So I guess I have agoraphobia now

[kevin]

About a year ago I developed panic disorder while working a highly mentally stressful job.

Now I find myself having high anxiety/panic even when I step outside.

I mean inside my apartment I have anxiety and sometimes panic but its not NEARLY as bad as if I'm outside.

Also when I run for a while and my heart races I start to panic because of the fact that my heart is racing and I'm breathing so heavily.

So I just learned this is agoraphobia...but I also read some people have got over it.

I was just wondering if anyone has any tips for me...

[couragemine]

I know exactly how you feel..my symptoms started as panic attacks also during a very stressful part of my life..and even thinking about going somewhere would start one. Most times I will not go anywhere without someone with me. A friend or one of my kids. I (obviously) have not gotten over this, I was just recently diagnosed with agoraphobia, and will see my doctor on Tuesday to discuss meds and treatment. Are you seeing a doctor who knows how to treat agoraphobia?

I do believe that the more time I spend "hiding out" in the house, the worse I get. I am currently unemployed, and not being able to job hunt at the moment, dur to panic attacks. I have never been unemployed before, so I'm sure this situation is worsening the agoraphobia. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I understand some of what you feel, and wanted to know what you are trying for treatment.

[kevin]

I am the same way. If I am in a line I can feel panic coming on. When I look up at the sky and see how open everything is I feel panic coming on. Even when driving in a car I feel panic coming on. The only time my panic is minimized is when I'm in the apartment. It's much better when I have someone with me then when I'm alone, but I still get it even then. I job hunt, but it is HELL because its like a constant anxiety attack for the duration I am job hunting.

Sometimes I will take a clonazepam and after about an hour it cools me down, but I have not seen any type of mental doctor about this.

[Bubbywu]

I was diagnosed with Agoraphobia 17 years ago. I became homebound a week before my 21st birthday. I was very lucky to get a therapist back then who specialized in anxiety disorders. My parents had to drag me kicking and screaming to see her. I could barely leave my room when I moved back home. I went through hypnotherapy to start driving again and to be able to work again. For my first trip out of the house my family took me to Hong Kong. Not the corner store but across the ocean!! I had 2 really bad attacks but thanks to Xanax and deep breathing I survived. I worked again for 16 years until I died on the job 2 years ago. Found out I have Congenital Long QT Syndrome which can cause sudden death by the heart stopping for no reason. Now I'm afraid to go back to work thinking it's going to happen again. I'm seeing a Cognitive Therapist right now and it seems to be helping a lot. I'm driving outside my safe zone a little more now, but still scared. I was put on a Beta Blocker (Toprol) for my heart, but eventually I'll have to have a Defibrilator put in my body. My specialist doesn't think that'll happen for a long time because I'm in such good shape. Can't work out too hard though cause my heart rate can't get too high. So now I don't know know if I'm having anxiety or a Syncopal episode (in which I'll pass out cause my heart stops). Try to see someone, they have a lot more knowledge of anxiety disorders now. And remember, God gives the toughest challenges to the strongest people because He knows you can get through it. Don't give up!!!


;)

Chele

[wordmistress]

couragemine,
I know exactly how you feel. I have been unemployed for over a year now. It is so difficult to job hunt when you have agoraphobia. Mine hit me between about April 2003 and June 2003. I was housebound then. I was 21. I spent my 22nd birthday in bed crying; the next day in the ER because my dad forced me.

I have come very far since then and I realize that, but not having a job really does fuel the agoraphobia. With gas prices, I try not to go out too much if I don't have to because of money. Before I know it, days have gone by because I have no where to go. I've been on interviews, but no luck. It's especially disappointing to go on an interview for a job that I know would be perfect for me because of the agoraphobia and not get the job!