Hi, I feel the same way about going to drs and leaving the house- I was also once 'normal' until an accident, and now I am in chronic pain, Medicine has helped me sleep through the night, although I detest medication, sleep deprivation is pretty brutal. Its good that u paint, u have a creative outlet that is therapeutic.. I like photography- and nature, that helps me get out of the house.

Hi! I can relate to doctor appointments and not being able to leave home to get my mail or even take out the trash sometimes. I have to will myself to leave and prepare many days in advance. I literally will go without milk and prescriptions sometimes because I can't force myself to leave.

I have had a major panic disorder since I was a child and PTSD since I was 25. I have had some very traumatic things happen in the last several months which I believe have increased the agoraphobia I have been experiencing. It used to be just intermittent events where I would freeze at my front door and couldn't leave and had to make up excuses for not leaving. Now, I am housebound 95% of the time.

I also have an intense fear of mail. I absolutely panic even when I try to visualize going to the mailbox. I've made a ton of people upset about this and haven't revealed to ANYONE what's really going on. I just make up excuses all the time. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what did you do?

Also, does anyone else live alone without support for this? If so, what do you do when you need meds or food or anything but can't leave to get them?

I'm trying desperately to get SSDI. I'm only getting a small amount in welfare plus housing assistance. However, I still have to payna portion of rent and utilities. Welfare doesn't cover both rent and utilities and household items like hygiene and stuff like that. I literally only shower 1 to 2 times a week to make things last and to hopefully reduce the water bill. I'm terrified of winter and not being able to pay for gas. I seriously doubt I will get SSDI before next year because apparently they have to deny you many times before they will approve you. At least that is what I have heard

Anyway, I'd appreciate hearing about whatever has worked for people in this group.

I forgot to add that prior to the horrible, constant feelings of fear and panic about leaving home, I used to be very outdoorsy. I used to live for summer and going biking, swimming, and on long walks. I used to spend 80% of my.life outdoors in the summer. This year, I have enjoyed the memories but have had no desire at all to go hiking, camping, or anything else. It's not worth the emotional energy preparing to go then panicking about whether or not things are safe at home while I'm gone not to mention the fact that I can barely breathe and feel trapped when I'm away from home. That's how bad this disorder has been for me. It's robbed me if a way of life I used to long for each winter and look forward to.