BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Mental Health Dealing With Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia can be debilitating. In this article I offer some tips, techniques and ideas that may be helpful in coming out of the fear and panic it can bring.

Dealing With Agoraphobia

Would love to hear your stories or experiences that have helped you out of difficult situations with mental health challenges, and of course your upset/anger of not being understood can be really helpful and supportive to help others in similar situations

Great article Tracy. I always thought it was fear of being outside the home. Then I met someone who was agoraphobic, but he could go to work, or familiar places with no problem - I was so surprised when he told me he suffered from it.

It's so complex!

I'm overwhelmed Not only can't leave my house I can't stand in front of an open door My therapist is working with me trying to do so But i freak out
My doctors are worried also because they know if i needed emergency care I would NOT call an ambulance or leave to go to the hospital
Some time I feel like I'm suffocating that the walls are closing in on me
I was receiving Meals on wheels but had to stop just knowing I had to open the door the anxiety was over whelming I get so nervous when some one is coming by I even avoid my grown children and grandchildren
I don't mind talking to them on the phone or by email But knowing they're coming buy to visit me Is hard to deal with
Often my friends and family will just show up not telling me they're coming by And for the first half hour or so that they're here I can't sit down I'm shaking uncontrollably
And not making any sense what so ever
I often ask how did I get this way When did it happen

Hi Rosie, Sounds dreadful. I can't imagine the fear you must be living with. I hope that your therapist is able to help you. My thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time and hats off to you for persevering with therapy and other input

Thank you Tracy