Newbie here =)

[Msdee]

Hello! Im new to the site so i though i would give it a shot. I suffer agoraphobia and have dealt with this for 2 years now. I havent been to a store in over a year. Even when i try to talk down the road i start having a panic attack. I feel so alone in this world bc of it. My partner is very supportive but i feel so bad for her bc with the agoraphobia i dont even feel comfortable her leaving the house. She even quit her job to be home with me. Which in turn makes me feel worse. Im just trying to find some self help tips or something to help me overcome this. Thank you all for reading!

[wendolene26]

Hello and to the forum

I'm not familiar with the experiences of agoraphobia but there will be others on this forum who can talk more knowledgably about this to you.

I just wanted to welcome you. Have a read of some of the posts that are already there in this section of the forum, you may find something that rings a bell with you.

Take Care,

Wendolene x

[bluenomore]

Hi Msdee,

to the forum.

I know a little of what you're going through. I only go out if I absolutely don't have an option, but I'm better than I used to be. Have you been shown any techniques about coping with panic attacks? I attended a group session at my local CMHT about a year ago. They are definitely worth a try.

I know it's very difficult because when the panic starts it just builds and builds. I find that closing my eyes and taking long deep breathes helps. I keep telling myself that the feeling is just that - a feeling - and that it will pass. Not ideal when you're standing in aisle 3 in Tesco I know

When I first started to venture out it was to buy some booze (which isn't a good solution, but at least it got me out the house), and I would carefully select a small shop where I knew that I'd be able to nip in and out again without too many people around and hardly any queuing.

Anyway, take a good look round the forum. You'll find plenty of us here who share some of your issues.

[supersweep]

Hye msdee and to the forum.
Sorry your having such a bad time with agorophobia, i to have had agorophobia
for over 5 years it really can be so debilitating. Before i go out i have a massive
panic attack, but lol this has been going on for so long, and i know i have to go
out that i try to devise coping stategies to soften the blow. The one i use the
most if i'm feeling 9 oiut of 10 anxiety is i reapeat to myself "I'll only be out for
a short while, and then I'll be back home again". That is great that you have such
a supportive partner, could you possibly both go out together just somewhere very
near and keep telling yourself "I'll only be out for a short while i'll be home soon"
I know it doesn't take away all the fear, but hopefully it could give you some reassurance
I hope this helps a bit.
take care,
supersweep.

[Msdee]

Thank you all for the response! Yes it is a very hard struggle to go out. Its been 2 yeats since i went groc shopping i have to send a family member or my partner. I know its very hard for her when i cant go to the simple store. She says she understands and is willing to deal with it as she wants to be with me but i know its hard for her. Yes i do try and go out sometimes... hence lastnight i went to a little store within walking distancee of my house and walked in and all of a sudden i started shaking and being anxious! Wow i flipped! I was like "ok gotta leave and gotta do it NOW" shew the releif when i got home. I guess the hard part is 2 years ago going on a roadtrip was a breeze and now going a minute from my house is the hardest thing in the world...