Agoraphobia.

[Colourful_Queen]

Heya

Does any one else suffer Agoraphobia, and if so , have you recovered, or is it a permenant thing for you? I'm very agoraphobic, I've been like it my whole life. It is now at the point where I do not go out. At all. Ever. I may make it to my Drs, but usually we do phone consults. Centrelink and the job network people have been on my back about going to appointments, but I don't think they understand that when I have an appointment coming up, I am physically dry wretching and vomiting for at least two days before and three days after the appointment. I get full on panic attacks, anxiety , very on edge and highly strung. I hate it. I really do. I've also got physical issues, very busted back which causes pain and rheumatoid arthritis, which when flares up, I cannot even wear a bra because my shoulders are in so much pain. I can't even hold the steering wheel, yet they want me to go to meetings, and lets not talk about public transport. I completely melt down. I've been like this since I was little. I do have a few 'safe' places, but not many. As soon as I go somewhere, within 5-10seconds I have scanned the room and planned my escape routes. If I can't find one, or don't like the escape routes, I leg it out of there. I now know that is not normal. I thought everyone did it. Apparently not. Does anyone have any suggestions how to deal with Centrelink and if they accept agoraphobia on the disability pension, as well as physical issues, such as chronic pain and a very bad, very excrutiating bad back? ( I have MRI scans/results to prove the severity of my back ) Any suggestions, advice, help etc would be gratefully accepted. Thanks... Peace to us all!

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Hi there and a warm welcome to the forums!

I previously suffered from agoraphobia but have come some way since the beginning, although I’m not “cured”. I totally get the safe spaces and scanning for exits - I also get the jumping hoops with Centrelink and job network. It’s hard work when you’re just trying to stay sane and “safe”, right?

You could go down the route of applying for disability pension but you’d have to meet stringent criteria. You can ask your gp to assist with the application. With your mental health condition it needs to be deemed permanent and stable (from memory!), meaning it isn’t going to improve, so you’d probably have to prove you’ve had treatment.

Which leads me to ask if you’ve had or sought any help? Up to you if you’d like to answer or not of course. But I’ve been able to make good progress with a psychologist, which has expanded what I’m able to now manage.

Happy to chat more, Katy

[blondguy]

Hi Colorful Queen.....and a wave to Katy above

Great to have to as part of the Beyond Blue forum family! I understand what you are going through as I have been through the same and its a horrible place to be in...

I had difficulty leaving my house years ago in my 20's and it was scary. Being stuck in a traffic jam...ugh...waiting in a supermarket.....the list is endless yet horrible when experiencing the fear

Can I ask if you have been seeing your GP or anyone about the pain and anguish you are going though?

we are here and listening 🙂

Paul

[Scotty2013]

Hi ColourfulQueen! Just keep trying baby steps! I havn’t been here in years, remember Jeff and few others. Thought I’d pop in say hello again, It’s hard yes but it gets better, i manage to go most places now eat out shopping whatever, be it only short durations 1-2hrs. I used to get full blow PA but now its more off and on if that makes sense. I believe it will always be there, trauma or something can set you back, but my aim was to just be functional and be easy on myself. Take Care.