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."
I know that this isn't the "right" room for this but I feel the most comfortable in here and need all the advice I can get right now. Please read this and give me some advice.
I really could use some advice for how to deal with my situation. I have major depression with psychotic features. I have been hospitalized once when I was 15 because the depression got bad enough that the psychotic features kicked in. I am now 27 and have been on Zoloft for years to manage my depression and have not had any further issues with the psychotic bit until now. Recently I developed panic disorder with agoraphobia. I have become very depressed about my current situation and it causes some stress and tension at home with my significant other. In the last four of five days I have been out of it and I know it. I feel detached from myself. I find myself zoning out for hours. I feel numb. And logically I know that I am becoming paranoid. When my boyfriend and I went to the video store yesterday he picked up a scary movie to look at the cover. It looked like the scary chick on the front was looking at me (specifically me) in a menacing way. I know that these symptoms and changes are all in my head but it's still scary. I have an appointment with a new psychologist this afternoon. I don't know if I should tell him about all of this or not. I can't deal with being hospitalized again and I am worried that he might try to. I have children that need to be taken care of at home. I am not a danger to myself or others because I know when something isn't "real" after it happens. I want to be proactive and get help early before it gets worse. I increased my dosage of Zoloft to help with the depression/stress issue two days ago and it seems to be helping a bit. (I have been prescribed more than this by a doctor before so I know that it is safe for me even though I shouldn't have done it on my own.) Can a psychologist have you hospitalized against your will as an adult? Should I talk to him about it? I need someone to tell me if I am being unreasonably paranoid because I don't trust my judgement at the moment. Any advice, support, or words of comfort would be appreciated. This whole situation has me scared. Thanks for any help in advance.
I really could use some advice for how to deal with my situation. I have major depression with psychotic features. I have been hospitalized once when I was 15 because the depression got bad enough that the psychotic features kicked in. I am now 27 and have been on Zoloft for years to manage my depression and have not had any further issues with the psychotic bit until now. Recently I developed panic disorder with agoraphobia. I have become very depressed about my current situation and it causes some stress and tension at home with my significant other. In the last four of five days I have been out of it and I know it. I feel detached from myself. I find myself zoning out for hours. I feel numb. And logically I know that I am becoming paranoid. When my boyfriend and I went to the video store yesterday he picked up a scary movie to look at the cover. It looked like the scary chick on the front was looking at me (specifically me) in a menacing way. I know that these symptoms and changes are all in my head but it's still scary. I have an appointment with a new psychologist this afternoon. I don't know if I should tell him about all of this or not. I can't deal with being hospitalized again and I am worried that he might try to. I have children that need to be taken care of at home. I am not a danger to myself or others because I know when something isn't "real" after it happens. I want to be proactive and get help early before it gets worse. I increased my dosage of Zoloft to help with the depression/stress issue two days ago and it seems to be helping a bit. (I have been prescribed more than this by a doctor before so I know that it is safe for me even though I shouldn't have done it on my own.) Can a psychologist have you hospitalized against your will as an adult? Should I talk to him about it? I need someone to tell me if I am being unreasonably paranoid because I don't trust my judgement at the moment. Any advice, support, or words of comfort would be appreciated. This whole situation has me scared. Thanks for any help in advance.
I think you should def tell your psychologist. Why are you seeing someone new? That's what he/she is there for. You need the help. I think yes, you are being paranoid but I def understand given the situation. I would, too with all your dealing with.
Hugs and Love to you. I'm thinking good thoughts for you. You can do this. It's gonna be good.
I have seen the same psychologist since I was 15 but I don't know if she's ever done me much good, even with the depression. When I developed the panic attacks and agoraphobia she just didn't know how to handle it effectively. I realized that I am an adult and I can now choose to see someone else that may be more able to help me.
Your calm reassurance was definitely what I need right now. I'll tell this new guy I'm going to see today. My father will be driving me today so there won't be that added stress making all of this worse. And I know he will stick up for me if it becomes necessary so I'll try to focus on that. Sorry if this is long and rambling, I feel better getting it all out, I don't know if everything I wrote even makes sense today. Ugh. I'll try some relaxation, breathing, and yoga. Thanks for not talking to me like I'm some kind of wierdo, you're great. :-)
You'll be fine. :-)