Could I be Agoraphobic?!
Question: I suffer from depression quite a lot, but I've recently realised that during my low points, I find it increasingly difficult (depending on how bad I am) to leave my home. I don't feel a fear of crowds as such, but I just don't feel as though I will be safe if I venture outside - even then I don't feel as though I'm in danger, I just feel so, SO much safer in my room. A bit like a security blanket.
Answers: I suffer from depression quite a lot, but I've recently realised that during my low points, I find it increasingly difficult (depending on how bad I am) to leave my home. I don't feel a fear of crowds as such, but I just don't feel as though I will be safe if I venture outside - even then I don't feel as though I'm in danger, I just feel so, SO much safer in my room. A bit like a security blanket.
It's perfectly natural for depression to make a person want to just curl up somewhere safe. Agoraphobia is an intense fear of leaving your home, like you are certain something horrible will happen if you do. Talk to a therapist about how to deal with your depression, and be sure to mention the "agoraphobic" part. They may need to put you on a mood stabilizing drug, which are sometimes very effective. Only close observation by yourself and an honest disclosure with your doc can help you improve.
It's possible, but if this only occurs during your bouts with depression, it could definitely be linked to that. I'm not chronically depressed, but I've had low points in my life when I just don't want to deal with the world. It's not necessarily agoraphobia, just depression. You should probably seek counselling about the depression, though. And a therapist will have a better idea about the agoraphobia as well.