I moved to a rural area 3 years ago. I work from home. I don't have much social interaction, and when I do, it freaks me out. I can't drive anymore. I am starting to get panic attacks even when my husband and I go to the grocery store. When a neighbor pops by, I get nervous and panicky.
I know what I need to do is desensitize myself, but I just can't find the courage to do it! I can't sleep anymore. I wake up every night in the middle of the night. I anestasize myself with alcohol so I can deal with it. I was on Zoloft last year but went off it because it didn't help. I really think all those anti-depressants work for depression, but not anxiety. The one drug I have found to help is Clonazipam, but I don't want to take that all the time. It's very proactive, but if somebody drops by unexpectedly, that doesn't help, because it takes about a half hour to take effect. It is an anti-seizure medication.
So how do you get yourself out of this situation? And don't tell me go see my doctor, because the thought of it throws me into a frenzy! I do not want to be on medication. I need to force myself to interact with people on a regular basis and try to drive, but it is very very hard!