Agoraphobia, Medication/Therapy not working.

[Jason165]

Ive been to 2 therapist for panic disorder with agoraphobia, they both say the same exact things, list the same types of things to help but none of it works. I'm taking paxil, which also doesnt work. I get all the terrible sideeffects from the medication but none of the help. I was able to somewhat deal with my anxiety when i had friends, but now i don't have any. So im really not sure where else there is to turn? Is there any solution besides therapy and medication?

[cj29]

I think that you are making a great decision in joining this forum.  Believe it or not, you will probably gain life long friends through this forum.  

Anxiety and panic often can push many of our loved ones and friends away from us.  That is why this can be such a vicious experience.  First of all, remember that you are not alone in this.  Life has its ups and downs and we as humans learn so much more and gain great experience when we are in 'down' period.  It seems cruel at the time but you will come out of this much stronger.  Continue to become involved in this forum and take the knowledge and friendships that come along with from being here.

[scaredjo]

have you tried any alternative drugs ie st johns wort? i dont like takin meds cause of side effects either i jus take propranalol (beta-blocker) it helps take the edge of my panics. it must be awful feeling so lonely but as CJ stated you have just made loads of new friends by joining this forum!! i only have a couple of close friends but they dont get what i go through infact neither does my family, its hard when you feel alone. i hope you start to feel better soon do you have a garden? if so try sitting in it especially when the sun is shining, i love people watching it helps take my mind off things. i got kind of agrophobic cause i was so scared of going out incase i collapsed i made myself do things and now i can even manage to take my dog in the fields behind our home it is hard and i still dont go to far but you have to push yourself or you will never do it and end up wasting your life
good luck to you and remember if your ever feeling lonely or need support were here for you
jo

[Jason165]

thank you very much, you have no idea how far those kind words go. its really hard dealing with this, ive ended up losing all my friends. i really do spend 24/7 alone and its really tough.

I've been on Paxil for about a year now. Im a very hardheaded person, and ive just got this anxiety stuck so far into my mind. I did pretty well when i had a friend willing to spend nights at home with me, but eventually like the rest, he gave up and moved on. Things are getting more stressful because im about to finish home schooling, and ill have to be moving onto college, which i can't even imagine how ill pull that off. So any possible advice on alternatives for anxiety would be most appreciated  

[cj29]

I am sorry you are having a difficult time with this.  Anxiety, depression and agorophobia often go hand in hand.  When I had my first panic attack three years ago, it intially threw me for a loop.  I went on an Antidepressant like you and went to talk therapy to no avail. My anxiety stemmed from my health and I would not believe the doctors or therapists until I finally accepted the anxiety.   Whether you have or not, I do not know, but my advice would be to stress patience.  Many times with medications and therapists, it can take some trial and error to get the right combination of therapy.  How long have you been on the Paxil?  You have definitely come to the right place...you have just became a friend of hundreds of people that are going through the same thing that you have and many have thrived with this...believe it or not, this is going to make you a better person.  Know you are not alone in this and please feel free to contact me through this community or private messaging with your questions, concerns, and feelings!