Would love to hear some agoraphobia success!

[gypsylee]

Hi Tina and welcome

I get severe anxiety and agoraphobia as well but it has lessened over the years (with a lot of help). I actually just went out to the shops after a morning of feeling pretty terrible, and it wasn't bad at all. I guess my number one strategy is "just do it" no matter how much I don't feel like it. When I set off (driving) I often feel dissociated and strange, but I've learnt to ignore it and just trust in my ability to drive. It nearly always fades after a while and I feel "normal".

I do take medication but I find behavioural strategies are way more helpful. I also tell myself that everybody is so busy worrying about their own stuff that they probably don't take any notice of me (because I get really self-conscious in public). If I feel panicky and overwhelmed I sometimes find a place to sit and just watch people, to prove to myself nobody is paying me any attention.

I hope that helps a bit and you find some support here.

Gypsy x

[ivanmiller]

Nah. I overcame Agoraphobia in just a few weeks. It’s not hard because it only results from an extremely high level of anxiety. So, to overcome Agoraphobia, you don’t need to learn how to overcome anxiety completely, only how to reduce it a little.