Do you think I have agoraphobia?!
Question: Do you think I have agoraphobia!?
I have an anxiety disorder, mostly relating to fear of having panic attacks, feel of getting sick and fear of certain foods!.
It started out that I made excuses not to eat out with friends because of the food phobia, but then I started making excuses not to see a movie, and not to go shopping!. I keep telling people I'm ''too tired'' when actually it's the anxiety!. I was never too bad at school, but now I've finished school I'm sitting at home for 2 months and I'm getting worse!. I don't see anyone in the day, and I can't go down to the supermarket (100 yards) to buy hair dye for fear of having a panic attack!. I've tried to overcome this but my fear of a panic attack just makes me have one! And then I'm too scared to go out again!. All my friends are working but I can't get a job because some days I can't leave the house!
Is this agoraphobia!? What can I do to have a normal life again!?
Thanks for reading/answering!.
<3Www@Answer-Health@Com
It started out that I made excuses not to eat out with friends because of the food phobia, but then I started making excuses not to see a movie, and not to go shopping!. I keep telling people I'm ''too tired'' when actually it's the anxiety!. I was never too bad at school, but now I've finished school I'm sitting at home for 2 months and I'm getting worse!. I don't see anyone in the day, and I can't go down to the supermarket (100 yards) to buy hair dye for fear of having a panic attack!. I've tried to overcome this but my fear of a panic attack just makes me have one! And then I'm too scared to go out again!. All my friends are working but I can't get a job because some days I can't leave the house!
Is this agoraphobia!? What can I do to have a normal life again!?
Thanks for reading/answering!.
<3Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
I am not a doctor, psychologist or any medical clinician so I couldn't diagnose you, but from my knowledge and experience, you do sound agrophobic!. I went through a brief stage of that went I got out of an abusive relationship, but I now lead an active happy life
The good thing is that you recognise you have anxiety and that is affecting your life!. I think its incredibly brave for you not only to acknowledge it but to post something so personal on Yahoo, expecially given your age,and I think the next logical stage is to seek medical advice!.
Your first step is to confide to a parent or both parents or anyone (a friend) you feel close to and trust, so that the people in your life are aware of the situation and can support you!. If you feel there is nobody to help you, then go straight to your GP!. Either way, you need to discuss this with your GP - you seem very open and articulate, so I have no worries that the doctor won't take you seriously!. They should be able to advise you further - maybe some medication on a temporary basis for the anxiety and/or some counselling - I don't know, but please don't suffer in silence!. You are young and should be out there enjoying your life!.
Good luck!. xxWww@Answer-Health@Com
The good thing is that you recognise you have anxiety and that is affecting your life!. I think its incredibly brave for you not only to acknowledge it but to post something so personal on Yahoo, expecially given your age,and I think the next logical stage is to seek medical advice!.
Your first step is to confide to a parent or both parents or anyone (a friend) you feel close to and trust, so that the people in your life are aware of the situation and can support you!. If you feel there is nobody to help you, then go straight to your GP!. Either way, you need to discuss this with your GP - you seem very open and articulate, so I have no worries that the doctor won't take you seriously!. They should be able to advise you further - maybe some medication on a temporary basis for the anxiety and/or some counselling - I don't know, but please don't suffer in silence!. You are young and should be out there enjoying your life!.
Good luck!. xxWww@Answer-Health@Com
This could well be agoraphobia!. It is different for everyone!. You must see your GP who will be able to either give you medication to calm you down and/or get you some counselling!. Either way, you will need help darling, please give him a ring!. If you cant go out on your own is there a friend or family member who will come out with you!? Don't give up sweetie, I have been agoraphobic for many years and have overcome most things although some situations still are difficult!. Good luck xxWww@Answer-Health@Com
Maybe if you get out more, you could gradually overcome the fear!.!.!.!.!.!.it is completely normal, we all have fears, be they rational or nonsensical!.!.!.!.!.like I fear heights, and climbing higher than what they usually climb in rock-climbing areas would terrify me and absolutely frighten me!.!.!.!.!.!.but what the heck do I know I don't really get out much either!.!.!.!.
I guess us introverts prefer the comforts of home sometimes!.!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
I guess us introverts prefer the comforts of home sometimes!.!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
yes you do!. you just need to get gradual treatment!. you don't seem to have it too bad yet, and it is very treatable!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
i don't think it is!. my cousin has agoraphobia and she's actually afraid to go out!. it sounds as though you do ot have this fear, you are instead afraid of your panic attacks!. you really need to see a doctor, or if you can't go out get them to do a house call!. try to start small by walking round the block with your mum!. or, you should tell your friends how you feel, then you could ask them to go for a walk with you and you'll be so busy talking and laughing that you won't feel stressed or panicky so that the next time you can go somewhere further!. don't be afraid, i wish you the best of luck xxxWww@Answer-Health@Com
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape!. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places!. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to their home, experiencing difficulty traveling from this "safe place!."
How is agoraphobia diagnosed!?
People suffering from agoraphobia sometimes fear that they are "losing" their mind or "going crazy" because of their fears and anxiety!. Consequently, they might seek advice from a mental health professional!.
Also, it is common for a friend or family member to notice that another person is reluctant to leave home without a companion!. For instance, a spouse might notice that his/her mate finds reasons not to leave home!. In these cases, the friend or family member often urges the agoraphobic to seek professional help!.
A mental health professional arrives at the diagnosis of agoraphobia by taking a careful personal history from the client/patient!. There are no laboratory tests required to confirm a diagnosis of agoraphobia nor are there any physical conditions that must be met!. However, it is very important for the therapist not to overlook a physical illness that might mimic or contribute to a psychological disorder!. If there is any doubt about a medical problem, the mental health professional should refer to a physician who will perform a complete physical examination and request any necessary laboratory tests!.
How is agoraphobia treated!?
There are three main types of treatment for agoraphobia:
Therapy
Medications
Combination of therapy and medications
Behavior and cognitive therapy are the treatments of choice for agoraphobia!. If panic accompanies the agoraphobia, people are sometimes referred for a brief course of a prescribed medication, such as an antianxiety medication!.
What happens to someone with agoraphobia!?
Severe cases of agoraphobia can be very difficult to treat and can last many years!.
What can people do if they need help!?
If you, a friend, or a family member would like more information and you have a therapist or a physician, please
discuss your concerns with that person!.
I would make an appt!. with a psychiatrist soon in order to get proper diagnosis and treatment so you can start getting your life back on track!. That's great you asked and reached outWww@Answer-Health@Com
How is agoraphobia diagnosed!?
People suffering from agoraphobia sometimes fear that they are "losing" their mind or "going crazy" because of their fears and anxiety!. Consequently, they might seek advice from a mental health professional!.
Also, it is common for a friend or family member to notice that another person is reluctant to leave home without a companion!. For instance, a spouse might notice that his/her mate finds reasons not to leave home!. In these cases, the friend or family member often urges the agoraphobic to seek professional help!.
A mental health professional arrives at the diagnosis of agoraphobia by taking a careful personal history from the client/patient!. There are no laboratory tests required to confirm a diagnosis of agoraphobia nor are there any physical conditions that must be met!. However, it is very important for the therapist not to overlook a physical illness that might mimic or contribute to a psychological disorder!. If there is any doubt about a medical problem, the mental health professional should refer to a physician who will perform a complete physical examination and request any necessary laboratory tests!.
How is agoraphobia treated!?
There are three main types of treatment for agoraphobia:
Therapy
Medications
Combination of therapy and medications
Behavior and cognitive therapy are the treatments of choice for agoraphobia!. If panic accompanies the agoraphobia, people are sometimes referred for a brief course of a prescribed medication, such as an antianxiety medication!.
What happens to someone with agoraphobia!?
Severe cases of agoraphobia can be very difficult to treat and can last many years!.
What can people do if they need help!?
If you, a friend, or a family member would like more information and you have a therapist or a physician, please
discuss your concerns with that person!.
I would make an appt!. with a psychiatrist soon in order to get proper diagnosis and treatment so you can start getting your life back on track!. That's great you asked and reached outWww@Answer-Health@Com