Traveling with an ANXIETY & PANIC disorder | An Agoraphobic Abroad
2022 ж. 3 Қар.
7 941 Рет қаралды
My name is Peter. I've suffered from anxiety for my whole life, and a few years ago I developed a severe panic disorder with agoraphobia, leaving me unable to leave the house for years.
Join me on my recovery journey as I face my anxiety through challenges, exposure therapy, and travel.
In this episode, I head to Brussels, facing many fears such as traveling, (via the Channel Tunnel!), being far outside of my comfort zone, and more!
Download my Mental Health App - CBTapp:
www.thecbtapp.com/download
Listen to my Podcast:
shows.acast.com/anxiety-fitne...
Follow me on Instagram:
/ anxiety_fit. .
Follow me on Facebook:
/ anxietyfitness
Follow me on TikTok:
/ anxiety_fitness
Join the Anxiety Fitness Support Group:
/ 15000. .
Should I make more videos like this? Did you find it useful? If so, please like the video and leave a comment letting me know!
Yes! Please explain does your panic feel like intense fear when you travel as you ride it out when traveling the highways.
Most definitely!
very very useful 🥹thank u
Please!!!
Absolutely!
that’s the trick with agoraphobia i find, to just jump into things no matter how hard it is. you will feel better after and you will be less anxious
Yes indeed! It's a lot more fun that way too!
@@anxiety_fitnesskeep it up same as me when ever i traveled i feel anxious but take a step
This is seriously inspiring. I used to go out and drive 12+ hours out of my city to travel and I used to be chill on planes. Now everything is so hard. Just leaving too far from home makes me anxious. I hope to get to your level one day
Have you felt any better? This just hit me hard I’ve been struggling
I entirely relate to this! We'll get through this ❤️
Well done mate! All about pushing our limits! It's a shame how much we can miss out on because we're spending most of our time being on the verge of a panic attack.
Exactly! It's all about challenging ourselves and pushing through despite the fear, we can do it!
As someone who lives with this everyday and is now going to uni alone, this is really comforting! I have to take the train alone all the time now and I’m so scared I’m gonna get sick or something… I hate having to live like this and I feel like no one understands me
I don’t usually comment on videos but this time I truly felt obliged. Everything in this video is relatable for me, so it’s good validation that I’m not alone here - so thank you for this. A few things that have really helped me overcome the difficulties of living with agoraphobia are 1. Imagine being a parent to yourself. What I mean by this is that it’s often we make the situation worse by talking catastrophically to ourself. Change it and be supportive to yourself 2. Neuro associations aren’t permanent, meaning you CAN change the way your thoughts appear autonomically 3. Learning to reset your Vagus Nerve (e.g. ice packs on your chest/ back of neck, mindfulness, humming etc) you’ll notice a big difference the longer you practice. Hope this helps and best of luck on your journeys man ✌️
Plz dont ever stop making these videos!! I foresee you blowing up one day.. for some it takes many many YEARSSSSSS but plz know, no matter what, you are very much helping people. Whether it be 5 or 500k, it's very much appreciated and needed for those who do watch.. I am thankful for you ❤ I'm sure that every new person with anxiety, that finds your channel, is just as thankful!!!
Thank you so much!!!
I want to reach this point so I can travel from Ohio to California to visit my brother 🙏🏾
Keep pushing, you will before you know it!
I got scared just watching this 😭 felt the faintness as if I was the one out of the house
i also feel dizzy and almost like im going to faint and that is really hard do u have any tips to deal with
Please make more videos. I am glad that you talk your way through the panic and anxiety attacks. That was so helpful. I also liked the part where you really wanted to leave, but had the realization that if you did it, everyone would have to go. You stayed and enjoyed it and did not miss out. It made me think of all the times I really had to leave and everyone missed out. Please don't stop with the videos, you verbalize what we need to hear and You give a lot of hope..
Thank you, I am so glad you can notice the little moments like that, sometimes these little things are the big things that help a lot!
Thank you so much for making this video. I'm still trying to find the balance between dissociating and being present when I need to leave my house. You inspire me to keep challenging myself to do new things and to stay curious, instead of fearful about life.
Thank you for making these videos. They are inspirational and they help alot. ❤️
Peter, it's not often that I comment on KZhead, but I have to say you are an amazing person for sharing your raw experience with panic attacks and agoraphobia. Like you, I am also trying to weather the storm that accompanies this condition. It most certainly comes with it's ups and downs, and only those who experience it can truly understand the strength that it takes to overcome it. The key, like you said many times, is to be patient with yourself and believe that you can deal with uncomfortable situations without having to escape them. It's much easier said than done, but if we believe in our strength and will to overcome this, I truly believe we are capable. You are a huge inspiration and I wish you the best in your journey foward. Cheers, Nick
Love to watch this - thanks for sharing your story! I "recovered" from severe agoraphobia a decade ago and travelled to Indonesia, eventually moving to the jungle in Sumatra. During COVID, went back to New Zealand for a visit and got stuck there for 2 years - and surprise surprise, the agoraphobia returned! I made it back to Sumatra to live, but I'm still struggling with it daily. My husband and I have weekly vlogs and videos about life in Sumatra that force me to get out and about, but it's a huge challenge. YOu inspire me to tackle this more directly, not just once a week when I have to make a video!
Very nice, great work! I have dealt with this condition my whole life. They key seems to be facing it in appropriate steps and learning to deal with the bodily symptoms. You are helping a lot of people by posting this content.
Thank you so much for sharing, this gives me a lot of hope 😊
You are AMAZING! So inspiring to me, a fellow anxious person!
Well done 🎉 you did amazing !! It’s tough but we can do it ! I watch you every day in TikTok and now on here, I have never related to anyone as much as I do you and I find so much comfort from your videos, I recently managed a 3 day trip to Amsterdam, it was a struggle and I thought I was going to die the whole time but I’m home I did it and I didn’t die 😂 feels silly now looking back but I’m so proud of myself. You have no idea how much you have helped me. ❤
Amazing work ❤ I have panic disorder too and this video, has really opened the idea to me to try and leave the house get more out of my comfort zone and finally explore the world again, even despite the intense fear. Thank you
These are the best videos i love to see more of these vlog sorta videos of your daily life!
I love these style of videos please make more I think it would be very helpful to a lot of people I struggle with ocd agoraphobia panic disorder and anxiety related depersonalization so thank you for making this video
Thank you so much, I'm glad you like it :)
Hi Peter, I just wanna say thanks for posting. I am epileptic and agoraphobic and I'm restarting my exposure therapy. Watching you has encouraged me to start back up my vlogs, I feel like recording your experiences helps. So pray for me 🥲already nervous while writing this.
Amazing work bro, very inspiring, I suffer the same and you're determination is motivating. Much love, Amir Mirways
Thank you so much :)
Thank you 🙏🏼😌
Amazing video man im glad you able to open up like this and share with others it definitely makes me feel better seeing I'm not alone its been a struggle with anxiety stop vaping which made it worse but im almost three weeks without vaping my anxiety was super bad the first two weeks but slowly starting to feel better but you definitely are amazing person
Thank you so much! It will keep getting better, keep it up!
You are so brave, i mean it! And your videos are so much helpful and inspirational for agoraphobic fellas like us. THANK U! AND GOOD JOB!! So prouf of u🤗
Great video! Makes me want to go out and challenge myself and my anxiety 😊
That's what I like to hear! Good luck!
Im proud with you. I never able to get out my street since 2018 and neighborhood since 2008, i hope i get well soon too and able to travel happy and free..
Thank you so much! I went on a solo trip last year and it was such a hard week but I pushed myself. I did have to be on meds though unfortunately. Driving is an issue for me.
Love ur videos..I can relate soo much ..have beat agoraphobia several times but if I take a break I gotta start over..this time been 6 months..never gets easier to start over..I get intrusive thoughts now
Good on you for braving the lights place, that's my kind of anxiety nightmare for sure. Should be proud of yourself man 😄. Quite an inspirational video since I don't suffer as bad as you do, which shows me that if you can brave and try things like this then I should be able to as well 👌👌
Thank you, I really wasn't expecting it! You definitely can do it too!
I feel you bro I moved to my uncle He lives in a more (unsafe) neighborhood I have been attacked a few times Since then I developed agoraphobia I didn’t go out no more only for sum groceries My uncle often go to the supermarket lately nobody understands about my fear 😢
My agoraphobia is so bad that I've lost siblings that have given up on me. I've also avoided relationships for the last 8 years because most don't understand it and i don't want to be judge or feel like I'm holding someone up.. watching this still makes me feel like I can't and that your agoraphobia isn't as bad as mine.... i start hyperventilating as soon as i know i have to leave the house.. i haven't driven farther than 3 miles in the last 3 years, and i needed an ativan to do that... on top of everything, nobody believes me and psychologist don't want to prescribe meds that actually works... they keep trying to give me depression meds and I'm not depressed. I just need something for the panic attacks
i will go to Netherlands on Saturday w my school but my close friends are not coming so im really anxious if something bad will happen if ill had panic attack there and even thinking about its far away from my home makes really hard to breathe
@@Nisanbilal the fact that you're brave enough to go makes me so proud of you.
That was crazy going up in that tube,, even if I didn't have anxiety I wouldn't do that,,,,,, good for you.!
It was very nerve-racking!
Well done Buddy, Ive had all this for 40 years on and off, Luckily now theres so much help out there. This time it was during Covid when it struck me again, at my age now I''ll opt for Seratine and will see my Dr this week (online as less panic etc( Again mate Well done you, my Wife always say face your fears but god its hard
I couldn't even watch. Thats how bad my anxiety is. Wrost part is my father is the same exact way as I am. Both very differently but we have that anxious feeling, anxiety and beyond. Im supposed to go out for a trip to a park this weekend. My boyfriend planned it. But he doesn't know much about my severe anxiety. All he knows is about my gastrointestinal issues and migraines. Im so sick. This will pass. I know it will. I will come back to your vlog!!! And watch it with out my heart palpitating and hopefully finished my one day trip. Its only 47 min. But I Dont want to leave my house!! I dont want to. Im sick with Ulcerative colitis and inflammation in the large intestine. So painful. I get so angry at my bf he just plans, invites a bunch of people and doesn't think about, transportation, the finance, food will be eating, and accessories for the day out. He just plans and invites a bunch of people. Im so annoyed at him right now. How do i tell him without freaking yeling at him? Im taking my dad with me on this trip and he is so nervous. He is beyond devastating. This phobia is a terrible flesh eating cancer. Poor man, he has horrible gastritis. You are brave. I dont want to be brave. I stick to being local and being home. My migraines take most of my time. Lol i must sound so boring lol. Believe it or not, I love dancing and singing! Performing is my passion ♡ If I get ask to dance I will rock the dance floor. I was in choir and I had my own singing group. We performed and I sadly forgot all the dances moves. Someone with severe social anxiety told me, when you walk into a room filled with people, enter the room with confidence, if you dont have one, pretend to have it all. Think about your favorite celebrity. I said, I love Marilyn Monroe. I love how she entered the room with charisma. But I rather do Liz Taylor. My friend said, well every time you go in a room filled with strangers think your liz taylor. It works, it honestly does. Im getting b12 shots hopefully it will kick in for Saturday. They are great for your brain. Anyway thanks for sharing and sorry for the long rant. New subbie
22 years like this it’s hell day in day out what’s the best way to tackle it head on🙏
Going for it.. getting out of your comfort zone
It’s great to see you get through the panic but I don’t understand how you’re doing so much exposure and still getting panic attacks?! Does exposure not work with agoraphobia?!
Bro I just want to ask something Nothing happened to u when ur in panic attack so then y r u getting panic in panic attack I didn't understand can u plz explain From India
I am suppose to go out with a friend today and am all worked up now about it now and hoping she cancels
will valsalva maneuver help panic attack and anxiety ?
Right now I am in Spain with panic attacks and agoraphobia. I flew here with Xanax and now that I am here I am having constant panic attacks. Even in the apartment. I want to be in my own safe house and it’s so far away. I am scared that the panic attacks won’t stop and I will go crazy here and never will be able to get home again 😢 my whole body hurts from the Xanax and I don’t know how to make it true 10 more days. I can’t enjoy anything 😭😭😭 sometimes I realize that live is worthless like this and it’s better to leave this body and brain behind 😢
Dominique...I've dealt with this since 2011... just know that you're stronger than me...I can't even drive more than a mile from my house with Xanax or Ativan ...and haven't been on a plane since 2008... so you are brave and actually made it to Spain. Don't be yourself up. Be proud.
@@successfulOn3thank you so much for your reply. I am home now. And I did survive. As we always do, because that’s it, the thing we fear most will not happen, it’s a doom scenario. And still today in the store I got another panic attack and the anxiety loop is just as strong as it always is. We are all strong for fighting this every day. We are heroes. All of us ❤️
Hi I'm from downsouth of India.... Very recently I've developed agoraphobia with panic attacks.... Next I'm travelling with my family to another state called Kerala.... I can't ignore this trip my family mem doesn't know that I've developed this phobia.... I'm soooooo worried about my fear and panick attacks like what If I lose control nd what if I yell or scream out of my mind.... I'm getting very intrusive thoughts 🥲
How did the trip go?
@@TashaC7 Hi it went on so good... Before the trip I took courage and I told myself if that "if I quit this trip I'll start to avoid every trips in future, so whatever happens I'll face it... Let the fear come I'm ready to face the fear" this mindset gave me courage.... And I went on the long trip which is about 8 hours travel in bus..... Ofcourse I do got anxiety and racing heart, palpitations.... But that didn't stop me enjoying things there.... So don't believe your fears those are all just thoughts and your thoughts are not you..... And remember this quote this gave me the courage.... "WHEN GOD PUSHES YOU TO THE EDGE OF DIFFICULT, TRUST HIM FULLY BECAUSE TWO THINGS CAN HAPPEN EITHER HE WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO FLY OR HE WILL CATCH YOU WHEN YOU FALL" so dude I don't know who you are of you're about to start a trip just go on nothing will happen but if you quit you'll start to quit all the trips in future, take it as a challenge trust God fully he is with you.... Nothing wil happen agoraphobia and panic attacks are just thoughts because of thoughts.... And my kind advice don't think that the fear or anxiety won't come once you start the journey expect it and accept it.... It will come but don't react just respond to it correctly.... God is with you... Have a happy journey....
Today my psychologist told me that I have to admit I have an illness and probably I'm not able to do some things anymore, like traveling or moving to another town. That's an actual blow to me cause last months I was having a big recovery, coming back to my job and doing a lot of things by myself. But recently I had a relapse and start to realize my life won't never be the same since I had my first panic attack. What do you think? Cause I'm probably on my worst moment, and even now there's something clear for me: I'm going to prove that my psychologist is wrong. I'm going to travel anywhere I want and moving to the city and the country I would like. I'm going to be the proof that agoraphobia could be beaten forever.
I am not a doctor so please know that upfront! And I am not saying to go against medical advice etc. but if you have agoraphobia it’s not a sealed sentence. Listen to Dr. Claire Weekes as soon as possible. She knew this stuff 60 years ago and speaks truths on it and most of all an unshakable hope that anyone regardless of how long can be healed. Good luck my friend! There’s an audio book Hope and Help for your nerves. I highly recommend buying it and listening to it!
I believe that we can reverse this! We can heal our nervous system so do what you can and keep making progress. Don’t have that therapists voice in your head because what they said is not true!
It’s very weird to me that they said that. I couldn’t imagine being where I am now when I was at my worst, imagine if I had a psychologist like that and I believed them!!! NO!
Wow I was ok watching til you were on the escalator to the club, I think that is w the lights . Good lord. I got activated just watching. And yes they NEED an epilepsy disclaimer. Although, ever since I worked at a disability agency, I’ve been so aware and found myself shocked just how many thing especially concert venues give zero thought to warning people
You travel in train , car what phobia problem in your mind , i am face it really agarophobia I was from last 15 years not travel anywhere Or not able to seat in car or train beacuase of phobia and its too dangerous in my life , shriram lord help me 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤
Dude went on a plane & says he’s agoraphobic 😂 baby if I went on a plane I’d be healed. No hate, I think you’re amazing, but just saying I think you are healed my love
Thanks for your comment! According to the DSM-5, Agoraphobia involves fear, anxiety, or avoidance of situations where one believes escape might be difficult or help might be unavailable if they develop panic-like or other incapacitating or embarrassing symptoms. Just because I managed to fly on a plane doesn't mean I'm healed. The presence of my girlfriend provided a safety net that made that particular situation more manageable for me. Yet, without that support, the experience might have been much different. Many everyday situations also remain challenging for me (I can't be home alone, or go anywhere alone for example). I wish I could say I am "healed," but I still meet the diagnostic criteria for agoraphobia. I'm actively working through many challenges, but I truly appreciate your sentiment.
I have cptsd with a panic dissorder and agoraphobia and I went on a plane yesterday. Do you know how? With 2 mg of Xanax. Almost not able to move or think at all. Now I am in Spain everything hurts and I have to keep taking Xanax constantly. I hate myself for going on this vacation but I want to be normal so bad. I am absolutely not healed. I am almost suicidal from fear at the moment. But did it anyway… sometimes things are different then what they seem. I will look calm the whole time because after 30 years I can hide it well, but in my brain I am going crazy constantly
Hunger causes adrenaline to be released so definitely carry snacks
im not enjoying the flashing light......continues to start your videos with flashing lights....
The flashing lights where not a problem, my anxiety was the issue there. The whole video is about exposure and facing the anxiety!
yours is not so bad lol
Your half cast . Probably doesn't help
You're*
Oliver, your comment is horrible.
I've done the same route to Brussels I also took the euro star to Amsterdam to
I live here 14 years, the worst city in Europe 🥱 Dirty, dangerous, people not respecting each other.. I have severe anxiety attacks and it just doesn’t help