I would suggest starting off with small goals, like going to the grocery store or going to a local coffee shop. Bring a book to read but surround yourself with other people. See how you feel. Even if you have to start off 'smaller', for instance making a goal of walking around the block.
What would your list of goals be? Start with your main goal and break it down into smaller steps you can work on each day..
I first had panic disorder which eventually developed into agoraphobia. I was embarrassed of myself when I'd get panic/anxiety attacks because I always wanted to be pleasant around others. I lived by 'people pleasing' because I couldn't handle awkward situations and confrontations, from when I was young. So, when I got panic disorder I just wanted to hide and that's what I did for 2 or 3 years. I used to force myself to go out at least once a week but there would be days that I wouldn't go out of the house for longer. And even if I'd go somewhere, the longest I can stay there was like 10-15 min because I'd anticipate the worst. I also divorced during that time so I lost trust in a lot of people which cause the agoraphobia & paranoia to worsen. I thought that something had to change, everyday of those years, until I finally made the change by calling up a therapist. I really had nothing to loose by then and it's been one of the best things I've done for myself. The thing that's helping me the most is that realizing that I don't have to do this all by myself. I can learn to rely on someone to help me. I was super paranoid that maybe my therapist is a phony or something, haha.. but that didn't matter to me anymore.. because I was starting to change.
Now I've been getting more motivation and I want to get out and live. But I"m still scared. Is there anything else that can help me get out more? What are the basics on to get started to get out again after so long?
The other day we talked about panic disorder, its characteristics and physical symptoms. People experiencing panic disorder may also develop agoraphobia, which arises form the worry that further panic attacks might occur. Agoraphobia causes a person to restrict their normal activities in an extreme way – they tend to avoid public places, such as shopping malls, public transit or restaurants for fear that another panic attack my occur. In some cases, home may feel like the only safe place to be therefore reducing ability to function in the outside world.
What have your experiences been with agoraphobia? Do you have any questions that we can help you with?
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