Please help me! Is this agoraphobia or what?

Question

I walked into a shop today & there were about 10 other people in it, this caused a panic attack. I'm also nervous around groups of people e.g. weddings, pubs etc, so I dont go out that much. I also get really depressed for absolutely no reason in particular i.e. one day im ok, the next i feel angry & unhappy. I cant explain it, can anyone offer me some advice? Genuine answers ONLY please.

Answer 1

Mmm, these all sound like typical symptoms of stress. It could be that your panic attacks and episodes of depression are a sign of something more worrying, but I think you should first take a look at your stress levels and consider how you could reduce them -this may require some drastic changes...

Answer 2

I have experienced panic attacks. Firstly, they are very common so you are definitely not alone. How long have these been happening and is there something that has caused it - stress etc. The problem is that once it has happened, whenever you go out again you are waiting for it to happen again and then you avoid going out and it all becomes a vicious circle and life is easier to stay in. You can beat this - I have (mine went on for about 4 years). Just take deep breaths, remember that nothing bad is going to happen to you! Don't be afraid to say to people, "I just need to pop out for 5 minutes as I feel a bit pannicky". I think mine was a worry about losing control and being trapped in a situation or place - I got over this by saying to myself " I am free - if I am not comfortable, I can leave whenever I want"!. The more I have spoke to friends and colleagues about this, the more I realise that so many of us suffer from anxious moments - we all have little worries and fears. The secret is to try and not let it control you but you to control it. In the end, I thought well, if this anxiousness is my mind playing tricks on me, I will play tricks on it and reverse this anxiety/panic attacks. One final tip which I found works, cast your mind back to a time when you felt in control and confident and "act" like that again - when you go out, imagine that you are so confident - this will make you be more confident!. If problems get too much then go and see your GP but I would try everything else first - you really don't want to be put on anti-depressents - they don't solve anything in the long run. Good luck.

Answer 3

Well I too have been diagnosed with Anxiety disorder, Agoraphobia and Depression. I guess it would depend on how you were feeling and how you reacted to the anxiety attack in public. One of my hugest fears is having one in public and embarrassing myself. Which has lead me to a very trying life. I would defiantly try to see a psychologist for your anxiety problems if you aren't already. If you do not have insurance a lot of times there will be mental health services in you town that will be free of charge or will be based on your income. I would also try doing some research on your conditions. You really need to learn how to relax which is way easier said than done when you have anxiety problems. Exercise works wonders and so does eating healthy. NO CAFFEINE. Caffeine is the root of the evil, I have finally quit drinking pop and have already felt so much better. One last thing I would like to tell you is I had read a book/workbook that I found help full and hope you could try finding it for yourself It is called The anxiety and Phobia Workbook and the author is Edmund J. Bourne, PH.D. If you ever need to talk or have further question you are more than welcome to contact me. I would love to be of some help if possible. Well I hope this was somewhat helpfull and good luck!

Answer 4

I think you have Social Anxiety if you are only nervous about crowds and people. Agoraphobia is more a fear of being in open spaces. I was diagnosed with Social anxiety in late 2005, and had to see a phsycologist. I'm much better now, but I still get a bit anxious if I'm on my own in a busy place for too long.

If you go to the doctors they can help you, and refer you to a phsycologist, and you might have to do cognitive behavioural therapy, which helps you realise how thinking can influence how you feel. It's quite hard to explain, try and read up about it online.

It does actually help to know that you are not the only person who feels this way, because I remember how I used to feel, it does feel sometimes like no one understands and your the only one, but don't worry, your not. But one thing, please please please, do not stop going out all together, or you may well develope agoraphobia. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

This is an anxiety disorder my husband suffers from it.
It can, and does make life hell , you need to take your mind off the problem try wearing an mp3, listening to music while out shopping etc concentrate on other things it helps to fade your surrounding into the background if you feel a panic attack coming on try breathing slowly and steadily sit down if you can breathing slow sit until you feel the attack fading and when you are ready go back and continue your shopping .My hubby has started using weights at home to help him combat the anger and depression he also listens to music see if a mild anti depressant helps good luck

Answer 6

It sounds like an anxiety disorder. Maybe a social phobia. I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder with slight agoraphobia a few years back. I also get very nervous around groups of people, and avoided going out a lot. I quit school because of it, and I still deal with many of the symptoms even though I have been treated. Social anxiety can lead to agoraphobia if severe, and it will also cause some depression. Do you feel as if people are talking about you, or looking at you? Thinking things about you? Worried about embarssing yourself? Worried that you might say or do something stupid in public?

You should talk to a psychologist or your doctor about it and see what they say.

Answer 7

hello,
i had an incident where i'v got a brain injury and well i do too have that feeling of not wanting to be around people and have panic attacks..i believe we are agoraphobic..i cannot stand or seem to understand why that happens so much, but just get to a safe place, breathe slow and deep for a few mins. and try to do things early in the morning if its possible...
thats what i have to do now...just a little idea..well good luck

Answer 8

You are not alone. I avoid crossing the road at the zebra crossings and usually use the underground because I feel embarassed that all eyes of the motorists are watching you (of course they are). I avoid attending functions which I am invited to without a partner because I hate meeting people who are snobs. Thats because I think I have inferiority complex because I am not as good looking and qualified as I should be. Are you better than me in that sense? If so, you have nothing to worry about.

Answer 9

Agoraphobia is a fear of being in an embarrassing situation in front of people, not just being around others. Sounds like you have social anxiety in addition to your depression. You will need to go to a doctor, a general practitioner can prescribe some medicine to help with the anxiety and depression, and can refer you to a therapist. It's manageable, don't worry.

Answer 10

Sounds like Anxiety Disorder with Depression

Consult a doctor...