Agoraphobia advice?

[Jessica03]

For as long as I can remember I have had generalized anxiety. About 2 years ago, I began to develop agoraphobia for some unknown reason. This fear developed out of the blue. I have seen a therapist, but eventually stopped seeing her because I found that I didn't have much else to talk about, and my fears seemed to somewhat improve. The agoraphobia is definitely starting to get worse again. Haircuts, grocery store lines, and meetings at work are my absolute WORST nightmare. The agoraphobia has been escalating so much in the past 2 months due to the fact that im the maid of honor in a wedding this up coming weekend. I cannot stand the feeling of being trapped and not having a choice to leave. I have had more than one panic attack in the last couple weeks because all I can think about is the fear of this wedding. I am
Very nervous about standing up at the church for 40+ minutes for the ceremony. I am even
More nervous about getting my hair and nails done, which are probabaly
My worst fear. To a normal
Person, this sounds ridiculous. But when I have to get my hair cut, I have a feeling of being trapped in that chair with no option of leaving. I begin to hyperventilate, sweat and get extremely
Dizzy to the point where I feel like I may pass out. In fact, I did faint during a tour of a winery once. Any advice on how to get through this weekend? How to talk mySelf
Into realizing it's JUST a hair appointment and I'll be okay?

[NixonRulz]

Lots of triggers you have were ones that I had as well. Anywhere that I didn't feel I had an escape plan was right up there.

Don't think too much about a "normal" person. We are all screwed up in our own way. We just are the lucky ones that get to deal with anxiety.

You will never talk yourself into anything when you are trying to fight off anxious feelings. They just come at you even harder.

On the contrary, you could go do those things that you fear and when you feel those anxious feelings come, just let them come. You have believed for so long that you will feel anxious in those situations, that they come as planned.

Just as you have developed a fear of those situations, you can change your belief system back to where it was when you were anxiety free.

Doing the things that you fear and letting the panic feelings come without making an exit or trying to fight it will signal to your brain that there is no reason to be fearful.

No fear, no fight or flight kicks in.

If you haven't ever come across him, a good website is The Anxiety Coach. Very easy to understand and he does a great job explaining what you are feeling and how to move past anxiety.

Anything from Claire Weeks is also really educational.

Have an awesome time at the wedding. You will do great!