Am I agoraphobic?

Question

I am social phobic but wonder if agoraphobic too. It is painfuly hard for me to even check the mail box, make phone calls, mowe the grass, go places. I am somewhat a hermit with no one to turn to and the only person that pays for my living right now is judgmental. I can't work cause of this and I think I need to change doctors. Any help without being judgemental will be strongly appreciated. I need self help as well as the docors but trying to just put myself out there to exposure is very painful.

I constantly feel judged at all times.

How can I stop this compulsive thought that people are judging my every little move?

Answer 1

Agoraphobic means you are afraid of crowds of people. It seems from what you say that you are both. I used to be afraid of heights. I would get dizzy, begin hyperventilating, and start showing signs of being highly agitated and nauseated. I was frightened, and people around me never understood what was going on. So, I can identify with your fears. The only way I was able to overcome my fear was to make myself go to high places GRADUALLY. I would force myself to look down, even for a second, and then I would look for a longer period until the fear dissipated. Over time I was able to overcome my fear of heights. Now I have to work on my horrendous fear of large, wide-open spaces.

I am NOT preaching to you, but do try to face your fears a little bit at a time until you overcome them. You can do it!!!

Good luck.

Answer 2

Bottom line...your not going to find the answers you need here. Your going to have to get some professional help. Social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia...the label is less important than the history, the origin, the underlying cause that led you to develop these harmful thought patterns. It may be especially difficult for you to seek help but it is essential, as these conditions typically persisnt and exaserbate.
Psych meds are very very helpful for social phobics...paxil has had a very high success rate, but you need the therapy too.
It is likely that this is your only solution.

Agoraphobia, like other phobias, is made up of extreme anxiety and fear. Different from other phobias, however, is the generalization which occurs. Agoraphobia is the anxiety about being in places where escape might be difficult or embarrassing or in which help may not be available should a panic attack develop. It can be sub diagnosed as either ‘with’ or ‘without’ panic disorder (see above). Typically situations that invoke anxiety are avoided and in extreme cases, the person may never or rarely leave their home.

As its name implies, GAD is evidenced by general feelings of anxiety such as mild heart palpitations, dizziness, and excessive worry. The symptoms are difficult to control for the individual and are not related to a specific event (such as in PTSD) and are not as severe as those found with Panic Disorder.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Um, I don't think you are agoraphobic. If you read the diagnostic criteria you would find that these people fear going outside as well as social situations. It can get to the point where they stay inside 24/7. They may not even go outside to get the mail. They might rely on home deliveries and have the food or what not left outside for them. Agoraphobia is a LOT more than just not being able to talk to people you don't know. You may have social anxiety. Or generalized anxiety. Don't jump to the conclusion you have. Go talk to someone weho can give you a real diganosis.

Answer 4

I hate leaving the house and I hate making phone calls but I know I have to do it. some days I can't leave because I think bad things are going to happen but this doesn't happen as often as it used to. I am addicted to clothes shopping because I am convinced new clothes will make me look better and so make it easier for me to leave but they never do. I haven't had any help from my doctor as he gives the impression that he thinks there is nothing wrong with me so I have just had to get on with it. just try leaveing the house each day and going a bit futher each time. I no this isn't very useful but I hope it helps you to feel less alone x x

Answer 5

It sounds like you are. I don't understand why you would want to change doctors though, unless you are trying to tell him/her something, and you don't think you are being heard
If that's the case, definitely go see another doctor, and describe everything the same way you did here.

Answer 6

Im not a dr but sounds it to me. i have those feelings and have been diagnosed. heck there was a period of time in my youth i didnt leave my house for 5 months. its not fun especially when u have to make phone calls i cant handle it and have anxiety attacks. dont feel bad go to a dr and he/she can help. hope this helps.

Answer 7

I think you already know this answer, and posting this question means you're reaching out and I would suggest seeing a psychiatrist, they really can help a lot.

Answer 8

sounds like you might be, I know of a yahoo group called paniczone that might be of help with support, there are a lot people in there that has agoraphobia.