agoraphobia?

Question

Have you ever had to deal with it? How did you change it

Answer 1

I was crippled by agoraphobia for many years. I tried therapy and medications. They didnt work. In fact constanty focusing on it in therapy I think made it worse. It is a downward spiral and the more you worry and think about it the worse it seems to get.

The thing that finally worked was just literally forcing myself to live life and get out. I was so sick of life at that point I just said F it and decided that life was not living like that. At first I would break into panic attacks etc, but what is the worst that could happen from a panic attack? It couldnt kill me, but the agoraphobia (fear) could.

I really think this is the only way to beat it,

Answer 2

Yes, I still suffer from it but I go through periods where it is better than others. It is definitely better than it used to be because for quite some time I was stuck in my home completely. I mean I could not even open the door. It was so scary. I am still very limited, for example I live in a fairly large city and I can only go within a certain area or have to know that I am close to somewhere that if something happened I could get help, etc. such as a hospital. I cannot drive on Interstates. I am unable to work at the moment but have been applying for jobs for the first time in 7 years, so I am hoping there. I know for me that intense cognitive behavioral therapy has helped the most but I do not feel after reading, taking medications and learning from my own experiences that it will ever be gone completely. I do feel as though I will be able to live a productive life and may even be able to help others who suffer even if I am limited somewhat at times. It can get me depressed at times when it is bad but more than not now I win that battle with new coping mechanisms that I have learned but certainly not all the time....I could only wish. Hope this helped~

Answer 3

Self-Help Tips for Controlling & Reducing Agoraphobia

Exercise regularly

Exercise is an effective treatment for anxiety. Yoga and aerobic activities are particularly calming. To learn more about how moving your body is good for your state of mind, read Exercise eases symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep can exacerbate anxiety. Getting the Sleep You Need describes the importance of a full-night’s rest and offers tips on how to sleep well.

Eat a healthy diet

Healthy eating can help you in your battle against anxiety and stress. Make sure your diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Read Healthy Eating for guidelines and tips.

Meditate

Many types of meditation have been shown to reduce anxiety. Common types of meditation include mindfulness, walking meditation, and transcendental meditation. Visit Meditation Balances the Body's Systems for an overview of its benefits for body and mind.

Practice relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualization can help reduce anxiety. Relaxation Techniques for Relief of Anxiety & Stress describes a variety of relaxation exercises you can practice on your own.

Avoid alcohol and drugs

Don’t use substances to cope with your anxiety. They can make the problem worse, and eventually will cause problems of their own.

Eliminate caffeine

Stop drinking or cut back on caffeinated beverages, including soda, coffee, and tea. Caffeine can increase anxiety, cause insomnia, and even provoke panic attacks.

Cultivate a support system

Spend as much time as possible with people who make you feel good and are emotionally supportive. The more social support you have from friends and family, the less vulnerable you will be to anxiety and stress.

Answer 4

See agoraphobia treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 27.

Answer 5

Yeth! A real pain! Couldn't go anywhere or do anything. How I got rid of it was STOP PUSHING! :D That won't work! Every time I tried to force myself to do something, it set me back MANY steps! :(

Ya gotta take LITTLE baby steps... Now, many years later, I can go out with no problems, but I only go out when it's quiet, and I avoid crowds. I never shop when it will be crowded.

Of course, Valium helped IMMENSELY... :D

Answer 6

I've never talked to someone with i t before. The movie Copycat with Sigorney Weaver suffers from it and she can't leave the house.