does anyone have any advice for managing Agoraphobia? Have you beaten it? Any good reading material on the subject?
I have only suffered from it occasionally and mildly. Counselling helped me immensely (it was for depression and the reasons for my depression, but had the knock on effect of helping with the agoraphobia too) Anti-depressants (citalopram) also helped. When my son was studying psychology for AS level he learnt that for the most part agoraphobia is more a fear of the people you may meet or the difficulties you may encounter whilst outside rather than being an actual fear of being outdoors. It was certainly true in my case and I found a very early morning walk before most people were up and about (summer time - not much use to you now lol) helped me realise that outdoors was OK . Then it was a case of coping with each thing as it happened. Sometimes I used to get home and close the curtains and shut the world out, but at least that was progress. I still don't like anyone other than family coming into the house. I have just stopped taking the anti-depressants and have regressed a little but it's early days yet.
As I said though mine was mild and I now know what caused it in the first place. Maybe your GP could help? (by phone) Mine was surprisingly helpful.
As I said though mine was mild and I now know what caused it in the first place. Maybe your GP could help? (by phone) Mine was surprisingly helpful.
ally1
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I had agoraphobia for 6 long years.
I never got treatment for it as I just couldn't, t get out to see someone about it.
I decided I had to do something, so I worked out a plan for myself.
I started by just opening my back door progressing to one step outside. Eventually I went a step further each time.
In total it took me 6 months to feel comfortable being outside. That was 5 years ago.
I still get the odd moment of being afraid
I never got treatment for it as I just couldn't, t get out to see someone about it.
I decided I had to do something, so I worked out a plan for myself.
I started by just opening my back door progressing to one step outside. Eventually I went a step further each time.
In total it took me 6 months to feel comfortable being outside. That was 5 years ago.
I still get the odd moment of being afraid
Squire Fulwood
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I have two friends with agoraphobia but they have it to different degrees. In the case of one of them I don't think he has ever been into a shop on his own but will attempt it if I am with him. In fact having me with him helps enormously so maybe you could find someone to accompany you on a short trip out to see how that goes.
The other one is much bolder and has been known to go into small shops on his own but Tesco is a trial. He has been there with me for company but has a tendency to bolt occasionally.
So my suggestion is don't try to do it alone.
The other one is much bolder and has been known to go into small shops on his own but Tesco is a trial. He has been there with me for company but has a tendency to bolt occasionally.
So my suggestion is don't try to do it alone.
