Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to their home, experiencing difficulty traveling from this "safe place."

3,774 Members
2,932 Posts
0 Online
Anxiety Disorders
/ Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group

Fear of going out

feeshee
feeshee

Hello all:  It seems my fear of going outside is getting worse.  I live alone so I have to go out for groceries, medication and other errands.  I live alone with noone to help me.  Can anyone give me ideas on what can help me push through this fear? So scared I'll become completely homebound.   

bonusjack
bonusjack
Sorry you are having to deal with this. The only way that I have been able to deal with it is to set a schedule for errands, and stick to it. Saturday is grocery day. I don't even think about not going. The list is compiled earlier in the week. I just grab it and walk out the door.

I don't have panic issues, so once I get out of the house, I'm good to do whatever needs doing until hunger or fatigue kicks in. When I get home, I give myself I nice reward for doing the job. The reward is usually a pot of fresh coffee or an ice cream sandwich.

I hope that helps. Good luck, and don't get discouraged.
GirlinCalif
GirlinCalif
Bonusjack, that's good advice. I have agoraphobia also, so I can relate to you, Feeshee. Like bonusjack said, don't think so much about it. Fear feeds on itself. Easier said than done. Distract yourself with other things (getting dressed, get grocery list together, get your keys, bottle of water, etc) and then walk right out that door. You have been doing it, so keep on doing it :) Maybe distract yourself with looking on your phone (not while driving of course), or listening to headphones/ear buds. Or bring other little things with you that you could look at while you are out. Such as, a small book, coupons to read while in line at the store, something like that. Count the number of steps it takes to get to the store's front door. Maybe buy a $1 lottery ticket while you are out? :) Again, try not to dwell on the fear and just walk out that door without thinking...if that makes sense. Distractions help.
Dragon02
Dragon02
We have in the same problem.. :(
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Vince3789

    Trying Not to Forget Who I Am

    Posted by: Vince3789
    Last Reply: GreenEyes727
    6
    Ever since I stopped doing therapy because of insurance, I've been feeling that old tense and irritable sense of anxiety and stress. I hate that. I was making so many strides and changes during therapy, my therapist would acknowledge all of my progress and accomplishments, and I miss that reassurance. Today I thought about it, and I made those changes! She would always tell me that I chose to...
  • GreenEyes727

    Car Insurance Renewal

    Posted by: GreenEyes727
    Last Reply: GreenEyes727
    7
    I'm horrified!  I knew my insurance would go up due to getting a new car but I didn't expect it to go up over $2,000.  I did have an accident with the snow/ice in the winter.  I was just telling my brother that I have had my car since March 2, 2026 and have only spent $75 on an oil change.  Now this!  I called another insurance company and their quote was over $4,000.  I guess I have to pay...