I think I have Agoraphobia, I need to go out but can't. HELP ME?!
Question: I am 100% sure I have Agoraphobia as I find it very hard to go outside and have panic attacks. I have a lot going on right now and just seeing people scares me and makes my throat swell up and I feel like I might faint.
I know the answer is go to the docs and get help... But I cant because I cant go outside to see anyone.
Ive dragged myself out to get pills and things but i get so scared and its getting harder.
I need to be in court tomorrow as I am fighting to see my children (Which is one reason I have developed Agoraphobia) and I know my ex will make my life a hell while I am there.
Just talking about this makes me shake and makes my panic attacks start up again, i have many other problems like lack of eating and drinking and this has gone on for months.
Thank you for any answers I get.
Answers: I am 100% sure I have Agoraphobia as I find it very hard to go outside and have panic attacks. I have a lot going on right now and just seeing people scares me and makes my throat swell up and I feel like I might faint.
I know the answer is go to the docs and get help... But I cant because I cant go outside to see anyone.
Ive dragged myself out to get pills and things but i get so scared and its getting harder.
I need to be in court tomorrow as I am fighting to see my children (Which is one reason I have developed Agoraphobia) and I know my ex will make my life a hell while I am there.
Just talking about this makes me shake and makes my panic attacks start up again, i have many other problems like lack of eating and drinking and this has gone on for months.
Thank you for any answers I get.
Call up a family member or buddy to go with you when you go to the doc. And go to the doc asap. Don't suffer needlessly. You can definitely get a grip on this.
If you are all alone and have no supporting people by you, call up your family doctor and tell him/her your plight. The doc will either come to your house or direct social services to see you asap and help you get about. Remember to say, this is an emergency situation - it gets people moving faster.
Your doc will determine if you need medication, need to see a psychiatrist, or see a therapist to remedy your situation.
You can most definitely be helped with situation. So keep that in mind - relief is in the near future. Hold on to that. I wish you the best.
What do have against Agors? Can't we just stop the hate?
Seriously - CALL for some help. There must be some agencies in your community.
Desensitization is the best therapy. You have to work your way up to it and you need a partner to help you with this. First just think about going outside and the path you will have to take and what you could encounter on the way. Think of multiple ways that you can deal with these encounters. Visualize this over and over in your head while you are relaxed. Then try taking small steps to head outside. Try to go and get in your car and do the same visualization. Keep doing this until you feel more calm about the situation. Remember you are strong enough to face anything that might come along.
You also need to think of something that will calm you down from an attack. Try to hum a song from your childhood and think about your favorite place in the world. You may even want to record or find a lullaby or song that your really like and play it back. This will work with a CD or MP3 player too. Just focus on slowing your heart rate, breathing deeply, and taking your mind to another place.
Just think of your kids and not your ex, your ex cannot harm you in anyway. Sticks and stone may break your bones but you CANNOT let those words harm you.
After you get your kids back in court tomorrow find a therapist in your area that is experienced in phobias. Most therapists work on a sliding scale and will accomidate for your financial situation. They will also meet you at your home and work on the desensitization with you. You may only need a few session before you overcome this fear. They can also prescribe an anti-anxiety medication that will help you through this phase.
Your children are counting on you and cant wait to see you tomorrow. I know you can do it!