topic Agoraphobia Terror in Anxiety

Agoraphobia Terror

blondguy — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 15:15:46 GMT

Hey Everyone! (New Posters are more than welcome to post too!)

I just wish to clear the air on 'agoraphobia'. This condition is an 'extension' of Anxiety disorder that some people suffer and some that dont. I have noticed that there is some confusion about this illness on the forums.

Agoraphobia is not only a fear of leaving one's home it can be a fear of walking 100 meters down an ocean beach from your car knowing its a 'safe place' and have difficulty walking any further as the need to return to your 'safe' place is very real and very powerful.

This is not an anxiety state but sometimes can bring on an anxiety attack or even worse 'hyperventilation' if a sufferer is too far from their safe 'place'.....It is not a fear of leaving one's home.

I carry a paper bag 'just in case' I hyperventilate which I have only done once about 40 meters from my home in 1997. It takes 20 minutes for me to walk around the block with my dog. I can only get half way and have to turn around around as the 'fear' of getting to the point of no return scares me like a person would fear being stuck in an elevator. So I walk my dog (Prince) in straight lines everywhere so I get 45 minutes a day

I can drive to Perth from Melbourne without a problem. My agoraphobia prevents me from being too far away from my safe place whether its my home or a vehicle.

I have a crackerjack therapist and GP that have been helping me with my 'minor' agoraphobia. They have said that because I refused meds from 1983 to 1997 I actually exacerbated my anxiety levels to the point where I actually laid the foundation for the agoraphobia that I have now.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated as this really gives me the 'sads'

Thankyou for reading my post 🙂

Paul

Agoraphobia Terror

White_Rose — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:49:27 GMT

Agoraphobia actually comes from the Greek and means fear of the market place. It is a fear of open spaces (market place), but spaces where there are situations that cause panic. So market place with people in them. Of course it's not as simple as it sounds. Anxiety comes into the picture when we know we are going somewhere that can cause fear and panic. So moving out of a defined comfort zone, e.g. the beach. Or not leaving home because of the proposed destination.

Hope that helps Paul.

Mary

Agoraphobia Terror

pipsy — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 11:02:48 GMT

hey Paul. In an earlier post I mentioned a bf of mine years ago who suffered this debilitating illness. He too suffered hyperventilation. Someone once offered him a paper bag to breathe into, he refused, but the last time I spoke to him (a few years ago), he admitted that he used the bag, plus had medication to help control the anxiety, breathing etc. Because I had never heard of Agoraphobia I'm afraid I was a bit insensitive. I feel a bit guilty now that I know more about the condition. I'm talking back in the 70's. I wish I had been more knowledgeable, I would've helped him more had I understood .

Lynda

Agoraphobia Terror

blondguy — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 14:08:01 GMT

hey Mary, you have helped me a lot as you always do. It is difficult for me as agoraphobia is a 'gift' compared to the daily crippling anxiety attacks that I dont have anymore through regular therapy. I wasnt expecting a response to this thread as it is a difficult subject that took me a lot of courage to post. Thankyou for your help Mary..Paulx

hey Lynda, you like Mary are a gift...When I wrote this thread I actually regretted doing so. It's a very hard topic as I had never had agoraphobia prior to 1997. It's like a feeling of dread....and sometimes sufferers dont have any severe anxiety coupled with 'it'. I was walking my Alaskan Malamute (after the family court) and I was so close to home and my breathing became tighter and tighter...I stopped because the 'old severe anxiety' kicked backed in. I looked around for a neighbor to help me and there was no one around....I had no breath left...Then a small group of young kids (5-10 year olds) came running across the road and asked me if they could pat 'the snow dog'

That was the distraction I needed.....bless their hearts....I then went home and slept for 4 hours...My memory of that day is still crystal clear....which unfortunately is tattooed to my brain...even with ongoing therapy...

I am still happy that this is a nuisance not like the old days of 'free floating anxiety'....:-) Thankyou for responding on such a pain of a thread! At least you know I am trying to 'vent'

Bless your kind hearts Lynda and Mary...Paulxx

Agoraphobia Terror

geoff — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 19:53:45 GMT

I would like to add to your post Paul, if that's OK, I too have 'agoraphobia' in that I feel very uncomfortable being away from home, or if I go away for the night all I am thinking about is wanting to go home, that's my anxiety and that' my OCD, but don't get me wrong here, because not all people who suffer from 'agoraphobia' have OCD, but as a young kid I always got homesick just because I wanted to be home. Geoff.

Agoraphobia Terror

blondguy — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 01:01:41 GMT

Geoff...I am always happy to have your thoughts and knowledge. I really thought I was alone on this one as the further I get away from my home or car I can be very uncomfortable...even scared.

By having the heart to share that with me has given me strength to cope. Thankyou for your understanding Geoff. It means more to me than you know. Paul

Agoraphobia Terror

White_Rose — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 03:53:35 GMT

Paul

I'm very pleased you brought up this subject. Over the years I have come to realise how anxious I get when I'm away from home. It still amazes me that I organised to have a house built and moved in , all on my own, without a twinge of panic. It must have been the thought of finally leaving my husband.

I remember arranging to go on holiday with a friend from work. We were going to Italy (I lived in the UK then) and this was farthest I had travelled. (I had a very sheltered life). You can tell how long ago this was because I had to go to the bank and get traveller's cheques. If anyone reading this does not know what traveller's cheques are then you are too young. Anyway I was standing at the counter in the bank, waiting while the paperwork was done and became so panicky I fainted. And this was weeks before we left.

So now when I am going to be away from home for several days I really have to work hard to get there. The trip to Melbourne a couple of months ago really tested my determination.

Mary

Agoraphobia Terror

blondguy — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 09:03:06 GMT

Dear Mary, another person that has brought me some needed peace on this uncomfortable and sometimes fearful situation. I do remember travelers checks so very well 🙂

Being at the bank and fainting would have been dreadful Mary. Prior to my 1st mega anxiety attack in 1983 I fainted in 1979 buying a car. I was panicky and nervous. Then out cold. Its so confusing as when I had the severe anxiety 4 years later till 1997 I never fainted..

Building a home and moving in is right up there on the major life stressors list. Nice 1 Mary!

You have given me great comfort as I really felt regret writing this topic as soon as I hit the send button on the 5th June. I actually felt awful.

Thankyou for giving me some peace on this one Mary...Bless your kind heart. Paulx

Agoraphobia Terror

white knight — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 11:29:23 GMT

Hi Paul

I font know if I have this agro phobia issue. But for the first time in decades (since I was in the RAAF, I feel insecure.

We left home on 22 April Victoria in the caravan I built and now 7 weeks later are near Geraldton WA. Quick around oz trip. In fact I'm busting to get back home.

Factors that could contribute, I bought a sports car online while in Darwin. I haven't seen it in the flesh yet. I am never financially "flushed" so worry if the worse happrns. And I miss home. Other vanners don't understand why we aren't staying in the Pilbara for 3 months....that would drive me nuts!!!

Luckily I have a wife that moves on as fast as me.

I'm certainly insecure.

Tony WK

Agoraphobia Terror

blondguy — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 05:19:29 GMT

Hi Tony

My apologies for missing your response. Your thoughts have always been important to me Tony. This topic was reluctantly posted and I didnt really expect the responses as its a fairly 'gritty' topic

We are much alike, I just cant sit still and like yourself...3 months in the Pilbara? Nope...I am more comfortable at home and feel more secure. I would be panicky buying a car too as my mind would always think 'but what if this or that happens'....

You wife is a legend Tony and thankyou for helping me with this thread with your compassion and understanding..Paul

Agoraphobia Terror

Steph — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 22:37:57 GMT

Hey Paul

After reading what you said about agoraphobia, a light just switched on in my head and I realise that I suffer from the same thing. I always wondered why as soon as I leave the house I feel anxious and desperate to get back home as soon as possible. When I am back at home in my "safe place" I feel so much better.

I also find, that when I go on holidays the hotel or wherever I am staying transfers to my new "safe place". Going on a holiday or just to visit family is often very hard and I have a great deal of anxiety leaving home. I am still trying to learn how to deal with this.

Sorry I haven't been helpful, but I just wanted you to know that what you said has been very helpful to me! I understand things a bit better now. Only 8.30am and I have already learnt something!

All the best

Steph

Agoraphobia Terror

blondguy — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 01:47:13 GMT

Hi Steph, thanks for your reply...It actually is a huge help to me:-) Its actually a relief to know there are other people that have the same issue. You bring up the point of 'transferal' of a safe place. So very true and also such a pain. 8:30am and learning...cool! I love your attitude Steph. Paul:-)

Agoraphobia Terror

pipsy — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 02:50:31 GMT

Hey guys. You have my attention and curiosity peaked. I mentioned in an earlier post, a bf I had many years ago suffered agoraphobia/hyperventilation problems. Whenever he tried to go traveling in a car, he would hyperventilate. He told me he'd had a vasectomy (the youngest man in N.Z) to have had this op. I assumed the op had triggered some imbalance causing the hyperventilation. I had no idea he had agoraphobia, I'd never heard of it, and, as I said, my sympathy at that time was non-existent due to my upbringing. If what he said is true, perhaps agoraphobia/hyperventilation could be more medical in which case the condition is not necessarily triggered by mental health problems. The mental health side could be a side effect triggered by a medical condition. To treat the condition first find the medical problem. I'm not saying all cases of agoraphobia are caused by medical problems, I'm just pointing out that in this case, the root cause was initially medical as opposed to mental health issues.

I might add, to my knowledge my ex bf is taking medication for the condition.

Lynda

Agoraphobia Terror

Artax — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 03:41:52 GMT

Hello Everyone

loveing this thread. I find it difficult to be anywhere but work and home. When I do go out I have my little dog with me dad even babysits him while I am atwork.I get very uncomfortable and worry about him when I do have to leave him at home alone rto pop to woolies or something.

I like to drive and spend alot the time in the car. I get uncomfortable in new places so I tend to get drive thru ect instead of getting out. My car is my safe place. So much so I have several for when one is at mechanics ect as I feel trapped if I have no way out as such.

Thank you for all the information andthe knowledge I am nor alone.

Artax

Agoraphobia Terror

blondguy — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 07:24:55 GMT

Tony WK. Your words spoke volumes as usual. Thankyou for giving us your 'clarity'. Nice1 🙂

Tony WK has made a great point which I will quote "Because I'm driving it, I only can concentrate on the controls, not the inner workings if the car that are far too complex for the average person to comprehend"

Happy Trails. Paul

Hey Lynda

Agoraphobia Terror

Jessme — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 03:34:47 GMT

Hey Paul, I don't know much about agoraphobia but it sounds about as much fun as health anxiety. Does it feel similar to seperation anxiety? I know what that feels like as I have panic attacks being more than a 5 minute drive from my husband. The further away from home I am the more panicky I am too so maybe I do understand it a bit. What fuels the panic when you leave home?... Is it the Unknown? Or do you think it is an evolutionary instinct to want to be close to a safe haven? I like your posts, they are very supportive and non judgemental by the way.

Agoraphobia Terror

blondguy — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 02:58:40 GMT

Hello Artax🙂 Thankyou for replying and sharing. I am glad that this subject has been of value. I feel less 'alone' that I am not the only one here that has their car as a safe place..Paul:-)

Hey Pipsy: Thanks for your support on this matter. Your ex's medical trigger could be a reason for sure. From the study I have done on Agoraphobia, its still a type of anxiety, just more deeply ingrained. Mine started after the family court in 1996. To me its like scarring of the brain coming from years of anxiety disorder and life events x

Agoraphobia Terror

blondguy — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 03:12:34 GMT

Hey Jessme and thanks for replying:-) Good point about 'seperation anxiety'..it is similar to this yes.

The further we drive away from home or walk too far away from our car...are all types of anxiety. From what I have learned there can be deep seated insecurities or even some degree of low self esteem (even little amounts)This fuels my 'fear of the open and being away from a safe place' Thanks for the nice compliment Jess. Paulx

Dumping that fear is crucial where recovery is concerned and due to the stigma that is attached to mental illness we must acknowledge people's suffering to decrease the stigma that is real in the community. Paul

Agoraphobia Terror

blondguy — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 17:00:31 GMT

Hey Tony WK

Thankyou big time with your support on this. If you can do a check on your BBC forums for an update 🙂

Paul

Agoraphobia Terror

white knight — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 05:28:05 GMT

Paul,

I've been in Perth for 10 days as part if ourtrip. I love the place but was homesick. Then 3 days ago we left and found a nice spot on the beach.

Its off season so 3 vans in total. We lunch with green parrots feeding from bread on our shoulders. I'm no longer homesick.

I believe that traffic, crowds shops etc contribute to my symptoms.

Its just a thought.

Tony WK