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Agoraphobia is getting really bad

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Posted 1/27/2017 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
I can no longer drive alone. I have to have someone follow me.

I can no longer drive my daughter to the bus stop in the mornings because it's dark out and I panic. I can't even get in the car to go with to the bus stop because I panic so bad.

I can no longer drive at night even if my husband is in the car because the glare freaks me out and the traffic makes me panic.

I'm paralyzed. I'm so depressed. I'm bawling right now and have no one to help me. No one can offer me advice.

My husband has been attacking me for not getting up at 6:30 am with my daughter but the intrusive thoughts are so bad when I wake up that early that I just sit there and cry after a couple hours.

I've had nonstop migraines as well.

I just restarted Lexapro 6 weeks ago. I went up to 15 mgs about a week ago. I feel inferior. 3 months ago I was just fine.

I just hate everything about my life. I'm a prisoner. I just can't stop crying right now.

~TG
Posted 1/27/2017 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi TG and welcome back friend...

...although I am sorry your return is due to a rough time currently.sad

Okay, you just recently restarted a med...and as you know, it does take time for therapeutic benefits to be reached.

What else are you doing for management now? Are you able to see your therapist?

Are you under a doctor's care for the migraines? They in and of themselves can be debilitating, and can add to the anxiety.

For right now...what does your coping skill regimen look like? Are you practicing daily/consistently?

Looking to work a full spectrum program with your Rx, therapy, self help and treating your migraines will help you gain some footing again! smile

We will be here to cheer you on, so keep us posted, okay?

S.C.
Posted 1/27/2017 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
Twiggy,

Sorry to hear of the tough time you are facing but remember how you felt 3 months ago can be there again. Like Scaredy asked, what else are you doing for coping right now? If you are able to see your therapist get to work with them.
It sounds like you are really stuck in a negative feedback loop as well. Try to work on taking small steps, positive affirmations, and using your rational mind. I know its easy to let the emotions and feelings take control. Try to look for other areas of support as well, I am sorry your husband is not as understanding, perhaps he could join you with your therapist and learn about your struggles. We are here for you.
Posted 1/27/2017 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi twiggygal,

Is agoraphobia something you dealt with in the past, did better and having problems again or is this the first time? If you dealt with agoraphobia before what strategies helped you before and have you tried them?

Are you using the Klonopin? If Klonopin allows you to be calmer it can help with agoraphobia. It's important for anyone with agoraphobia to get out and do things even if it's only for a short time. Consistency is best. Men are fixers and can be at a loss as how to deal (they can't fix it) with what you are experiencing. Maybe if you approach your husband and tell him you need his help in this difficult time he may react differently and it might be beneficial to you and your marriage.

Ask him if he would take you for a ride or go for a walk then take a Klonopin before going, give it time to kick in. The more you can get out the better. Tell your husband what his help means to you and always tell him thank you. If you two are out together and if you aren't doing very well being out make sure to let him know it's not his fault and thank him for being there for you.

I know this feels like it's all about you and how you feel but something that can be forgotten is how anxiety/panic attacks as well as agoraphobia can effect our loved ones. What you are going through can feel like a living nightmare but it's the same for a spouse just in a different way.

Do you enjoy music? Try listening to music when you go out of the house, this can even be done in stores.
Posted 1/28/2017 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
My therapist appears to have developed Parkinsons and my sister, her husband, and myself have stopped seeing him because his responses no longer make sense. He doesn't have anything helpful for coping with issues anymore. 5 years ago he was amazing but the disease is affecting his thoughts.

I have no coping skills. I don't know how to cope. I force myself out and I'm miserable. I try to enjoy what little I can but am getting frustrated. My husband lashes out at me, saying I take none of his advice. But I've already done everything he's suggested in the past and it doesn't work.

I don't know who to talk to because no one specializes in agora around here.
Posted 1/28/2017 5:45 AM (GMT 0)
T.G.,

I am so sorry to hear about your therapist. ..how tragic. sad

If you can't find another in your area that suits your needs. ..

...how about a SKYPE option, as many professionals are now offering this type of treatment.

Or, investing in a good self help program?

There are always new options to explore...and you should never feel hopeless or give up!

I am sorry your husband is not being understanding/supportive...but perhaps you can try to use the negative feelings this evokes to motivate you into further action.

I try to use anger as a fire to stoke my engines...and prove the 'nay-sayers' wrong! ;)

With encouragement!

S.C.
Posted 1/28/2017 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
I'm going to try and drive three blocks today to the fire station and back Scaredy Cat. We will see how it goes.

TG~
Posted 1/28/2017 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
TG,

Great job on taking steps for recovery!

Start small, be consistent, and gradually increase your challenges.smile

You can do it!

S.C.
Posted 1/29/2017 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
I like that you're trying to get out there and drive. Drive int he light. Get in the car, sit and maybe tha'ts it one day. Just keep moving forward.

What else is going on that has kicked up the agoraphobia? I have it too. I am newly pg and couldn't drive the first few weeks...then I just took baby steps. Sounds like husband is not helping you....

What can you ADD in your day that's good--time with your daughter? A bath? A book? If you've gotten through this before, you know you can again. It sounds like you're a fighter, just a matter of gettin back in the ring. I know, it's exhausting. That's why baby steps;)
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