Anyone similar? Agoraphobia?

[AnxiousSince1998]

Hi guys, is there anyone else suffering agoraphobia, or having trouble with 1 on 1 conversations?

I have been really struggling of late to do such simple things such as going to the supermarket or post office, and finding when I do force myself into these situations (for exposure therapy), I am left with full blown panic. It is peaking at its worst when I have to talk to someone, or if I'm asked a question. Everything tenses up, I go mega dizzy, faint, shakey, scattered, sweaty, and breathless to name just a couple of symptoms (you guys already know the rest of them)..

My couple of days a week at work are becoming harder and harder to face, and that's even with minimal interaction with people. It looks like my anxiety has found a new way to bring me down now, and it's really scary.... I don't want to be housebound or this person who can't face the world. I question myself, being off medication now, after being on it for so many years, if that is playing a part in all this? Maybe I do have a chemical imbalance now, and need to be on them for life?

I have been riding my bike a few times a week, which I find awesome because it gets me outdoors and is keeping me fit, but winter is here now and the days are getting colder/wetter....

I have an appointment with my psych in a fortnight, so hoping he can provide me with some answers/therapy, but really don't want to be just thrown some meds and sent on my way.

Any advice or personal experiences on this topic would be awesome.

Cheers guys, Jase.

[Kathryne]

Hi Jase

Welcome to Beyond Blue, I noticed nobody has responded as yet.

I am glad you are seeking assistance from your psychologist , maybe he could run some basic blood test to identify any chemical imbalance. then if identified you will no what is required to bring balance to your chemical makeup.

Perseverance with getting assistance ask if there is any groups suitable for you to join to help you resolve the issues.

Kathryne

[AnxiousSince1998]

Thank you for your reply Kath, appreciate it.

[pipsy]

Hi AnxiousSince1998. I knew someone who suffered Agoraphobia. As far as having conversations outside, he had no problems, although he did exaggerate a bit, so it is possible he experienced the same as you. He suffered the difficult breathing, sweaty palms etc. He couldn't even get into a car. I tried unsuccessfully to get him to a Dr, but till he was ready, I could do nothing. In his case, part of it was because of an operation he had, which he shouldn't have had. I lost touch with him, until a few years ago when I did find him again. He had met someone who convinced him the best thing he could do was seek help and accept he needed medication. In your case, if it is an imbalance, you need to see your Dr and get some tests done. If it is an imbalance, taking medication really, is a small price to pay for living a normal life. If the medication stops or controls the sweaty palms, breathing difficulties and means you can enjoy life, I think I'd opt for the medication. I doubt you'd just be given meds and sent on your way. I think the Dr/therapist would try to find out why you're anxious, when you feel anxious, whether it's the thought of having to go out, or the thought of having to talk to people. Perhaps it might be an idea to write down when you feel anxious, is it just the thought of going out. Also record how you feel just before you go out? All these things will help when you see your Dr.

Lynda.

[RYT]

Hi Jase,

I suffer from agoraphobia too, and also struggle to do the things you mentioned.

I've decided to stop medication, hasn't really done much for me, other than the odd relaxant. What I do now, and this may seem weird, is when I get into these situations (like going to the supermarket) I try to distract my mind from my anxious thoughts by getting really intrigued/excited by what I see around me. Even if I have to force myself to do it, the distraction really helps. Even just focusing on a couple objects...

As for one-on-one conversations, i'm still working on that one...they're pretty awkward.

Hope I have helped in some way. Hang in there.

[blondguy]

Hi Jase

I understand where you are coming from with your agoraphobia. When I had my first anxiety attack I was in traffic and then many times in supermarkets too. Back in the '80's it was known as anxiety...or severe anxiety..

The good news is that these awful feelings of anxiety or 'dread' do lessen in severity over time. After having had severe anxiety for many years I have learned that these symptoms are 'feelings', bad as they are the sweats, heart palpitations and tight chest (breathlessness) are still feelings of anxiety....or as you said...symptoms of anxiety...

You are doing well by having an appointment with your psych coming up. You are self aware and have a strong desire to heal and good on you Jase! If I may ask you, what made you come off your meds?

I am sorry that I have come in late on your thread Jase. I hope you can get write back 🙂

Kind Thoughts

Paul

[AnxiousSince1998]

Just to update, I saw my psych and am now on day 8 of 20mg of a new anti-d.
The last 4 mornings I have woken at 6am with hot rushes thru my chest and arms, then anxiety kicks in shortly after.
The last 2 days have been quite hard, nauseous/shaking/depressed/tired/weak/edgy/constant butterflies, and in my 18 or so years of anxiety, I don't every remember it being this rough.
I do realise This anti-d has a lot of initial side effects, and have read that it's best to stick with it, so I guess that's what I'll do.
I need to face the shopping Center today to pick up some paperwork for a Bali holiday, and just the thought of going there has me peaking already.
For work I fly from Melb-bris-Townsville this Sunday, and that's in the back of my mind too, fuelling the fire. It's amazing that I can see exactly what the causes are, but feel so powerless to confront them.
The other day I just walked each aisle of the supermarket with my headphones in, just for some exposure therapy, I was on edge the whole time.... But I guess I survived.
This is my second week off work now, apart from a shift last weekend, and for the most part I have been just relaxing on my bed watching TV, which I'm feeling guilty about. But Sunday I will be working for 11 days straight, so I guess I'm allowed to rest, especially whilst starting these new tablets..
Really scared of how things are going at the moment, and hoping the antidepressant will start doing its thing soon to give me some much needed confidence.
Cheers for your thoughts guys, Jase

[AnxiousSince1998]

Thanks Paul,
After discussing with my psych last year, we decided to wean myself off my old anti-d, to try a different class. I was aiming to become antidepressant free, and weaned off around November last year. The months that followed were soooooo hard and I don't think a day has passed where I haven't had at least one panic attack on top of the daily anxiety.
I dug myself in deep, and even with the love and support of my partner, I am still in a hole.
I am trying so hard to push on with life, but simple daily tasks leave me exhausted because of the constant panic, and self esteem is at an all time low.
I have just updated the post, and as I say, I am hoping to see some results from the new anti-d soon.
Cheers, Jase

[blondguy]

Hi Jase

Thanks for posting back.Good luck with the new AD too!

Good on you for resting and chilling watching the TV, this is actually mega helpful as we 'arent as busy' which slows the 'over active' brain down.

You mentioned flying, I wish! I dont care about being at 30,000 feet but I dont wish to be locked into a steel tube on the ground. it sounds weird but even with my anxiety now being a memory there seems to be the odd phobia hanging around.

Jase, if I may ask you...I know you are pro-active where seeing doc's are concerned which is great but how often do you visit a doc/therapist? The reason I ask is I had twice weekly appointments with a community based psychiatric nurse who insisted I attend for 6 months. He was a legend.

Great to talk to you

Kind Thoughts

Paul