.
:) I appriciate all the support ...❤
How are you feeling lately ??
Posted 3/3/2015 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Well it's still just day by day. A few more ok than bad. Until last night getting an upsetting phone call from daughter. Feeling very down today like starting all over 😥. Thanks for asking and I'm hoping things are going good for you today.
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