I have severe agoraphobia

Tamatha

I have severe agoraphobia and have had it since childhood.. it's at it's worst now and i never leave my home on my own, so I virtually never go out ..  I'm hoping there are other people out there who understand agoraphobia.. . 

CockneyRebel

Hi Tamatha and welcome

We have many members that will understand. Please have a look around and if you have any questions please ask

CR

steve51

Hi @Tamatha

It’s great to meet you today.

And welcome along to our online family.

I have found you some info/support from within our site.

https://search.scope.org.uk/s/redirect?collection=scope-meta&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.scope.org.uk%2Fdiscussion%2F37176%2Fhello-im-new-here-esa-rant-and-questions&index_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.scope.org.uk%2Fdiscussion%2F37176%2Fhello-im-new-here-esa-rant-and-questions&auth=5rLrrmFHgbjIoa%2FqpszMoA&profile=_default&rank=1&query=Agrophobia

https://search.scope.org.uk/s/redirect?collection=scope-meta&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.scope.org.uk%2Fdiscussion%2F29668%2Fdepression-and-pain&index_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.scope.org.uk%2Fdiscussion%2F29668%2Fdepression-and-pain&auth=OdRBXZYr3U3gx0z7CLelrg&profile=_default&rank=2&query=Agrophobia

Please please let me know if there’s anything else that I can help you with?????

Tamatha

Hi .. thank you both for your replies and the info and support..   My situation is so complicated .  I feel really down at the moment which is why I haven' been on here..  plus I'm a bit worried about writing on a public forum.  I hope I can stay on here even if I don' post much.  It's just a comfort to know there are people who would understand my situation and not judge me ..  

CockneyRebel

Hi Tamatha

You are safe here, please stay and only post when you feel able, we do not judge anyone

CR

steve51

Hi @Tamatha

That’s no problem at all.

Please stay here if it’s helpful you are very very welcome as well.

Please please let me know if there’s anything that I can help you with ????

I have got “broad shoulders”

It there anything that I can do to “uncomplicate” things for you?????

They do say a “Problem Shared is a Problem Halved”

Sam_Alumni

Hi @Tamatha
It is a public forum so you shouldnt share any personal details but it is a nice community of people who care and understand.

Are you getting any support for the agoraphobia? 

The following information is from the NHS website about treatment for agoraphobia.

Treating agoraphobia

With psychological treatment (talking therapies), most people with agoraphobia will make significant improvements, particularly if the three steps described below are followed.

A stepwise approach is usually recommended for treating agoraphobia and any underlying panic disorder:

1. Educate yourself about your condition, possible lifestyle changes you can make, and self-help techniques to help relieve symptoms.
2. Enrol yourself on a guided self-help programme.
3. More intensive treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or medication.

Lifestyle changes may include taking regular exercise, eating more healthily, and avoiding alcohol, drugs and drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola.

Self-help techniques that can help during a panic attack include staying where you are, focusing on something that's non-threatening and visible, and slow, deep breathing.

If your agoraphobia fails to respond to these treatment methods, your GP may suggest trying a guided self-help programme. This involves working through self-help manuals that cover the types of issues you might be facing, along with practical advice about how to deal with them.

Medication may be recommended if self-help techniques and lifestyle changes aren't effective in controlling your symptoms. You'll usually be prescribed a course of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are also used to treat anxiety and depression.

In severe cases of agoraphobia, medication can be used in combination with other types of treatment, such as CBT and relaxation therapy.

Read more about treating agoraphobia.

Teresa_1

Hello Tamatha..I suffer from agoraphobia too,it is so disabling.
Many years ago,l had cognitve behaviour therapy for it,but it was unsuccessful sadly.Do try anything that is suggested on here though,to give you the best chance of overcoming it.I wish you luck.

Topkitten

I used to be very outgoing and social, life and soul of the arty type. 10 years ago I started to suffer agoraphobia and it has and does leave me miserable most of the time. I am currently trying to deal with it with a lot of success. In my own way though as the GP's etc never did give me any help for it. I have made  my son proud though for the progress I have made.

It can be done.

TK