can someone point me in the direction of help

[marybeth]

Hi,

Im not sure if anyone is going to read this or not, but I PRAY someone will. I am a 21 years-old, I live with my parents, and I have agoraphobia. I started feeling this way a little over 4 years ago, and thats why I never finished high school. The only time I got out now is when I have my mother or father with me. I am currently taking xanax to help control the panic attacks; I also see a psychiatrist in my area, but he isn't really helpful.

Are there any self-help programs someone could tell me about to help me combat agoraphobia. Thank you.

[shoe]

marybeth,

I don't have agoraphobia myself, but I would recommend you seek a new psychiatrist if the current one isn't helpful. Also, it would be a good idea to seek a psychologist who has experience treating anxiety disorders.

As far as self-help goes, I listed some support groups on the 'General Discussion' board, sometimes it's okay to go to these with a 'support person'.

Regarding self-help programs, I've only seen one or two advertised on infomercials. One that looked interesting was the Lucinda Bassett program, which is located at http://www.stresscenter.com/. I wouldn't know how good that is, but I know her books come recommended by a few.

And speaking of books, there are a number of those written for overcoming/coping with various anxiety disorders, working on stress reduction and relaxation, etc. Like I said, Lucinda Bassett's books are typically recommended by people, and also "The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne. Another book I have perused at the libarary that looked great was "The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook". These two aren't geared specifically towards agoraphobia, but towards stress, anxiety, relaxation and meditation exercises among other things. Im sorry that I don't know of any good Agoraphobia-specific books - but you could always check Amazon.com's reviews to see what people say.

Hope some of that helps :)
dan

[jerseygirl]

MaryBeth,
I am sorry to hear that ur having a hard time with ur agora. Trust me sweetie I've been there and what I found helped the most was reading and educating myself on anxiety and agoraphobia. The best thing for me was to find a good support forum like this and just keep talking about it. I found places like this really encouraged me to go out and do things.
If I can be of any help please email me. I'll post a list of books and cd's that have really helped me get thru the hard times.

Take care and remember that your not completely alone in this.

AnnaBanana

[klb]

I was curious if anyone on here sought the help of a psyciatrist and if so, was/is it helpful?

[dj9928]

I was curious if anyone on here sought the help of a psyciatrist and if so, was/is it helpful?

I have done in the past,to be honest I found the whole experience terrifying. I just wanted out of there,I was so worked up and had so many silly thoughts going around my head I couldn't take anything in.

[Angel]

Im seen a psychotherapist and i think it is helping quite a bit. He is teaching me very good breathing techniques (which i thought was crap at first) that kan really help you out before, during, and after a panik attack.

Traveling to his office also gives me the feeling that i accomplished something, since i dread driving there each time.

Also i am able to talk to a specialist about what i am going through.
I am a very stubborn person, so this benefits me by being able to hear "Panic Attacks Can not Kill You" from a person who makes his living by knowing these things.