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After5hock
03-28-2014, 12:10 PM
So I've never really read anything on agoraphobia until this post that I just read. This lady is in a similar situation, but I'd say her's is more 'advanced'. So I'm just wondering of it possible that I have underlying agoraphobia that may need addressed.. So here it goes..
I avoid going to places by myself, especially if it's crowded.. and if it is crowded, it's doesn't matter who I'm with, I get a very uncomfortable feeling like I could suffocate (like the start of an attack for me) I've always been nervous and uncomfortable, but almost three years ago I started getting the unsettling attack feeling which makes me eve more uncomfortable because I get scared that people will notice. I avoid hanging out with friend (especially 1on1) because I don't know what to say/do. Over half of the time I wouldn't talk very much because I don't know how to have a normal conversation without almost freaking out. Its not that I don't want to do these things, it's that I can't. I'm terrified of what could happen. I know the fear of going places by myself has a lot to do with my past and should just let it go.. but I don't know how to do that either. I've been kidnap, raped, molested, and even sold.. just the thought of going somewhere alone makes my heart speed up. In May, I went to Las Vegas with my mom, brother, and his wife, I don't think that I've ever been more scared of a pace in my life. I stayed in our hotel room 2 out of the 3 days. I just wanted to be somewhere familiar. I don't mind being home where it's safe, but I don't want to be a shut-in either.

Dragons
03-28-2014, 03:27 PM
I'm sorry you've been through such horrible things. :( I understand how that could prevent you from wanting to go out by yourself. As for whether it's agoraphobia, I don't know ... But I do experience some of the same feelings. I hate going out in public by myself, especially if I need to use some kind of public transportation. I also hate crowds, and even if I'm with someone else I'll get a panicky/suffocating feeling if there are a lot of other people around. I do still enjoy going out with friends/family but I'm much more prone to panic attacks if I'm out in public. I think part of it is just me being extremely introverted and generally disliking social situations. I would say it's probably not agoraphobia unless it's preventing you from leaving the house for extended periods of time––but then again, I'm not an expert. Maybe someone else knows more about it?

After5hock
03-30-2014, 08:24 PM
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/agoraphobia-leaflet

This might help explain agoraphobia best for you.

It is often a misunderstood diagnosis so wanted to provide you with facts. :)

I wasn't necessarily saying that I was.. I was just wondering if it could possibly be the beginning of the development of such phobia. Yes, that site did help me understand a little better, but still has me wondering a little if this could be the start. However, I could be over reacting.