Agoraphobia - please help me

bluefox

Dear Scope,

You've helped me a lot since I joined but now I'm reaching a bit of breaking point. My mental health has been bad most of my life. In 2020, I started having depression, panic attacks and then non-epileptic attacks. Since then I've become agoraphobic and still regularly experience panic attacks. I get told I'm euythmic in conversation but that's probably because I'm so socially isolated it feels good to have a conversation with another human being for a change.

But lately, I feel so down and hopeless, I've started turning to alcohol to self medicate and I'm constantly having suicidal thoughts. Trying to get this all across to my doctor has been like talking to a brick wall. They just don't seem to care. 

I know ages Scope offered to write to my doctor and I feel that may help because I am really struggling. I've lost everything my hobbies, my job, my friends, family. Please somebody suggest something.

Sandy_123

Hi @bluefox sorry your feeling way.

Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone)

• Shout. If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.

These are a couple of organisations you can use 

L_Volunteer

Hey @Bluefox. Great to hear from you as always. Really glad to hear we have been able to support you previously and I am hoping we can support you through this too. 

Sorry to hear you are going through a really difficult time at the moment. You have been really brave to reach out to us and others, even if others don't always appear to be caring. 

I have flagged your post for the staff team to see to hopefully help write to your doctor. In the meantime, do you feel comfortable emailing community@scope.org.uk? 

If we both try, we might catch their attention sooner! Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to support you, even if that's just extending a listening ear 

Cher_Alumni

Hello @bluefox

I'm sorry to read things have gotten to a low point again. It sounds like you have been battling lots of unpleasant conditions and I can understand it taking a toll and you feeling that more is needed. We'd be more than happy to help. I'm going to email you shortly, so please keep an eye out for that and reply when you can.

Also, I'd second speaking to The Samaritans or SHOUT in the interim, and of course 999 or a visit to the A&E if these troubling thoughts about harming yourself may become too much.

Thank you for reaching out 

jose679

@bluefox, I have just read your post,and I too have felt the same symptoms as yourself,especially the agoraphobia and constant suicidal ideation for years(unlike you though I dislike alchohol),my health has deterorating and been ruined for at least 20+ years ,I was an outgoing person and loved my job,which eventually because of disabilities of one thing and another I had to retire from in my 50s. 31 yrs ago I was prescribed various antidepressant drugs and benzodiazipines due to been unable to sleep because of an unhappy marriage breakup,and which involved my children.Long story short,I was prescribed these drugs on a regular monthly basis from my Gp and never took any more than prescribed,I began to have appointment after appointments with my Gps and was sent to see numerous specialists with one illness after another,until I am so disabled now because not one specialist or GP connected the dots together that it was because of these drugs that have made me so ill.In October last year a particular drug I had been taking could not be obtained by the pharmacy ,so the GP said I had to taper from this drug to a longer acting benzodiazine,and to get me off this drug.Since December last year I have been researching these drugs and what they have done to me mentally and physically has shocked me and quite truthfully angered me,I am now in charge of my own taper regime which I have told the GP I will do at my own pace,'not their pace',so as to avoid withdrawals.'I do not advise anyone to suddenly stop taking these drugs as this can be very dangerous but instead to get medical help before doing what I am doing'.I too have support from a psych chemist too who rings me on a regular basis to keep an eye on my progress with my taper,which I am grateful for.
I do hope @bluefox you get help! ,I do'nt know your history,it may not be the same as mine,but I have empathy to you as I know how these symptoms can make someone feel.
@jose2

JBS2022

I also suffer from Panic Attacks, in my case I have to go outside I can't stand being in the house when panic starts, I hope you start to get better soon. Samaritans is a good place to contact if you having really bad time x