Does anyone suffer with agoraphobia, anxiety, insomnia? If so how do you manage daily living ?

nee

I have been diagnosed with agoraphobia previously and finding it very difficult to manage and live a regular life! I am isolated from the world, I don't connect with anyone apart from my children. Im thankful to be alive but I have no life at all. My safe place is my home, the thought of going outside terrifies me due to fear of being around people, paranoia, unmanageable panic attacks. I avoid these things by staying in my house. Can anyone relate, if so how do you manage? 

INDITics

Anxiety

HI! I can relate to this heavily, I was put on medical leave Nov 2022 due to my disability and i fell into a hole of being paranoid about the outside because the outside was the reason i was put on med leave, I wouldn't even go to the corner shop when I need something to eat, I was getting everyone to run around for me because I couldn't face outside, I got a dog thinking that would ease me into it..it didn't, i love my dog and she has helped with the anxiety and my disability, what helped was someone taking me on car rides further and further out until I got a little more confident, but its easily yo slip back in, i dread Mondays.

nee

Thank you for your reply. Sorry your also suffering with agoraphobia, it's such a difficult mental health to deal with, especially when you're housebound. Going on long drives with someone sounds great, unfortunately for me I don't go on long drives, walks, I practically live my entire life alone were I am most at peace. I have had some very traumatic experiences in my life which has prevented me from getting close to people. I don't express what I am feeling to others as I don't like pity, even more so people would never really understand what you are feeling unless they are going through it themselves. I live in a world of fear. I strongly believe prayers are very powerful, and to some degree I see that 1 day their will be light at the end of the tunnel. We must never give up hope, because when it comes down to it hope is all we really have that things will improve. 

Good luck on your journey, stay strong, stay hopeful x

Hannah_Alumni

Anxiety

I have anxiety and find a few tips and tricks helpful. Like knowing the journey, I am taking. Where I can stop off on the way. And I love using mindfulness apps like Headspace. But you can get session free on YouTube too  

Albus_Scope

Anxiety

I didn't leave my house for a year due to agoraphobia and PTSD, it took a lot of therapy and soul searching to get to the bottom of things.  I still get panic attacks and major anxiety when I leave the house without anyone and I'm rubbish with strangers. But I am a tonne better than I used to be. 

    There's a lot of therapies you can do from your home and I highly recommend looking into them if you haven't already.  But I do have to state, I'm not a trained medical expert.

nee

@Albus_Scope
thank you for your response, I really appreciate it. I am currently researching alot of self help guide on line as I am also not good with strangers. I tend to become withdrawn and not want to talk about what I am feeling. I have heard alot of negative things about therapists and how they judge you behind your back etc. Although I know they're not all the same, I would never really know who I am dealing with so I would prefer to try and help myself which could possibly be a bit more difficult.

 I am forever researching, reading up about other people who suffer with agoraphobia and how they cope with daily living. I can say it helps a great deal. I also haven't left my home in a very long time because of my fear of the outside world. I have experienced alot of unfortunate situations with family, ex friends and ex partners which has left me emotionally traumatised. So for this reason I can't seem to be comfortable with anyone but my children. 

Thankfully for my children they are a massive support system for me, they always make sure I have everything I need before they go out, always sending messages and phone calls to check in with me. They keep me going, and I keep faith that 1 day all will be better. I wish you well on your journey also. You are not alone. 

Bless you always x

Albus_Scope

Anxiety

I'm so glad you have a lovely support network with your kids, that can really make all the difference and thank you for your well wishes.
 
  You're very right when you say not all therapists are the same, but we tend to only hear about the horror stories and not how wonderful the majority are, so please try not to dwell on the bad reports.  Again, easier said than done I know.    

The NHS site has some good advice on talking therapies which may be worth looking at? Or there's several apps now that offer at home therapies via the phone, so no need for strangers to be getting mud on your carpets.

nee

@Mickyblue
Hi Mickyblue

thank you for your response, I actually find talking with people on sites like these is very helpful. It's not face to face so I can feel more comfortable expressing myself. I am trying to work on seeing a therapist face to face but I need a little more time to build up the courage to leave my home. I am happy to hear that you can talk to people about your anxiety and panic attacks that's brilliant. 

I wish you all the best on your journey. All will be ok, stay strong and keep pushing through xx 

Albus_Scope

Anxiety

Sometimes the best therapy is just talking about things openly.  I'm really glad we've been able to help you.  

nee

@Hannah_Scope
Good morning Hannah_Scope

I am so sorry for delayed response, I thought I replied.. thank you so much for your reply, unfortunately I don't go on any journeys at all not even the corner shop. The feeling of heart palpitations prevents me doing alot of things. My children prompt me to do everything, eat, drink, etc. I have a very long way to go before I can be comfortable with going outside. 

I have a car which was brought for me by my dad and I don't use it, so it just sits there. I am waiting for my son to pass he's driving test so I can give him my car. I am home 7 days a week with no interaction at all with the outside world unless I'm communicating with people through sites like these. This is the most social I am unfortunately, but comfortable with this. 

Thank you once again for your message x 
bless you 

nee

@Albus_Scope
you have been a great help, thank you so much xx ☺️