Would any of you other agoraphobics out there [no pun intended] like to share your experience with Agoraphobia? Have you noticed how it's only certain illnessses that get talked about in the media? Kinda frustrating. An illness is an illness. Not one should get more attention than any other. How does your agoraphobia affect you in everyday life? What is it you're REALLY scared of that could happen? I think we let the fear of 'What if's' take over way too much, before we try to step outside. Yes, getting attacked or whatever can happen out of the blue, but why should us who suffer from it, let it hold us back? I usually have the bravery to overcome MOST terrifying situations, so it's not me being myself if ever I let anything stop me. It's like someone shouting "STOP!", as soon as I almost manage to get out of my house. The front garden is as far as I can go, yet. At least it's something, I suppose. We have to expose ourselves to the outside world in baby steps. Don't walk to the supermarket, if you still feel pretty wary. Instead, walk to somewhere near your home. Small steps. Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to get bigger results too soon. We should be taking our lives back. For me, it's not so much a matter of being scared of outside, it's more of a fear of being attacked/beaten up by gangs/getting ill while out anywhere/feeling a loss of control while outside. We can't let this bully of an illness end up becoming so big that we never step outside ever again. I would hate to think it could ever result in that. Do you want to be a prisoner of your own mind till you die? Really now? Let's overcome this together. I shall not let ANYONE or ANYTHING stop me from living like an ordinarily-functioning human being. Nothing or nobody has the right to stop me.

You have a phobia of open spaces rawwr? I have a phobia of needles, a bit easier to control I think.

Seriously though, do you think dark sunglasses could make you "disguised" so you can take giant baby steps? As you can tell, I'm not a doctor!


But good luck!

I'm no stranger to anxiety. Other than work I pretty much isolate myself these days. Alcohol helps mask the symptoms but now I'm chemically dependent. Those that don't suffer with anxiety every day don't understand what it's like. It's a bit different for me than you though. I don't worry about the what ifs. For me it's not mental so much as physiological. If I don't have at least a good alcohol buzz I feel like **** and avoid being around people

the world is so scary.
Dx

Well, I don't have agoraphobia but I have phone anxiety. I dread making phone calls to anyone, including my daughter who I know loves me. As you said with agoraphobia, it has a lot to do with loss of control. The best way I've found to deal with it is to just accept it as a fact and then tell myself that I have to make this call, whether I'm anxious about it or not. I focus on the task to be done instead of how I feel about it. Also I think about how I'll feel afterward if I do make the call (relieved and a tiny bit proud of myself) versus if I don't (depressed and even more anxious about next time).

That's the only thing I know how to do, maybe it would work for you. Good for you for being determined to not let it rule your life.

Sorry for not replying to you all sooner. I can understand your fear of needles, as I completely dread having injections. I can't even look at one. I always hold my breath as the dr puts a needle in my arm :shock:. And the colour drains from my face. Horrible. I just have trouble understanding the bit you put about wearing sunglasses. It's mostly down to someone threatening me in the street a while ago. That same day it happened, I got drunk, to block it out of my mind.

I thought if you wore sunglasses you might feel incognito and be more bold, I don't know, like I said, I'm no doctor!

So you're addicted to the buzz the alcohol gives you. It's understandable all the same. Alcohol is quite good at relieving anxiety. It can help you feel safer, because it blocks out nervous tension. I often wonder if people who suffer with stage fright might use it as a crutch, even it's just one glass, just to help them get through a live show.

Yeah tell me about it ;)

Thankyou :). When I do get to go out, it's either with someone, or by taxi. Still a bit wary of public transport at this time. Like on christmas day, I got a taxi to gran's house. It may be more expensive than taking the bus, but I feel safer that way. Also, someone else buys my groceries for me, and with my bills and rent money, because of this. I feel like a burden upon my family, even though they tell me I'm not.

A good idea though :). Maybe I could also wear a wig, and dress really differently. 8-)

I was agoraphobic. For me its more to do with social anxiety than the fear of violence. I would rather walk for miles than get in a taxi or on a bus, just to avoid the social situation. Yes i know that avoidance only makes it worse.

Wow, this is fascinating, how the world can cripple humans mentally. I relate in the sense that I am afraid to be happy, like something is holding me back from enjoying my life. I seem to be stuck in the comfort zone of unhappiness. I will feel fine during the day. As soon as I fall asleep and wake up the next day, I feel dread in my heart until I force myself to get up. I don't know how to get out of this rut. I need a big change in my life.

I feel for those that do have these phobias. I had a fear of flying, heights, and closed spaces; however I overcame these fears because it was required of me to face them while serving in the military. I will be honest that it was hard facing my fears but I wanted to stop being afraid of these things and didn't like the idea of taking andy sort of medications as I don't react well to any types of pills. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everyone's fears go away; but life just isn't that easy. I just hope all of you have someone to turn to for help with your fears.

My agoraphobia I noticed came from the grief stage. Actually at one point it was claustaphobia, too at the same time. Eventually, though the claustaphobia was replaced by isolation which seems similiar. So, at one time closed and wide open spaces both were something I had to overcome. I would make myself sit outside for small intervals of time. Then, I would rake the leaves which gave me a purpose and a direction. Next, I built a fire to burn the leaves and as long as I focused on the fire I was okay. Focus, direction and purpose help me with it.

Rawrr_Girl; have you considered writing fiction? Stephen King has done very well turning his fears into fiction.

My fear is heights, although I'm not troubled by flying. I get stressed when I have to drive over high bridges or on narrow mountain roads. I think it may have something to do with the steep angles of the landscape because it bothers me less if I'm driving over a flat surface like a river. It hasn't gotten any better over the years. I just have to get through it every time.

Ooops.........forgot about this thread. Hey everyone :)

Actually, walking sounds more braver. Yes it is more like social anxiety.

I know. The longer it stays with you, the longer it takes to get out of it. Sorry you're having a tough time. . A rut is exactly how I'd describe it.

Thanks very much, dearie . There seems to be no easy way out, with something like this. After all, it's a phobia.