The last year has found me almost a complete agoraphobe

jenlee86 · ‎09-01-2016

Hi I'm new to beyond blue and I need help. I have never been officially diagnosed with anxiety but I have been suffering with it for about 8 years. The last year has found me almost a complete agoraphobe. I live in the blue mountains and I dont have any friends. I cant find a doctor to visit me at home and my partner and mother have had enough. I'm tired all the time and havr had enough. I need and want help I just dont know where to look. Please help me.

Ellie65 · ‎09-01-2016

Hi Jenlee

i am new to beyond blue i have just registered today. i dont have friends either.

and i hear you.

White_Rose · ‎09-01-2016

Hello Jenlee

Welcome to Beyond Blue. So pleased you have found your way here. Anxiety can be a crippling illness and needs to be treated by a doctor. So what can you do first. How much do you know about anxiety and how much do your partner and mother know? Many people think of anxiety as just getting a bit nervous or worrying about life. It's rarely seen by others as the overwhelming illness it really is. So I am suggesting you get as much information as possible both for yourself and family to show that you are not just being silly or whatever your family think.

On the homepage of BB there is a big pink dot with Learn about anxiety across it. Click on this and it will take you to the BB resources page for anxiety. Perhaps your family can also get on to BB and read the information. You can download some it and other information can be sent to you. It's important that those who care about you understand what is happening. Someone does need to take you to a doctor. Is your GP nearby? Can you manage to go by taxi? I know going out on your own is one of the problems but you do need to get help. Can you make yourself go knowing you have an appointment and the doctor can help.

I hate to say it but my geography is shocking. Is the Blue Mountains in NSW? Have you tried the National Home Doctor service? I thought it covered all Australia but apparently not. The number to call is 13 74 25. According to the web site they visit from Bondi To the Blue Mountains, though that may mean they stop at the Blue Mountains. The web site is http://www.homedoctor.com.au/ Give them a call.

You can phone BB on 1300 22 4636 for help anytime, 24/7. There are a number of other national organisations they may also be able to help you. I have listed them below.

MindHealthConnect http://www.mindhealthconnect.org.au

SANE Australia https://www.sane.org/mental-health-and-illness/facts-and-guides/anxiety-disorder

Headspace for people up to age 25. http://headspace.org.au/

The Black Dog Institute http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Mindspot https://mindspot.org.au/ This funded by the Australian govt and provides free counselling.

You can search for other assistance. Read the posts on BB in the Anxiety forum. There are many people struggling like you and reading their posts may help because you are not alone. You can also pick up tips from others.

Almost out of word allowance. Please write in again. Perhaps start a new thread in the Anxiety forum as more people will see you and respond.

Mary

Guest_1055 · ‎09-01-2016

Hey jenlee

I wanted to say hello, and give you a welcome hug, if that is OK? And also to tell you, that you are not alone.

I know what it is like to feel trapped inside your home, because you are scared to come out. At one time, I could not even walk to the letterbox to get the mail, for the fear welled up inside of me, so much that I did not want the neighbors to see me, or something. I was frightened of what they would think of me. Is that what it is like for you?

And it is hard to connect to others and make friends. I don't have many friends either. And sometimes it is hard for others to understand what it is like, so maybe your partner and mum are like that?

I'm so sorry that you are going through all this, but I am glad you somehow reached out through that trapped feeling to here.

Anyway I just wanted to give you a hug and to let you know you that I care about you.

There is resources on this site on anxiety that you can read and even print off. I think you just scroll down this page and click on anxiety.

Hope you will post back.

With love

Shelley xxx

BKYTH · ‎09-01-2016

The Blue Mountains. My old stomping ground. White Rose has provide you with very good information. When my Agoraphobia was at its worst I was not in a position to become housebound and I think that was a good thing. For me it was essential to maintain some ability to choose regardless of the grueling ordeal that that choice would inflict upon me both physically and psychologically when implemented. I could not expect my family to understand what was happening because how could they? And it is difficult to maintain or establish friendships when your every waking moment is filled with dread and it seems impossible to string two coherent sentences together. The difficulty is obvious and apparent but the further we retreat in response to it the more powerful it becomes. As suggested perhaps getting a taxi to the GP would help. The more you allow your situation to restrict you the more that you have to reclaim. Philip.