Dealing with Agoraphobia

[Dark_Eyes]

I am 16 and since I was little I've had an intense fear of being in large crowds, being around small groups of people, and as I've become older, a fear of leaving the house. My fear of leaving the house I link to my fear of being around people.

As I am an Agoraphobic in some sense, I rarely leave the house. I am home-schooled as I cannot live in a high school environment successfully. My first panic attack was the result of my high school freshman experience. I live with my mother, three step-brothers, and one brother related to me by blood. I cannot be in the same room with more than three of them at a time. I have a room all my own while my brothers share two as I cannot sleep with someone around me. I usually submerge myself in books as I cannot think of much else to do at home.

My condition makes it difficult for me to be involved with my family. I stay home while they go to school every day. I stay home while they go out to eat or go to the theatre. I am too nervous to be with them all at once, as well as being surrounded by thousands of other people I do not know.

It's difficult for me because it's not that I don't want to be around people, it's just that I'm scared and nervous. I choke on it. My lungs fill with dread when I leave the house and I start crying. I love my family and if anything I'd like to be closer to them. But I'm not sure at this point if I know how.

I am not afraid to talk to people I cannot see or hear. I am comfortable with this online setting so please, if you have advice, write it here or email me. I will respond when I have the chance.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I'm sure it's longer than you would like.

[H20gerl]

Try some Xanax.....really. Not being a smart ass. Since I was in my mid 30's I started to get anxiety attacks. Usually when I am alone.....which I am most of the time.
It really helps and you don't have to have a strong dose at all. I realize that the root of our anxiety might be different but perhaps it could still be calmed the same way. Or there are many other anti anxiety remedies out there.
In closing.......don't worry. I've discovered that the older I get the less I enjoy my fellow man anyway..........maybe your'e just doing it backwards......LOL

[Odds]

Originally Posted by Dark_Eyes

I am 16 and since I was little I've had an intense fear of being in large crowds, being around small groups of people, and as I've become older, a fear of leaving the house. My fear of leaving the house I link to my fear of being around people.

As I am an Agoraphobic in some sense, I rarely leave the house. I am home-schooled as I cannot live in a high school environment successfully. My first panic attack was the result of my high school freshman experience. I live with my mother, three step-brothers, and one brother related to me by blood. I cannot be in the same room with more than three of them at a time. I have a room all my own while my brothers share two as I cannot sleep with someone around me. I usually submerge myself in books as I cannot think of much else to do at home.

My condition makes it difficult for me to be involved with my family. I stay home while they go to school every day. I stay home while they go out to eat or go to the theatre. I am too nervous to be with them all at once, as well as being surrounded by thousands of other people I do not know.

It's difficult for me because it's not that I don't want to be around people, it's just that I'm scared and nervous. I choke on it. My lungs fill with dread when I leave the house and I start crying. I love my family and if anything I'd like to be closer to them. But I'm not sure at this point if I know how.

I am not afraid to talk to people I cannot see or hear. I am comfortable with this online setting so please, if you have advice, write it here or email me. I will respond when I have the chance.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I'm sure it's longer than you would like.

There are professionals who may be able to help you with this problem, but by all accounts it won't be easy and, as with most phobias, it will likely involve gradually introducing yourself into the very situations which make you uncomfortable. The idea is that by doing so you will gradually become able to cope with spending time with your family, then leaving the house for short periods, and eventually even spending time with other people outside of your home.

The trouble with phobias is that they permeate everything you do. Your entire life revolves around these irrational fears. So where it's easy for me to tell you to see a professional specializing in your particular disorder, actually doing so is likely to be a monumental challenge for you. But the alternative is to allow these thoughts to rule you for the rest of your life.

It's up to you, but I hope you can find some help and learn to cope with this to the point where you're able to do all of the things you want to do in life.

[JenniferGraves]

Well, my brother was not agoraphobic but he had general panic disorder. He found the best thing was psychotherapy in conjunction with Zoloft. I will tell you that you are not crazy. You have a very real disorder in your chemical makeup. You are not just "shy" either. I would suggest you find a good psychotherapist. Call around, if you tell them you are agoraphobic, I'm sure you will find one willing to come to you. And some meds will probably help you as well. Please remember...you are not crazy...and you are not alone. I am here if you ever need to talk. Incidently, I have had panic attacks myself but, I am able to control mine without meds. Please let me know how you are doing.
Jennifer

[RogueSquirl]

I kinda have the same thing in a way. I am not terrified of being in a crowd but when it gets to crowded I cant see faces. They all look alike. I can not see facial features heck I can't even tell you what colors everyone's clothing is. First step (and it will be a whooper) is to tell your doctors exactly what is going on inside you when you are around more than one or two people. After that believe it or not they have ways to help you over come all the problems it causes you and you can get control of it. Now I wish I could tell you it happens in a short period of time but usually it does not. I am much older than you. (egads several decades older) But I still have issues at times. I hope it does not take you as long as it has me but if you get help now chances are it will not. Good luck and remember you are not alone. Others are going through some of the same things you are.

Oh and it does not matter how many years of therapy I have had. I would much rather talk to someone on them phone or on the net wayyyyyyyyyyyyy before I talk to them in person. And if anyone ever tells you a good way to deal with a group of ppl is to picture them in their underwear and it will make it funny. DON"T LOL it will give you a whole bunch of other issues one of which getting the word gross from sticking in your mind.

[jla242]

I have panic attacks as well and I think medication will help you but, I advise you to educate yourself on the side effects and the different medicines that are out there and to establish a quality relationship with your family doctor as well.

I was on medicine and for awhile it worked great but, the side effects like blurred vision and whatnot effect my ability of playing my sport so, I am looking into different alternatives as well.

Good luck and just know you are not alone.

[notca]

A phobia is only a problem if it inhibits your ability to function, like if you can't work or conduct normal business. Depends on the degree.
Lots of people are naturally inclined to be reclusive. It's not a bad thing. Just as others cannot stand to be alone or quiet, which is worse, imo.

[jimazz]

I am 56 years old and have had anxiety since I was about your age. I've dealt with it all my adult life. It comes on me in the morning and doesn't leave until I go to sleep at night. I've been to psychologists, psychiatrists, taken clonopin, and I just went off of it. It still is with me, but I'm just functioning with it. It's never gotten easier, I just deal with it. I don't like big crowds and social settings. It's uncomfortable. However, through it all, I've managed to get married, start a business, raise 4 kids. You can work through this but it's not easy. Hang in there, take chances, and try to keep moving forward with your life, don't let "it" win!

[Mysteek]

I have no advice to offer - only a warm welcome to Thoughts. You will find much love and support here, so stop in often. These are really good people who really do care about others. This is such a rare place. You'll like it here I'm sure.