Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group

I feel so terrible for you, no one who hasn't experienced agoraphobia can really understand, I don't think... Like you, medication made things worse for me. I know it's difficult because it brings on the exact feelings that you so badly don't want to have, but sometimes you do have to force yourself. Just don't go too far too fast. When agoraphobia first struck me I could hardly leave the house but I so badly did not want it to be that way forever. I fought back to the point where I can comfortably go about 10 minutes away from home. It took 2 years to get to that point! The hardest part is trying to be patient with yourself; don't get frustrated with the times you just can't do it, because maybe next time you will. And try listening to guided meditation relaxtion cd's or mp3's at home-- relaxing my overall mental state has helped with agoraphobia and panic some. Good luck!!

I decided that I was tired of being on house arrest of my own design, so I forced myself to go out and drive around for about half an hour, go to some stores, etc. I started to panic a little, but I managed to keep it under control with deep breathing and positive thinking, like "Look at you, you're doing it! You're fine!" I was going to go to the school and get some of my make-up work, but then the fear started to overwhelm me, so I just drove by it and kept thinking positive thoughts until it didn't seem so scary, then went home.

I think if I keep this up, I might be able to go back to school by next week. Since it's agoraphobia linked to a panic disorder, and it hits me every year, it usually gets to the point where I can handle it in a matter of weeks. I refuse to let it get so chronic that I can't leave my house for years. Maybe it's just because I have a stubborn streak... I hope this makes my dad stop talking about having me committed. I think the fear of that is greater than the fear of going to school. O.o

this may sound very strange to you right now but you can have a good life with Agoraphobia. It all is a matter of learning about your body and your brain and how you tick.

Stress is a big no no for us. So you will have to learn now to de-stress. I find walking helps a great deal for me. Whatever form of exercise you prefer, it's a way to get all that extra adrenaline out of your system. Basically what a panic attack is, is a surge of adrenaline. It will NOT kill you. Believe me, I am a 24 year vet of the agoraphobiacly afflicted (lol) There will be times you think that 'this is it and we're all wrong' but the absolute worst that can happen is that your body will pass out. And that has only happened to me once. Passing out is your body's way of shutting down temporarily when you are on total overload. A 're-start' so to speak.

I think you should get a hold of a school counselor and tell them that you have agoraphobia and what that means. First of, the more people tell their stories, the less 'unknown' agoraphobia becomes.
Second, I find that once I've told everyone that this is what I have then while a panic attack is still horrible, I can hopefully form a support group to help me through instead of trying to hide my 'problem' from the world. Hiding the problem makes you more anxious and thus makes being in the outside world worse.

Is there a way to make your classes safe zones? or do you have a best friend who can become your lifeline if you need it? or, worse case scenario, will they let you finish high school online?
once again, go talk to your councilor to get suggestions.

it is very easy for others to tell you that you are letting your fear win and to just get out and face things. I think all of us were told that one time or another by family, friends or the medical community.
In my experience, the fear has always stayed with me, some days are easy to do stuff, some days are very hard and then there are in between days.
I finally decided to choose my battles and work on what is important to me.
You are still so young, what do you see yourself doing with your life? what are your interests? what can you try and do so that you feel like you are a contributing member of society and not a prisoner of your own home and body?

Bondi,

I am so sorry for your pain.

I really truly have been in the depths of hell with anxiety and panic and I'm doing much better these days after some time in recovery for alcoholism and plenty of support and therapy. I also am on medications to help -- what works for one person will not always work for another ... I know it is difficult, but try your best to be patient and work with your doctor to find a medication that helps.

In the meantime, take baby steps. Congrats on getting out of the house for a bit -- a little of that every day will empower you.

Also -- keep practicing the deep breathing. It is a medical fact that an anxiety attack can not last forever (even though it feels that way sometimes) and that telling your body "All Clear" by slow, deep breathing works. By breathing deep and slowly you are getting rid of excess carbon dioxide and increasing the oxygen in your blood -- this tell your brain and body that there is no emergency, no need for fight or flight. You may not feel relief right away -- but your body will begin to learn -- deep and slow breathing = all clear.

I truly hope you feel better today.

Bondi, my heart goes out to you. I know what it feels like. Actually I am going through these same scenerios.It's hard and it makes it even harder when no one understand.People just have this get over it attitude.No its not easy, but my advice is keep trying.

Bondi,
panic attacks don't happen without reason.
Can you remember back to your first one?
I remember mine, so many many years ago now. I didn't know the cause, it was too deep inside my subconscience.
There was a cause and it took me years to discover it, address it and then began to feel less fearful.
Often these feelings come from irrational fears. Sometimes from rational ones but they turn into irrational.
These an be eradicated very simply, although the people trained in clinical psychology are few who follow the practice of Kinesiology.
It's not well documented but it had an amazing affect on my life.
It got me through the very worst when I was calling an ambulance almost every week as my fear was too great and a panic attack would last for over 10 hours. I went nights wihout sleep and at one point was too scared to shut my eyes.
I was very lucky that I was able to pay for a Kinesiologist and I won't explain what they do as it's quite complicated although the activity involved is the easiest thing ever.
Wishing you the life you deserve, full of hope and the ability to live it fully.
Niki