ITA Rancidnate.It is really hard to get treatment when you can't even leave home.

I am soo glad I posted on D.S. - I have made so many friends though this post and alot of great recommendations have been received! Thanks!

Try coping skills. Writing to us is a coping skill...you are using them and don't even know it! Think about it, make a list. Do you go to the store at a certain time to avoid the crowd? When you could/can go a bit. Things like that. It has really helped me to realize that I am utilizing my own skills.

I have agor.... however, I have the social type. I can and do leave the house. I recently purchased a anxiety/depression tape series by Lucinda Bassett and it covers different types of agor. It has helped me. When I do go out, I make sure I know where I"m going and I have someone with me. Try doing something simple first, like staying on the property and gardening. Stay close to the doors so you can go back inside if you begin to panic, after you've done this a few times. Try something else, like taking out the garbage or sit outside and read or listen to music. You've go to learn to walk before you can run, take baby steps and you'll get their.

I have agoraphobia, but I don't have kids or a significant other. which, for me, is good because most days I can barely take care of myself. I rarely leave my house and if I do it's at night and I don't go more than 4 or 5 miles away from home. I wish I had the magical cure, but I'm here is you ever feel like talking.

i totally know how u feel..i hate it..and i dont know how to describe it to others..i only know how it feels because i deal with it daily..it embarrasses me and i hate that..i want to be me again..and i feel so lost in this..i thought i was alone in this..

I am soo happy I had such good response because it really helps to know that I am not alone with agoraphobia - If anybody has beat this I would love to hear from you!

mine started 4 years ago, i am a panic disorder sufferer, but i could still go out. now these past 4 years, i hardly ever go out. i can though go out if someone is with me. i feel so useless, when i need something, i have to ask someone to get it, or ask someone to take me, can't drive, afraid to go on bus, afraid to walk alone. somedays i feel like i'm exiting, not living. plus i have had p.a. for over 20 yrs., i'm on medicine and have good weeks, then i get a bad week. i'm so frustrated about this. staying in sucks!!!! so bored. i gained 30lbs. in 4 years from not going out and being active. good luck to all of us, hope they come out with a magic pill to take this away. your new friend to all, ronna

same here! im glad to be your friend if you need to talk about it!

I need friends also! Just reading this has made my IBS flare up! I can get out in the yard and occasionaly drive five miles in all four directions Im an older mommy so I do know what your talking about I raised 3 children with this and one left to go and am alot older now, but missed many school functions and plays and xmas easters just maany things with this AP .I have much book knowledge but just cant do it. Ive read this is a roller coaster ride and one day you will realize when the downruen is starting and be able to catch it before it throws you into depression. Wish one of these people who can go out regular wld start a group , as I need help with this and looked into some groups here ,,some not much action others they are out working and driving oe selling cosmeticics gee I wish I cld do that I live on ssi for an income.

This is my second time with agoraphobia and I also would love to have friends who understand agoraphobia. I have used the following, meds, books, exposure training via desensitization, IN VIVO, regular therapy, building a social calendar etc. I know that you have to keep going forward even in little ways so that you don't slide backwards. Also, talk to yourself by saying anxiety is uncomfortable but not dangerous etc.

I would love to know how you beat this the first time. How long were you without agoraphobia before it came back?

Ive had this for 22yrs and went thru all of this I even got a job and my drivers license and BAM woke up and there it is again BUT the Dr said this is a rollercoaster you never get rid of it cause it is a chemical imbalance in your brain but you start to recognize the onset of the next time and catch it before it catches you and get ready to box if you fight hard enough and really pay attention to your body you will win, as for me Im driving five miles a day by myself but I just had another kind of a set back from my back and have to start again but I will!

I just read your post and I understand what youre feeling. I'll be your friend!! Have you tried any therapies to help with the phobia?

Hi. Well, I'm new here and this is my first post! It's hard for the kiddies to understand because let's face it, it's hard for ANYONE to understand unless you have it. So don't worry about the kids. They won't understand now, but they will love you no matter what and years from now, they will be supportive. Having said that, I hope you never have this for that long.
I know that this is a great place to be because of the support and understanding you receive. The thing with this is, it takes so damn long to make strides and you could so easily get back to square one. Meds can help for sure, but be open to other resources too. Sometimes, what works well for someone will have no effect for you.
I made significant improvement only to slide all the way back. Right now, I don't have the time or energy to deal with this, but the important thing to never lose sight of is this - having improved, one can do it again and perhaps go even further. So stay positive and patient and keep searching.