Aa
Agoraphobia and housebound
This is something I have been interested in discussing on this forum. I'm just wondering how many of us are agoraphobic and to what extent. I know that I am and fight it all the time but make sure that I do leave my home most days. I have a very dear friend who hasn't left her home in almost 7 years. She has had all kinds of therapy and has tried SSRIs and other meds but is now VERY meds phobic and even with the CBT she finally gave up and just stays home. I'm wondering if there are others on this forum who are like her or are the majority like me. I wish there was something I can do to help her but she is just plain scared to leave her house. She has tried on occasion and has had some success but very minimal and therefore doesn't leave home. We don't even discuss it that much anymore. Our discussions are about everything but... I have to say that she is a perfect example of someone who would benefit from more CBT and medication because she definitely doesn't have any depression, she just has GAD with panic. I would love to know who on this board has agoraphobia and if they have been housebound or are still housebound and how they are dealing with it.
Hi there lonewolf,you was wondering if ativan,valium,causes agorophobia..most definitely.I was prescribed ativan when my mum dyed because i was having PAs.They have made me agorophobic,i have weaned myself off a lot of mgs,and now i,m in reality i can,t cope with anything,i get angry with myself and very frustrated the fact that i will not go out on my own,which is realy depressing,and like most people on here i hide it very well.I am constantly looking for answers and yes i want a quick fix,even though i know that wont work..Miserable....
This thread is a relic by now. But it brought 3 of us together who remain close friends. Barfer and the friend she was writing about. Her friend began to post on the agoraphobia forum herself. And she even started to go out again. So it shows that posts can help people.
Great thread, myself been agora 10yrs now, i am going to get this book on ebay some guy wrote. see if it helps for me i cannot stand the dizziness associated with public outings.that pure frear like someone went of with a shotgun at Mcdonalds that type of fear!...... It makes me feel like i revert back to 5yrs of age, i need my mummy!!!!!! and for a 42yr old male that's quite embarressing. I also shake alot you would think i had parkisons, I'm not sure what the answer is except each day step out the door a little more....... and then a little more etc..... For me i have a f/time carer as well as i am so bad , they need to shop for me some days... I've lost all friends its very lonely except online ones.... parents live 1hr away my car sits out there getting dusty although sometimes i will sneak out at 10pm drive it down the road and back and run inside again , insane really! but i dont want the battery to die........ Well i want to get well but it will take take time i guess....... Last week i had such a doozy my carer took me to this pharmacy and i almost fainted..... i couldnt see the door way to get out and dropped everything........ its like i go into mania stage! ......... I hear all you guys its such a lonely life :(((
This is the thread I was talking about. It has such invaluable information init...raw feelings....and a lot of moments where people finally came out and admitted that they also have a lot of agoraphobic tendencies.
I have made a suggestion to MedHelp that they start a forum specifically for agoraphobia. I think this is something that is more prevalent than we realize and having our own forum would maybe bring some of the ones who are lurking, out in the open and feel that they can discuss their problems with others who really understand and maybe, be able to help each-other. I just wanted you to know that I have made this suggestion and we'll see what they have to say.
I have read most of the posts on this thread and will continue to read it until I have read it all. But wanted to share my story tonight. It was the early-mid nineties and I had a panic attack at work, I was working for a bank. That day I got taken care of, but realized that while driving down the road no matter how hot/cold it was my windows were up. I was leaving them that way! When I did make it home I closed all the shades and curtains. That is how the next 2 years of my life went. While grocery shopping, if I couldn't stay..I left the cart full of groceries sitting there. That was pretty much the only place I went. Home and the grocery store. By 1998, our house was built and that meant all new surroundings. So, we moved in and it took me a while but I did start going to the new stores that I hadn't gone to before, the only thing is my trips were short!! Now, at the age of 35 I tend to stay home alot. My husband will bring the kids with him and go visiting family..I stay home. I'm safe here. Then there are days where I want to go somewhere, but when I get there can't get out of the car. Or I successfully make a small accomplishment of visiting someone or using retail therapy! Its a bunch of hit and miss for me anyway. I don't know if I will ever be like my husband and kids they want to go everywhere see everything. I am just content and safe at home.
Alley
Alley
You've posed and interesting comment...if a person is completely housebound and say has young children...one of the children cuts him/herself badly (a life-threatening sort of way), they live out in the middle of nowhere and there are no neighbours home or a partner around. Does this make the agoraphobic parent act and drive the child to the nearest hospital or does he/she just sit there doing what he/she can for the child and watch the child bleed out? My feeling is that something that horrendous would cause the agoraphobic to act, but does that mean that the comfort space will move with them. I think in some cases it would, just because the children or child would be with the parent which in itself is a comfort factor and the sense of responsibility for a child's life becomes the central issue rather than whether you've been housebound for years or not. The instinct to care for a child, I think would be stronger than that of the agoraphobia. Not to say that the agoraphobic in question wouldn't have a few panic attacks on the way to the hospital and while there, but the fact that the attention would be focused on the hurt child. Would this one incident then make it easier for the agoraphobic to venture out of his/her home again, I don't know. But, it may make him/her more interested in pursuing it knowing that it was possible under the worst situation.
This doesn't quite hit on the initial comment about transferring safe spaces but I can tell you what happened in my situation a few years back when I was on medication for GAD and panic, different meds that I am on now and I was dealing with matters fairly well, but my boundaries were not as broad as they are now.
I have a very special older daughter who happens to have cerebral palsy, epilepsy and is developmentally delayed. She needed dental work (root canals) and to do that she need it to be done in a hospital and under sedation. Both my husband and I took her there (not my favourite place to go but, it's my daughter and her needs came over mine). She had the procedures done and they very nicely allowed us in the recovery room because of her special situation. While in there, and after the anesthetist has already gone home, my daughter starts to have a seizure. I call the nurse over and while we were consulting about it, she has another seizure...the doctor's come in....she has another seizure. Now everybody is there and she gets wheeled down to emergency and is taken immediately. I am allowed to stay with her. To make a very long story short, she ends up in intensive care after having had over thirty seizures, is hooked up with every tube you can imagine and is in and out of consciousness. During this whole situation, not once did I think of my agoraphobic self...even when I felt some panic...I was able to squelch it down because there could only be one patient in that room and I knew what I had wouldn't kill me, but I wasn't so sure about my daughter. She stayed in intensive care for 5 days, not speaking, hooked up to tubs and everyday, I got up in the morning drove to the hospital and stayed with her all day and night until I could hardly keep my eyes open. Was I anxious, you bet, did I take ativan, absolutely, did I transfer my safe place to that intensive care unit, you bet your butt I did! So, in my case transferring even in a sticky situation can happen and I think it could for someone housebound too if they were put into a position like I was.
By the way, this all happened the week before Christmas and on the fourth night, we were sitting at her bedside worried that there had been no progress and just about to leave when all of a sudden, we heard her quietly sing, "We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year". At that point, I knew she was out of the woods and life was good again. Just to relay this story to you is heart wrenching for me to bring back those memories, but it is worth telling on this subject because it shows that in certain circumstances, we can be tough and even out of our comfort zone can find a way to make a safe space. Mind you I lost 10 lbs. in the process but managed to put it all back on at Christmas with having my daughter and all my immediate family around me.
This doesn't quite hit on the initial comment about transferring safe spaces but I can tell you what happened in my situation a few years back when I was on medication for GAD and panic, different meds that I am on now and I was dealing with matters fairly well, but my boundaries were not as broad as they are now.
I have a very special older daughter who happens to have cerebral palsy, epilepsy and is developmentally delayed. She needed dental work (root canals) and to do that she need it to be done in a hospital and under sedation. Both my husband and I took her there (not my favourite place to go but, it's my daughter and her needs came over mine). She had the procedures done and they very nicely allowed us in the recovery room because of her special situation. While in there, and after the anesthetist has already gone home, my daughter starts to have a seizure. I call the nurse over and while we were consulting about it, she has another seizure...the doctor's come in....she has another seizure. Now everybody is there and she gets wheeled down to emergency and is taken immediately. I am allowed to stay with her. To make a very long story short, she ends up in intensive care after having had over thirty seizures, is hooked up with every tube you can imagine and is in and out of consciousness. During this whole situation, not once did I think of my agoraphobic self...even when I felt some panic...I was able to squelch it down because there could only be one patient in that room and I knew what I had wouldn't kill me, but I wasn't so sure about my daughter. She stayed in intensive care for 5 days, not speaking, hooked up to tubs and everyday, I got up in the morning drove to the hospital and stayed with her all day and night until I could hardly keep my eyes open. Was I anxious, you bet, did I take ativan, absolutely, did I transfer my safe place to that intensive care unit, you bet your butt I did! So, in my case transferring even in a sticky situation can happen and I think it could for someone housebound too if they were put into a position like I was.
By the way, this all happened the week before Christmas and on the fourth night, we were sitting at her bedside worried that there had been no progress and just about to leave when all of a sudden, we heard her quietly sing, "We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year". At that point, I knew she was out of the woods and life was good again. Just to relay this story to you is heart wrenching for me to bring back those memories, but it is worth telling on this subject because it shows that in certain circumstances, we can be tough and even out of our comfort zone can find a way to make a safe space. Mind you I lost 10 lbs. in the process but managed to put it all back on at Christmas with having my daughter and all my immediate family around me.
Sometimes there is a thread that is so rich, so good, so full of stuff we really need to think about -that I wish it would be a forum all to itself. This is one of those. Almost 100 conversations and still in the "top 40" as it were. Very clearly, the contributors have experienced changes because of what they have read and written here -and that includes the humorous side-bars about the convention of agoraphobics.
The truth? The truth is that EVERYONE has boundaries, somewhere. And all the boundaries, I think, are really psychological when you get to the bottom of it. I have no problem hopping in my car (except for the cost of gas) and going anywhere; I can weave my way through the DC beltway traffic. But would I ever do sky-diving? I doubt it. And the sky diving is safer than the DC beltway. For that matter, the darkest alleys in SE DC are safer than the beltway. For that matter, Sadr City is safer than the beltway, come to think of it.
And so, if a I draw a red line that traces out my boundaries, it would form a sort of "lasso" that defines my safe space, and as I move about, it moves about with me. Put me in a place where the only way to get around is by parachute and guess what, I'm house-bound! I'm not making a joke here. One of our topics had to do with what "home" really is -and as it turns out, it is not so much defined by a physical residence as it is a "sense" of space that surrounds us, because, as nearly all have said, they could, in fact, find some degree of solitude in a hotel room or perhaps the home of a friend or relative, or a summer cottage or vacation get-away. And so, if the space moves with us, then it follows that the space itself is defined by our brain, our psychology, to contour itself to the external reality as we perceive it. And it therefore follows, as well, that the expansion of the boundaries also lies within the capacity of our thinking, our sense of "safe space." And in virtually all cases, the actual safe space as revealed upon questioning is greater than that which is initially reported.
Comments?
The truth? The truth is that EVERYONE has boundaries, somewhere. And all the boundaries, I think, are really psychological when you get to the bottom of it. I have no problem hopping in my car (except for the cost of gas) and going anywhere; I can weave my way through the DC beltway traffic. But would I ever do sky-diving? I doubt it. And the sky diving is safer than the DC beltway. For that matter, the darkest alleys in SE DC are safer than the beltway. For that matter, Sadr City is safer than the beltway, come to think of it.
And so, if a I draw a red line that traces out my boundaries, it would form a sort of "lasso" that defines my safe space, and as I move about, it moves about with me. Put me in a place where the only way to get around is by parachute and guess what, I'm house-bound! I'm not making a joke here. One of our topics had to do with what "home" really is -and as it turns out, it is not so much defined by a physical residence as it is a "sense" of space that surrounds us, because, as nearly all have said, they could, in fact, find some degree of solitude in a hotel room or perhaps the home of a friend or relative, or a summer cottage or vacation get-away. And so, if the space moves with us, then it follows that the space itself is defined by our brain, our psychology, to contour itself to the external reality as we perceive it. And it therefore follows, as well, that the expansion of the boundaries also lies within the capacity of our thinking, our sense of "safe space." And in virtually all cases, the actual safe space as revealed upon questioning is greater than that which is initially reported.
Comments?
Quote:
It was horrible...I mean it. I had many anxiety attacks on the trip and felt nauseous most of the time. I did have some fun too. (believe it or not)...but no matter what...I didn't die....I didn't have to be hospitalized...I didn't pass out......I MADE IT THROUGH. And that is what I needed to experience...to do it even though it was hard. I have gotten much better through the years, however, I still do suffer at times. But I say to myself that if I didn't push through it, I would never have had my daughter who was adopted from China! I had to take a 17 hour plane ride for her...AND I MADE IT THROUGH.
Somewhere along the line, your post didn't get a response and I feel it really deserves one. You showed how under extremely high anxiety and panic, you came through it and at the very least, learned that you could do it! This is important! If it hadn't been for your determination at that point in your life, you wouldn't have been able to take that 17 hour flight to adopt your daughter. This is a perfect example of determination and strength. We sometimes forget that because we have this disorder that we do have strength when we really need it.
Quote:
My point to this story is, you have to face your fear, when you do everything for the agorophobic, you are being an "enabler". I still have difficulty driving far distances now with my daughter (unless my husband is with me). But I plan visits to friends that are far distances and I do it anyway. I can't let it overtake me....because it would be very easy to fall into that trap...way to easy. You have to force yourself, no matter how uncomfortable it is. Baby steps will take you far!
I completely agree! It all starts with baby steps and determination to not let yourself become a victim. We aren't victim's here, we are stronger than that. We want freedom from this and we deserve it, but the only way we are going to be able to control it is if we really want it badly enough to do the work required to get there.
It was horrible...I mean it. I had many anxiety attacks on the trip and felt nauseous most of the time. I did have some fun too. (believe it or not)...but no matter what...I didn't die....I didn't have to be hospitalized...I didn't pass out......I MADE IT THROUGH. And that is what I needed to experience...to do it even though it was hard. I have gotten much better through the years, however, I still do suffer at times. But I say to myself that if I didn't push through it, I would never have had my daughter who was adopted from China! I had to take a 17 hour plane ride for her...AND I MADE IT THROUGH.
Somewhere along the line, your post didn't get a response and I feel it really deserves one. You showed how under extremely high anxiety and panic, you came through it and at the very least, learned that you could do it! This is important! If it hadn't been for your determination at that point in your life, you wouldn't have been able to take that 17 hour flight to adopt your daughter. This is a perfect example of determination and strength. We sometimes forget that because we have this disorder that we do have strength when we really need it.
Quote:
My point to this story is, you have to face your fear, when you do everything for the agorophobic, you are being an "enabler". I still have difficulty driving far distances now with my daughter (unless my husband is with me). But I plan visits to friends that are far distances and I do it anyway. I can't let it overtake me....because it would be very easy to fall into that trap...way to easy. You have to force yourself, no matter how uncomfortable it is. Baby steps will take you far!
I completely agree! It all starts with baby steps and determination to not let yourself become a victim. We aren't victim's here, we are stronger than that. We want freedom from this and we deserve it, but the only way we are going to be able to control it is if we really want it badly enough to do the work required to get there.
I have just done something I have been wanting to do for a very long time! This is an example of an agoraphobic pushing herself I have wanted a bike for many years and haven't had the guts to even walk into the bicycle store to look at them. I'm 55 years young and haven't ridden a bike for at least 40 years. I live in a large city but we are very lucky that we have a lot of park land around and right outside my door is a groomed path for people to walk their dogs, ride bikes, or just stroll. Everyday I take my dog on this path and I see all these people on bikes and wish that I could do the same. Well this morning I walked over to the bike store and rode home on my new bike! Was I nervous? At first I thought I might have a panic attack but what I realized was that I was more excited than anxious. Mind you I was a little anxious when I had to ride it home, remember I live in the city...cars everywhere! But I managed and instead of going directly home, I went on the path and through the cemetery which is always quiet (lol) and then home. It was scary but exhilarating and somewhat freeing. I just wanted to share that with everyone because it was such a big step for me after all these years of wanting it...I finally got it! By the way, you know what they say that you never forget how to ride a bike, well I wasn't so sure they were right about that at first but it did come back and with more practice I'm sure I will get even better at it.
I've been watching and sometimes commenting on this thread but one thing you wrote really struck me. You said:
"I honestly don't think it's the harm medications can cause people, but how a doctor handles a patient having a hard time on medications. I think that was the case with me, once medication had done harm to me, the doc was like whoopy doo. So it's hard for me to take medications now, with no confidence in doctors."
My dr is exactly like the one you describe. She has arbitrarily cut back my meds and they aren't even tranquilizers or anti-depressants or mind-altering meds at all. They were meds I took to control BP. She doesn't listen to me or even see me as a person so now I have to go back to her since my BP has increased. I don't trust drs either.
Like you I have a lot of drug allergies which I think is the body's way of telling the brain that the drug(s) we are taking aren't beneficial.
It wouldn't offend me (can't speak for anyone else) if you said negative things about meds. It might open my eyes to something I've been unaware of.
Too bad we can't be treated in a holistic way with mind, body, emotions and spirit being taken into consideration but that's my opinion and hopefully I would not judge anyone who had a different opinion.
Looks like you have lots of support in this thread = )
lonewolf
"I honestly don't think it's the harm medications can cause people, but how a doctor handles a patient having a hard time on medications. I think that was the case with me, once medication had done harm to me, the doc was like whoopy doo. So it's hard for me to take medications now, with no confidence in doctors."
My dr is exactly like the one you describe. She has arbitrarily cut back my meds and they aren't even tranquilizers or anti-depressants or mind-altering meds at all. They were meds I took to control BP. She doesn't listen to me or even see me as a person so now I have to go back to her since my BP has increased. I don't trust drs either.
Like you I have a lot of drug allergies which I think is the body's way of telling the brain that the drug(s) we are taking aren't beneficial.
It wouldn't offend me (can't speak for anyone else) if you said negative things about meds. It might open my eyes to something I've been unaware of.
Too bad we can't be treated in a holistic way with mind, body, emotions and spirit being taken into consideration but that's my opinion and hopefully I would not judge anyone who had a different opinion.
Looks like you have lots of support in this thread = )
lonewolf
Hi AJ,
Seems like you have a lot of issues to sort out at the moment, but one step at a time.
I feel you need to shop around for another family doctor - new perspective and one who is willing to help you through your hurdle.
Psychiatrists seems okay - ask him whether he can help you learn some simple relaxation strategies. You mention Lunesta which I believe is approved by the FDA for long term use but the feedbacks are not very positive and it is an expensive pill too. I can't get Lunesta here, we have Stillnox and Ambien and recently there has been lots of bad publicity about this drug with like 500 people complaining about dangerous side effects. Please I am not anti-med, just what I heard on the news lately.
So if you are having trouble sleeping, first of all, don't worry it won't kill you, just makes you very tired. When you remove the worry of not being able to sleep well, you will begin to sleep better.
Herbal medications can cause allergies too, so try to be like a scientist and be objective and see whether certains things make you sick. I know I start have shortness of breath after drinking chamomile tea - so much for making me feel relaxed.
A timetable tabling out your daily activities and time for worry as well - helps for some. Your therapist may come out with a plan.
But right now, I think your priority is to find a sympathetic, intelligent family doctor and learn to relax.
Take care.
Sumi
Seems like you have a lot of issues to sort out at the moment, but one step at a time.
I feel you need to shop around for another family doctor - new perspective and one who is willing to help you through your hurdle.
Psychiatrists seems okay - ask him whether he can help you learn some simple relaxation strategies. You mention Lunesta which I believe is approved by the FDA for long term use but the feedbacks are not very positive and it is an expensive pill too. I can't get Lunesta here, we have Stillnox and Ambien and recently there has been lots of bad publicity about this drug with like 500 people complaining about dangerous side effects. Please I am not anti-med, just what I heard on the news lately.
So if you are having trouble sleeping, first of all, don't worry it won't kill you, just makes you very tired. When you remove the worry of not being able to sleep well, you will begin to sleep better.
Herbal medications can cause allergies too, so try to be like a scientist and be objective and see whether certains things make you sick. I know I start have shortness of breath after drinking chamomile tea - so much for making me feel relaxed.
A timetable tabling out your daily activities and time for worry as well - helps for some. Your therapist may come out with a plan.
But right now, I think your priority is to find a sympathetic, intelligent family doctor and learn to relax.
Take care.
Sumi
Hi Barfer,
That's wonderful you have a pool to swim in, swimming can be very relaxing. No I haven't gone swimming in a few years, I used to go swimming at the local gym, but they closed down.
I do try to exercise when I can, mostly physical work outdoors, landscaping, etc..... Before I became sick last year, I worked out on my treadmill 7 days a week, walking 3-5 miles.
At times, I do have too much adrenaline, and start bouncing off walls. Exercise is very healthy.
That's wonderful you have a pool to swim in, swimming can be very relaxing. No I haven't gone swimming in a few years, I used to go swimming at the local gym, but they closed down.
I do try to exercise when I can, mostly physical work outdoors, landscaping, etc..... Before I became sick last year, I worked out on my treadmill 7 days a week, walking 3-5 miles.
At times, I do have too much adrenaline, and start bouncing off walls. Exercise is very healthy.
Hi Sumi,
Thanks for understanding, you have been very helpful & comforting. In the past year, i tested positive for allergies/sinus, I've tried a few different meds for allergies, and had a reaction to them all, Allegra D was the worst, had a bad rash from using it. I used an Asthma inhaler, which caused upper airway restriction, I was ambulanced to the ER. I cannot take any antibiotics, penicillin, my allergist is trying to figure why my system is so sensitive to medications.
I think it's because I have hardly taken a scription med in my entire life, my system has always naturally fought off illnesses. The only med I never had any problems with were painkillers, aspirin, vicodin, etc....
Sorry to read, you were not takin seriously about bb side effects. Hope your doc has found the right treatments for you.
I try to be cautious what I share at forums, cause not everyone's experiences are all negative. I'm happy that medications can help people, my mom included she has had 2 strokes and meds have helped her through the years. Everyone's experiences are good or bad, made a decision to share my experiences to help others.
I honestly don't think it's the harm medications can cause people, but how a doctor handles a patient having a hard time on medications. I think that was the case with me, once medication had done harm to me, the doc was like whoopy doo. So it's hard for me to take medications now, with no confidence in doctors.
I told my doc Klonopin was not making me feel well, what does he do, increase my dose. It's as if he didn't hear me at all. But it's all in the past.
I'm sure if I find a doctor I can be confident in, I will accept treatments from the doc.
What upsets me in the past is, my primary doc wants to throw all these psych meds at me, while my psychiatrist didn't prescribe me anything and tried to talk me through my issues. I thought I was being prescribed medication to aid sleep, not psych meds. Lunesta is a sleep aid medication. It's a long story, and I'm getting worked up again.
Have a nice weekend.
Thanks for understanding, you have been very helpful & comforting. In the past year, i tested positive for allergies/sinus, I've tried a few different meds for allergies, and had a reaction to them all, Allegra D was the worst, had a bad rash from using it. I used an Asthma inhaler, which caused upper airway restriction, I was ambulanced to the ER. I cannot take any antibiotics, penicillin, my allergist is trying to figure why my system is so sensitive to medications.
I think it's because I have hardly taken a scription med in my entire life, my system has always naturally fought off illnesses. The only med I never had any problems with were painkillers, aspirin, vicodin, etc....
Sorry to read, you were not takin seriously about bb side effects. Hope your doc has found the right treatments for you.
I try to be cautious what I share at forums, cause not everyone's experiences are all negative. I'm happy that medications can help people, my mom included she has had 2 strokes and meds have helped her through the years. Everyone's experiences are good or bad, made a decision to share my experiences to help others.
I honestly don't think it's the harm medications can cause people, but how a doctor handles a patient having a hard time on medications. I think that was the case with me, once medication had done harm to me, the doc was like whoopy doo. So it's hard for me to take medications now, with no confidence in doctors.
I told my doc Klonopin was not making me feel well, what does he do, increase my dose. It's as if he didn't hear me at all. But it's all in the past.
I'm sure if I find a doctor I can be confident in, I will accept treatments from the doc.
What upsets me in the past is, my primary doc wants to throw all these psych meds at me, while my psychiatrist didn't prescribe me anything and tried to talk me through my issues. I thought I was being prescribed medication to aid sleep, not psych meds. Lunesta is a sleep aid medication. It's a long story, and I'm getting worked up again.
Have a nice weekend.
Hi there,
Benzos are benzodiazepines - ie anti anxiety medications such as Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin , Valium amongst others.
Bye for now.
Sumi
Benzos are benzodiazepines - ie anti anxiety medications such as Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin , Valium amongst others.
Bye for now.
Sumi
At the risk of sounding incredibly dumb - what is/are benzos? I read the postings and can't figure out if they contribute to agoraphobia or not.
The comment about Wal-Mart - my daughter loves it; sometimes I just have to leave everything and get out; it's like being in a surreal movie. So many times in this Forum I have read about someone's fear or phobia and thought I was the only one who felt that way.
Barfer - I'm really glad you began this thread and that all the other folks have told their stories and/or given information regarding meds.
lonewolf
The comment about Wal-Mart - my daughter loves it; sometimes I just have to leave everything and get out; it's like being in a surreal movie. So many times in this Forum I have read about someone's fear or phobia and thought I was the only one who felt that way.
Barfer - I'm really glad you began this thread and that all the other folks have told their stories and/or given information regarding meds.
lonewolf
LOL...Walmart is the devil! :0) Okay, not really....but I HAVE found it to be a common trigger place amongst the anxious.
AJW...I'm glad you were comfy enough to share your story. I think that is one of the biggest benefits of these types of forums...being able to learn from others....and share in others' experiences.
I am so sorry you went through what you did...I can't imagine how frustrating and scary it was for you. Thing is...while I have no idea if the benzo really WAS the cause or not....I NEVER say "never" or "always" with medications. You very well could be the 0.1% to end up with an almost unreported problem, ya know? Obviously, you have been working with an endocrinologist, and have had a VERY thorough work up...which would rule out the common and more rare causes of an enlarged thyroid. Basically, everyone...you, the docs...are left scratching your head...and I can certainly understand you relating the issue to the benzo withdrawl. Common sense and process of elimination huh? I just wish for YOUR sake that they would somehow be able to verify that for you...because it is hard being left to feel that you have "decided" this was the cause. If that made any sense, you know?
I also totally can understand how you would feel the way you do about meds....I mean, how could you NOT right? I'm sorry you went through all of this....it sounds like you are on the path to recovery...which is great. If you get a chance...read my journals about panic, etc (some are from this thread, so it would be redundant)...but a lot of the techniques I have tried to overcome agoraphobia have been very successful.
Thanks again for sharing your ordeal with us. Best of luck, and I hope you never experience anything like it again.
AJW...I'm glad you were comfy enough to share your story. I think that is one of the biggest benefits of these types of forums...being able to learn from others....and share in others' experiences.
I am so sorry you went through what you did...I can't imagine how frustrating and scary it was for you. Thing is...while I have no idea if the benzo really WAS the cause or not....I NEVER say "never" or "always" with medications. You very well could be the 0.1% to end up with an almost unreported problem, ya know? Obviously, you have been working with an endocrinologist, and have had a VERY thorough work up...which would rule out the common and more rare causes of an enlarged thyroid. Basically, everyone...you, the docs...are left scratching your head...and I can certainly understand you relating the issue to the benzo withdrawl. Common sense and process of elimination huh? I just wish for YOUR sake that they would somehow be able to verify that for you...because it is hard being left to feel that you have "decided" this was the cause. If that made any sense, you know?
I also totally can understand how you would feel the way you do about meds....I mean, how could you NOT right? I'm sorry you went through all of this....it sounds like you are on the path to recovery...which is great. If you get a chance...read my journals about panic, etc (some are from this thread, so it would be redundant)...but a lot of the techniques I have tried to overcome agoraphobia have been very successful.
Thanks again for sharing your ordeal with us. Best of luck, and I hope you never experience anything like it again.
You shouldn't be afraid of Walmart! It's just like MedHelp...one stop shopping! At Walmart you can get fresh vegetables, shorts, shoes and beef all under one roof. Here at MedHelp, you can find out if your dog has fleas in the pet section, if your aunt's rash needs ointment in the dermatology forum, and how about that arthritis issue or if you really are pregnant or was it just indigestion....You see, one stop shopping. Mind you there are no line-ups here. LOL
i find it greatly amusing how many of us are arfraid of walmart!
My friends all know that if i go into walmart that i can say at any point in time i need to leave and we leave right there right then, leaving shopping carts wherever we may be at the time!
I have said many times that walmart is my idea of hell! lol!
im glad i found this post i dont know where there are any forum just for aggoraphobia and ive been having issues lateley and really needed this! good luck to us all!
My friends all know that if i go into walmart that i can say at any point in time i need to leave and we leave right there right then, leaving shopping carts wherever we may be at the time!
I have said many times that walmart is my idea of hell! lol!
im glad i found this post i dont know where there are any forum just for aggoraphobia and ive been having issues lateley and really needed this! good luck to us all!
Quote: just have to continue working myself out of agoraphobia
And you will! You are doing an excellent job of reaching that goal.
Do you work out or swim? I have a pool and lately I've found it most helpful with anxiety. I go down at a time when I can have the space all to myself and I swim lengths. It makes me feel absolutely refreshed. I also have a gym which I'm trying to use more frequently and every time I go, I'm glad I did because working out seems to help with that excess adrenaline. You don't have to even leave your house to work out. Even if you don't have weights at home, you can use filled bottles of detergent or use books instead of free-weights. Push ups and sit ups don't require anything and they give you a good workout. Also, a skipping rope will give you great cardio and it doesn't have to be an expensive rope from a sporting goods store, it can be any rope. Just another thought!
And you will! You are doing an excellent job of reaching that goal.
Do you work out or swim? I have a pool and lately I've found it most helpful with anxiety. I go down at a time when I can have the space all to myself and I swim lengths. It makes me feel absolutely refreshed. I also have a gym which I'm trying to use more frequently and every time I go, I'm glad I did because working out seems to help with that excess adrenaline. You don't have to even leave your house to work out. Even if you don't have weights at home, you can use filled bottles of detergent or use books instead of free-weights. Push ups and sit ups don't require anything and they give you a good workout. Also, a skipping rope will give you great cardio and it doesn't have to be an expensive rope from a sporting goods store, it can be any rope. Just another thought!
Hi Barfer,
Thanks for understanding. You have been so very helpful, and I really appreciate all you've shared.
A graph sounds like a great idea. I have kept a journal, but hardly write in it much anymore.
My agrophobia began from crowds & traffic, such as if I visit a small peaceful independant store, I am fine, but as soon as I go back out into traffic, my anxieties go into overload, I have no trouble in quiet, empty fast food places. I go into panic, in places like Walmart, large resturants etc....
I try to adjust and take care of life necessaties during the night, I'm thankful for 24 hour stores.
But over stimulation creates chaos with my nervous system. I have found relief wearing super dark sunglasses during the day, to reduce stimulation.
Staying at home alone, is the only place I can feel comfort, no stimulation to my nervous system, reason I spend majority of my time in my home.
When I try to leave my home and go out during the day.
Fear = anxiety, chest tightness and sob. What I am afraid of, I still haven't figured out.
Cause most times, after an hour or two, I adjust to a certain level of comfort, although I have chest tightness/sob, but not nearly as bad as when I came off Klonopin. So alot has improved over the months, just have to continue working myself out of agrophobia.
Thanks for understanding. You have been so very helpful, and I really appreciate all you've shared.
A graph sounds like a great idea. I have kept a journal, but hardly write in it much anymore.
My agrophobia began from crowds & traffic, such as if I visit a small peaceful independant store, I am fine, but as soon as I go back out into traffic, my anxieties go into overload, I have no trouble in quiet, empty fast food places. I go into panic, in places like Walmart, large resturants etc....
I try to adjust and take care of life necessaties during the night, I'm thankful for 24 hour stores.
But over stimulation creates chaos with my nervous system. I have found relief wearing super dark sunglasses during the day, to reduce stimulation.
Staying at home alone, is the only place I can feel comfort, no stimulation to my nervous system, reason I spend majority of my time in my home.
When I try to leave my home and go out during the day.
Fear = anxiety, chest tightness and sob. What I am afraid of, I still haven't figured out.
Cause most times, after an hour or two, I adjust to a certain level of comfort, although I have chest tightness/sob, but not nearly as bad as when I came off Klonopin. So alot has improved over the months, just have to continue working myself out of agrophobia.
Hello AJWS6,
Read your post and I nderstand where you are coming from .Everyone is different when it comes to their experiences with medication . I have heard many horror stories about long term benzo use and would say I was rather surprised and pleased that there were many members who didn't have much problems with long term use and when withdrawing. Anti depressants are not innocent as they are claimed to be either for some.
I am not anti - medication either , just cautious and at times I realise that even if I don't like it I find relief in medications. I am sensitive to medication and a friend of mine mentioned that according to her doctor there is about 1 % of the population in Aust who are sensitive to medications - so lots of trial and error . So perhaps you were sensitive to Klonopin. Only you would know your body better.
A bit like me with my beta blocker experience, initially not many believed my side effects, they told me I was imagining them. Later on they found out I was asthmatic and indeed that particular blocker commonly causes respiratory problems,sleep loss and depression in some people. Usually one has to weigh the benefits and costs of using a med.
It is great that you shared your story, especially for people like myself who prefer to use benzos for a as needed basis only. It presents another persons struggles. I know I am sensitive to meds and my doctors acknowledge that too and I do admit some of the side effects may be anxiety also. I know one thing though that despite my fears of medication and withdrawals etc, I will not hesitate to go on any even long term if necessary when I cannot function properly. I would weigh out the pros and cons.
So AJ, listen to your instincts and take small steps towards recovery and soon you will find yourself taking larger steps. Try your best not to relive your bad withdrawal experience. It is like a post traumatic stress. I should know, I still have flashbacks of bad memories. If you find a good therapist who understands that you are a bit anti-med right now, consult them. Someone who can help you change your way of thinking which I suspect is happening with you. After all your body had a bit of shock coming out of the calmness of the benzo.
Take care.
Sumi
Read your post and I nderstand where you are coming from .Everyone is different when it comes to their experiences with medication . I have heard many horror stories about long term benzo use and would say I was rather surprised and pleased that there were many members who didn't have much problems with long term use and when withdrawing. Anti depressants are not innocent as they are claimed to be either for some.
I am not anti - medication either , just cautious and at times I realise that even if I don't like it I find relief in medications. I am sensitive to medication and a friend of mine mentioned that according to her doctor there is about 1 % of the population in Aust who are sensitive to medications - so lots of trial and error . So perhaps you were sensitive to Klonopin. Only you would know your body better.
A bit like me with my beta blocker experience, initially not many believed my side effects, they told me I was imagining them. Later on they found out I was asthmatic and indeed that particular blocker commonly causes respiratory problems,sleep loss and depression in some people. Usually one has to weigh the benefits and costs of using a med.
It is great that you shared your story, especially for people like myself who prefer to use benzos for a as needed basis only. It presents another persons struggles. I know I am sensitive to meds and my doctors acknowledge that too and I do admit some of the side effects may be anxiety also. I know one thing though that despite my fears of medication and withdrawals etc, I will not hesitate to go on any even long term if necessary when I cannot function properly. I would weigh out the pros and cons.
So AJ, listen to your instincts and take small steps towards recovery and soon you will find yourself taking larger steps. Try your best not to relive your bad withdrawal experience. It is like a post traumatic stress. I should know, I still have flashbacks of bad memories. If you find a good therapist who understands that you are a bit anti-med right now, consult them. Someone who can help you change your way of thinking which I suspect is happening with you. After all your body had a bit of shock coming out of the calmness of the benzo.
Take care.
Sumi
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?
