Agoraphobia Terror

blondguy · ‎05-06-2016

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

White_Rose · ‎09-06-2016

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

pipsy · ‎09-06-2016

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

blondguy · ‎10-06-2016

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

geoff · ‎10-06-2016

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.

blondguy · ‎11-06-2016

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

White_Rose · ‎11-06-2016

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

blondguy · ‎11-06-2016

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

white knight · ‎12-06-2016

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

blondguy · ‎17-06-2016

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