Hi, i'm Audrey and i'm an angsty agoraphobic. - Anxiety Message Board

wolfmarket · 03-25-2006, 07:20 AM

Hi. Okay, so here's the deal. I'm 18 years old and i've had agoraphobia for the past 4 1/2 years. I pretty much can't do anything. I basically stare at my walls all day. Fun, I know. I think the worst part is, is that during the day, someone -needs- to sit with me or else I panic. Which i'm well aware is completely ridiculous and irrational, but ya know, if I could be rational for 2 minutes I wouldn't have fallen into this crap to begin with. Anyways. I've tried Xanax and Zoloft and i've had side effects from both, so my doctor now wants me to try Effexor(sp??), but i'm worried about the side effects. Gotta love irony. Anyone try effexor, if so, what'd you think??

My biggest fear is going insane and/or forgetting who I am/where I am. And again, I am completely well aware of how ridiculous and irrational that is, because like I said, i've had this problem forever, and NOTHING has ever happened. I panic, it goes away. Same ole', same ole'. What do you guys do to kick these thoughts? I'm pretty sure if I could just chill the hell out for a few weeks when i'm -in- the house, I could bring myself to beat the agoraphobia itself. If that makes sense, bare with me, i'm running on 0 sleep.

One more thing, my anxiety is absolutely unbearable during the day, but i'm pretty much a-ok at night. I've read some books where they say that it is common to feel worse at certain times of the day... but this is SO absurd. So, does anyone else feel worse during the morning/day/night?? Any idea to how or why this happends?

Thanks in advance, and if anyone has -any- tips at all, or stories or anything they'd like to share to make me feel better, feel free to share. I like to know that there are other neurotics out there.

Stay fabulous.
Audrey. <3

tnmomofive · 03-25-2006, 07:48 AM

Hi Audrey thats my mothers name

I am not agoraphobic but there was a time when I was first diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder that I was showing signs of agoraphobia and so my doctor told me I was "borderline agoraphobic" and his advice to me was "if you dont do something like join a support group or just make yourself get out of the house a little each day you will soon never leave your house and you dont want that." Anyway,so that what I did I made myself get out of the house a bit each day id either drive or walk around the block it was pretty hard for a while but fortunately it worked for me now I know my sitiuation was way less intense then yours and I couldnt imagine what your dealing with you are so young ,sheesh to be 18 again lol.My advice to you would be to fight this trying all resources out there if the meds you have tried havent helped try another I know the fear of taking new meds but you have to tell yourself no matter what you will be fine one thing to do is have someone there with you when you take the med for the first time.Also buy some self help books,she a therapist,just try and make yourself face your fears even if you fail keep trying the worst that can happen is you have a panic attack but you will be alright as bad as panic attacks feel you will be alright!

I never really noticed a particular time of day or night when my anxiety was worse or better it just comes on anytime for me no matter how good or bad I am feeling right before,but yes alot of people notice a pattern like yourself.

I probably havent helped any but I hope I have in some way and I really hope that very soon this trouble will be a thing of the past for you or at least not as much of a trouble.......best of luck to you hang in there!

V_dubgurl · 03-25-2006, 07:59 AM

Hey Audrey,
I have agoraphobia also just not as bad as you. Im fine leaving the house and gong around my safe zone but anywhere past that is hell for me. I was on zoloft about 3 years ago for my panic and anxiety attacks. When they first started I was horrible. Couldn't eat, sleep, or leave the house. Then zoloft came into the picture. I felt horrible for the first 5 weeks on it. Everything was 10 fold. My drs kept telling me to take it so I did. Then one morning in week 6 I woke up and was wondering what was different. Then I realized. I felt like I could go on living normal again. So I did. I was on zoloft for about 6 months. Did great for 2 years. Until this past January. The panic attacks and anxiety hit me again. This time I didn't want the zoloft because of they side effects from last time. The biggest part is being patient with yourself. Feeding into the fear is a big no no. The more you feed into your fear the worse it becomes. Its now march and all the anxiety and panic attacks are gone. What I did was some relaxation excersises from Charles Linden, Drink chamomile tea every night or when I was feeling way to much anxiety, and therapy. I have been seeing a therapist for cbt. Its helping although im paying out of pocket for it. You have to keep your mind strong. Focus on the moment and not tomorrow or even a hour later. I would try the meds at least unitl you get back on your feet. Try not to worrry about the side effects becacuse they will subside sooner or later. And once they do you will feel soo much better. Medicine dosne't have to be forever. Once you see that you can do stuff and keep doing it it will break your fear. I am reading the anxiety and phobia workbook by edmund borne. It has wonderful techniqes to help over come agoraphobia. I ordered it off line since it was hard at the time for me to get to a book store. Good Luck and know that you will get better. You have to challenge yourself in order to do so though. Try standing outside for a minute. Then go back in the house. Then try for 2 minutes. Then go back in. Its called exposure therapy. Look it up online. It will help you get out a little.
I wish I could give you a hug right now. I know exactly what you are going through. Just know we are here to support you!