Does anyone know anything about Agoraphobia?

Question

I've been suffering with this and homebound for nearly 15 years and never came across anyone else with it. Do you or someone you know has this type of phobia or were cured of it? Please share. Thanks :-)

Answer 1

I had it for years. First of all, people with this usually HAVE to have some kind of therapy. I just started going out a little bit at a time. At first i would always have to have someone with me. After a while i was able able to go out on my own. It was really hard at first. I ended up back home many times. The more i was able to do it, the more confident i got. I'm great now and can go anywhere ( i still get a little nervous sometimes tho ). I feel so bad for you and anyone who suffers with this. I hope you can get help and feel better soon :-)

Answer 2

I certainly know a lot about it! And if you've had it for 15 years, to be honest, you do as well.
Here's the honest truth. If you do nothing about it, it's not going to disappear. In fact, this dark cloud can hover over you for the rest of your life. But don't worry, because there is A LOT of help these days. You can make many little changes as well as big changes to improve your situation. You can look into changes in diet. You can try alternative treatment, such as hypnosis or herbal products like PureCalm to help you. You are likely depressed by this, so you could try Anxius, which is for depression, anxiety and stress.
The best thing to do, unfortunately, is also the hardest thing to do. You have to face it. Each time you run away (which is understandable), you are feeding it. Each time you face it, you are making the fear get smaller. Eventually, you'll extinguish it. But like I said, it's the hardest thing you'll ever do, BUT, it can be done. And you'll need some kind of help, whether it's from a doctor, medication or other methods.
You also probably think you will never get well, right? Actually, you're probably right. You see, if you don't do anything, then it will always be with you. But if you have a shot at whatever treatment method you choose, you WILL get better, or better yet, completely live a free and happy life again. It's hard work. But slowly, you can do it.
Check out the resources. You might find something that will help you.

Answer 3

There are millions of people who have this phobia, but they're terrified of even paying a visit to the doctor. It can be treated if you're serious about getting help (15 years is a long time). This disorder is usually paired with anxiety, so your shrink would not only try and find the underlying problem for this disorder (For example, maybe it could even be something as simple as you getting lost in a huge store for 2 hours as a kid that has caused this), but treat the anxiety as well. Agoraphobia deals with the unconscious mind and until you get treated for the anxiety and start sessions with the psychologist, you won't get better, only worse.

Answer 4

I have suffered with it too. I changed my diet and exercise program and most days are ok as opposed to every day being hard. I totally stopped taking in any caffeine(drinks and food..i.e. coffee and chocolate) Then I started exercising everyday even if only for a short walk. This has greatly reduced my stress level which in turn made it easier for me to face my fears. I made myself go into places where I was uncomfortable and I would stay there as long as I could. I exposed myself to all my fears and in doing so I learned that I would and am ok. When I am stressed it makes it harder to deal with so try some relaxing techniques. For me when I start to feel like the world in closing in, I just keep repeating to myself "You are ok" I only have to say this a few times to calm down. I didn't get better over night but after a few years of exposure therapy and a good group of close friends who encouraged me, I feel that I am more alive today then I have ever been. Good Luck. It is a hard road but anything worth having is hard! And your freedom is worth it!

Answer 5

Somewhat. I was petrified to drive anywhere out of my comfort zone and it really did affect my life in so many ways. I had panic attacks and missed out on a lot of opportunities. I eventually said enough is enough and took baby steps to gradually ease away from my comfort zone. Of course, I was not cured over night nor am I cured today but I am much better and I feel so independent and free. Start out small. Take a friend with you and step out of your front door. Take deep breaths and observe your surroundings. The next day, walk to your driveway, then your side walk, then walk to the neighbor's house and so on to where you are beginning to feel comfortable. Remember, this won't happen over night so you have to be patient but you have to push yourself, even if its only a little bit. You can overcome this, I can promise you that. I would also recommend counseling. They can teaching you coping skills and really help you accomplish your goals more effectively. Congrats for taking control and good luck!

Answer 6

I have never had it and don't know a whole lot about it, but it seems like I remember reading that Paula Deen struggled with it. She is the southern dessert chef and her picture is all over the covers of magazines. I am almost positive she wrote a book about it. I think you can find it on LTD Commodities website. I think it is titled something like "It aint just about the cooking". Hope this helps!

Answer 7

I do not suffer from agoraphobia nor does anyone I know. I am familiar with this condition however. You did not mention if you see a professional health care specialist for help. I suggest that you see a psychiatrist for help. This is your best move.

Answer 8

I suffer from it in a mild form,however it does keep me in most of the times. They say that change your thought process with CBT helps, but it doesn't happen over night and you really need to work at it and yes it's hard. Check with your/a doctor for referral to enter into group therapy and if groups are not for you it can also be done on one on one...Good Luck..