How I Overcame My Agoraphobia and Anxiety
Agoraphobia is a debilitating anxiety disorder that can keep people from living their lives to the fullest. If you're struggling with agoraphobia, know that I was once just like you, until I started taking action and finally overcame it. Here's how you can do it too!
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This video is intended to be for educational purposes, not diagnosing. You should work with a physician to seek a medical diagnosis
I sat in a restaurant today & I felt like I wanted to run or die...took about 10 min before it went away. It's horrible & dehabilitating but just takes time to overcome. Baby steps everyday. Sending love & positive vibes to everyone here. We are in this together.
Restaurants trigger me too.
Same feelings! I’m travelling in another country now and I am panicking about going to the bus station but I think just pretending there is a second person reading me instructions of how to get there and work my way out reassures me everything is fine and it’s all apart of the plan out of this mental agony which occurred from traumatic events prior
You are not alone
Well done friend ❤
It’s the same feeling I get when I’m in restraunts cafes
I developed mild agoraphobia after lockdown and once got a major panic attack on a flight. I used get anxiety just looking at plane videos. I felt anxious going to another city but I recently took a 15+ hour train ride without my safety person. Just before getting on I got a panic attack and didn’t want to get on the train but I somehow did. I had a 40 min long panic attack and I did nothing about it. I didn’t pay attention to it. I finished some work on my phone while shivering all the time. Once it went away, I felt so powerful! I then spent 4-5 days far from home without my safety person and didn’t have any anxiety 😅 I wanted to share this with you guys
How did you do it
@@ketan6213one thing to keep in mind is that Agoraphobia is extremely rare and the majority of people who think they have it don't. There is a huge difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks. Anxiety attacks are brought on by specific situations while Panic disorder/attacks are uncontrollably and have no cure as the brain is wired incorrectly. I was diagnosed with agoraphobia with panic disorder at the age of 19 and that was around 20 years ago
@@ketan6213 She obviously did it by facing and accepting the fears, courageously continuing on riding the storm, not running away from the symptoms but carrying on despite them, despite the shivering/shaking etc.! So the fear no longer had a hold of her! This is the way to overcome.
@@linnerellie209 I don't think Agoraphobia is extremely rare at all. The panic attacks are often a part of Agoraphobia, although they can occur in other instances also. I too have been diagnosed the same as you, plus suffer Anxiety. The panic attacks are indeed difficult to control as it's the involuntary sympathetic nervous system taking over. (the instinctive 'fight, flight or freeze' response gone awry) The cure is to really learn how to not let the symptoms of fear/panic frighten you (easier said than done)!😏 Cognitive therapy does help greatly, as does medication!!
I have suffered Panic disorder 30 years, let it run my life, ruin relationships, hold me back from so much. I finally had enough and thought of the thing that I dreaded the most...flying. So I bought me a ticket for a short flight and I conquered it. I flew for the first time in 30 years last month and just bought myself another airline ticket for Vegas in 2 weeks to see a huge show. I still feel lots of anxiety about it but I just keep reminding myself what's the worst that can happen? I can die? Yea well I can die sitting home by myself also. It really has a lot to do with letting go of control. Give it God, or whatever your higher power is. My favorite saying and what I choose to live by now THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN THE FEAR OF DYING...THE FEAR OF LIVING I will be a prisoner no more!
Very inspiring... keep going!
So inspiring.. But wat did u do with your symptoms?
Im also suffering from panic disorder
How u been
Omg!!!! I aspire to have that courage!
I always get horrible anxiety when in cars and especially on freeways. It gets worse knowing I'm going far from home.
No way I’m the same horrible ain’t it
Me too. It sucks. I have to play games on my phone or sing the whole time just to get through a car ride
Being far away from home paralyzes me. I have to turn around and get back to my safe spaces. Once I turn around and start heading back, I feel safe again. Agoraphobia is horrible. Keeps me from doing so many things
@@reginamcadory674 yeah litt this
@@kyliemartinez1507it gets easier. Just thoughts in your mind. Keep driving, keep living your life. You’re in control
Panic attacks are severely painful. Having studied medicine, I know exactly what is happening to my body via my sympathetic nervous system, but knowing why it is happening doesn't make it any less painful. I've had panic attacks so painful that if I had a button that would instantly kill me I would push it so fast.
Jeez that's a scary thought. But your not wrong.
❤
Same
Very helpful
I fear I’d passing out. That’s the scary part for me. But the. My therapist asks how many times I’ve passed out 😅 ZERO
omg same, can I ask? do u take med or what therapy are in? i went to psychiatrist but she gave me med as needed only but I never use it, next meeting she told why do I keep coming back when she already gave a med.
Same here. And my therapist tells me the same thing also you have to face it otherwise you won't overcome this.
EXACTLY the same. I fear I will pass out in front of other people and the whole attention will be drawn to me. So out of fear not to shame myself I get panic attacks. Got the craziest panic attack inside a church at a funeral where there were infinite number of ppl inside and couldn't get out. Had to wait 20 min, felt like ages and I was sweating like a cascade. Felt like my heart will escape my body, it was extreme. Today I went outside again and I am determined I won't let it win.
I’ve been going out regularly for the first time in 10 years after PTSD due to domestic violence. I’m determined to be free. It’s a struggle at the moment but I’d rather die than not live. All the best to anyone experiencing similar we’ve got this !!! Grace video
You are exactly right it’s not that you’re afraid to go out in public. You’re afraid of the feelings when you go out in public and I never actually thought about it. I thought that there was something actually wrong with me. I want to get fearless like I used to be I can’t even go into a restaurant anymore.
My agoraphobia is mild. I can go in public fine etc. BUT it’s most prominent while driving. I can’t drive for fear of panic. And that affects my entire life.
Me too 100%
Me too
Mine is even getting a license and the whole process of getting a car
This video is gold for anyone going through this and in the thick of it. I am much better than I was but I am not completely back to my old self. I’m ready to take my life back. I’m going back to working in person for the first time since Covid started. I’m not ready but ready is a lie. I’m taking my life back now.
This is going to sound weird but you made it that I don’t even care about seeing you have a new video out and haven’t watched any videos of yours in a while.❤️ its all because of you and what you have done for me and soooo many others. I can’t express how much you have done for me. Anyone reading this PLEASE listen to this man and share the content so many people need it. I was agoraphobic and now getting back to life. I didn’t think it was possible. I wasn’t able to join the mentorship and just used your content❤️❤️❤️🤘🤘🤘
Glad you’re doing better!! ☺️☺️☺️
How long were you in agoraphobia. Ive been home bound for 4 years with occasional convenient store only at night and its only 2 miles away
@@MrMelvinkennedy1 it was a couple years. When I found out that it was anxiety and I found this channel I started to not let the feelings of fear and what ifs run my decision making. I looked at it in a way of what would I do if I didn’t feel this way and that’s what I would do. It wasn’t easy but it got easier as time goes on. I do not know how much of This content you have watched but it really did help me. I don’t even watch his stuff anymore because I’m back living life. I just had this video pop up in my recommendation and wanted to let people know that it does get better if you let go of the fear and worry. Not easy I know but it does get better. WAY better. I promise.
@@MVREZZIK Thanks so much man. I lost 4 really close people to me really quick including my bestfriend and mother and For a year I couldnt leave my house due to panick attacks I even built a shop on my property just so I could help my wife income wise. After a year I forced my self to go to the gas station and the first several times it was horrible but now its nothing. Ive gotten about a 3 mile radius around me so far but I feel good at times with progression then other times I feel its not good enough.
@@MrMelvinkennedy1 Yep that’s how it was for me in the beginning too. Panic attack then worry it’s going to happen again. Now I know it’s only adrenaline and from stress or whatever and that it burns itself out and I don’t need to fear it that it’s not going to do any harm to me. There will be ups and downs but the ups last longer and longer over time and you can see the progress. Your confidence starts to comes back more and more as you show yourself there isn’t anything to be afraid of. It sounds weird I know. I spent 7 years in the U.S. Infantry in the army and never thought I would feel like that but it happens and you can get past it. It just takes time. Don’t force it or dwell on it. Just start to get your freedom back at your own pace with no pressure. It will happen.
A lot of people say you don't pass out from a panic attack but YES YOU DO. I have passed out at least 6 times from anxiety. Have been to too many doctors, had every test imaginable and nothing is wrong. It's just a vasovagul reaction to the anxiety but yes; you absolutely can and do pass out.
This was the start of my agoraphobia a few months ago… just one day, I go to the barbers… he starts cutting my hair, and then he touched the back of my neck, I don’t know why but this triggered a massive anxiety reaction in me. Before I know it, I come back to consciousness, and I’ve never felt like it before in my life. In that moment, I truly believed I was dying. Like wholeheartedly, I 100% thought this was it. For the next hour waiting for paramedics, I kept figuring the anxiety, and I kept fighting to just stay conscious. The paramedics came, I then started blacking out again. They checked all my vitals and everything was fine, more than fine… but that was it, ever since then my life has been turned inside out, my house is a prison; outside is saturated with hell and torment. Just over a year ago, at 21 years old, I flew far away by myself on a trip, as free as I’d ever been, all the confidence in the world… and now I can’t walk for 2 minutes down the road to the shop without feeling like passing out. This is hell, this is literally hell, this existence is insufferable.
What both of you said. 😢 I have definitely passed out from panic attacks/hyperventilating and have gotten very hurt too
This is me! I pray for us my friend! I Screen shot this to show people who don’t understand and help me communicate this to them
@@jai6846 I don’t have anyone who understands either. I’ve been told many times that I’m choosing to be like this, making excuses, etc. I would never choose to be a prisoner of this hellish existence. It feels so hopeless. ❤️🩹
I'm 14 years old and i have agoraphobia, i have been through councilling 4 times through the help of my school, i am currently on a waiting list for a psychiatry evaluation and a potential diagnoses but due to my age i dont see that happening any time soon. Many people belive i am lieing, or they think its just hormones, but i do have agoraphobia and i suffer quite badly. My mum has agoraphobia and its said that it runs through my family, we noticed my symptoms when i was just a toddler but i had a panic attack at the age of 8 that caused my anxiety to spike. It was bareable until covid hit, i stayed inside for what felt like forever, and when it came to going outside, i simply couldn't. This didn't just affect me going outside but i couldn't even sit in the house alone, or do p.e at school due to the field. I am forever grateful for my friend Katie for never leaving me, she helped me walk to the corner shop, she helped me learn how to walk to school and now i can adventure and do other things such as going on a rollercoaster. I'm still yet to be able to wlak places on my own, go on public transport or go into shops fully, but i appreciate my small goals. All i can really hope is that i am better for when college happens as i would need to be able to walk to the bus stop, take 2 busses, and be in a new college which are all extremely scary. For anyone who is a teenager and is suffereing from agoraphobia, it gets better, your not alone and you can do it, you have your life ahead of you and honestly getting yourself outside helps more than it hurts. x
LOVE THIS SO MUCH, SHAAN!
Hi Shaan. You described my situation 100%. I’m afraid of what happens outside my house. I’ve worked from home. Order things from Amazon (groceries and items). I’m ready to change it. Thank you for these tips I will for sure add more exposure.
How are you doing now
Hi Are you able to overcome it?! Please suggest what could help in getting better
I’ve been doing better. I did start Zoloft only 25mg a day. Never went higher up. Just a little push I do go out more and if I do get anxious I’m now able to actually control it. Like I know I’m anxious. If I’m at a party or church etc. I step outside for 3-5 minutes and it’s all okay. We will all be okay!
I’m so grateful I stumbled upon your video.. I literally was the same person as you, able to travel the world, ALONE, to go meet my friends, move to different cities etc to slowly becoming anxious at the idea of just going to the grocery store. I beat myself up so much for not knowing if what I was going through was the new ‘me’, and ruminating about all the things I used to do so carefree. thank you for helping to de stigmatize certain conversations around mental health;; especially hearing a man be vulnerable to speak on this is profound. Thank you.
Thanks for this video :-) You are awesome 💛 My DPDR made me agoraphobic and I couldn't leave my house anymore. I'm back to life now, working as a teacher and I enjoy grocery shopping again💛. Recovery is absolutely possible! 1. NEVER give up on exposure! 2. EMBRACE feeling uncomfortable! 3. Don't be too aggressive in exposure! 4. Don't FIGHT! 5. Stop feeling sorry for yourself! Anxiety is like being stuck in the mud: the more you move and struggle, the faster you'll sink. It's so counterintuitive! This is one of my favorite quotes and I always kept reading it on bad days: "With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle that keeps you from growing. You get to choose." (Wayne Dyer)
Hey I’m in this exact situation can you tell me how long this happened to you and what you did to help yourself??
@@UniquelyMadeDaugter Like Shaan always says: It takes how long it takes. It is absolutely not helpful to compare oneself to others because dead lines and time pressure make it worse! I did the same things Shaan is talking about in his videos!
@@anksthase hello there did you also suffered with intrusive thoughts? While having anxiety?
Hey, I'm in the exact same situation, what can I do in terms of the agoraphobia?
Also, is your DR gone?
I could honestly cry because the way you describe yourself is exactly what has happened to me I need to work with you my life is being destroyed I am loosing out on precious years with my son as I can't go anywhere and do anything I am determined to overcome I just don't know where to start
Knowing what causes it, underlying beliefs and experiences, is one part of the battle finding supportive people who will show understanding and compassion instead of contempt, impatience, and disgust at a disability they can't see is a whole nother struggle in itself.
I’m going attend a concert alone soon. I’m trying to conquer some fears in my life. This is huge!
Same I am from india When people ask me why don't you go out of the house, I feel like crying.it ruined my life,
,👌
Man this was spot on. Thank you
Great video. Thanks for sharing. It's exausting work but it works!!!
You just described my life for a year and a half brother, I have struggled with this fear. I was in the same situation as you were growing up, I did not even know what fear was, never had any symptoms of anxiety at all. I have coped in my home all this time, and I am going to start going out and making a difference. I know what I am capable of and I know I can overcome this. God bless you!
Nooo why did you delete your anxiety masterclass playlist! Bring it back please, listening to them is calming 🙏😭
Thanks for explaining 😊❤️
Best video on this topic ...thanks a lot ❤
This was a great video, thank you. I’ve made a few recovery attempts but it’s never really stuck. But I’m not prepared to be this way forever so I’ll try again. And that antifragile thing is like the ultimate goal… that really would be awesome to get to that point.
I’m completely housebound too xx
Join his program
This is one thing I haven't been able to make any progress on.. I have found comfort in my home, completely stopped going out and working. So it resonates completely. I hope I am brave enough to follow your advice and step out !
It’s like we’re merely existing, definitely not living. 😔it’s been 3 years for me, starting after the worst of many severely traumatic experiences. 😞
@@GoAskAlice10TALL, 7 years for me. I would fight it a bit, counquer some spave to live, and it would catch me by the back every time. I'm not sure where to find strength to move on. I sink deeper every time. And feel the same, it is not life, it is existence, that not many understand
This is the first video I’ve come across that describes what I feel EXACTLY. I fear I will get to the point where I cannot leave my safe space. I do leave but have many anxiety attacks and a nervous gut feeling. I’m so sick of it. It gets worse the older I get. Thank you for this video. These fears are so silly is what I think after the anxiety attack is over.
I’m the exact same way 🙁
I feel the same way it's scary 😰
Thank you, well done
Thank you so much I watch all your videos I struggle currently with agoraphobia you break it down so good I now understand why am feeling this way and know what it means God bless you everyone please watch his videos
Thankyou my friend this info is exactly what i needed to hear,,its a terrible thing to have,,it affects our quality of life and my work and family, always looking for excuses to walk out and looking for an escape, standing close to doors for a quick exit, avoiding shopping centres restaurants elevators and the list goes on, it becomes a vicious cycle day after day, couldnt tell anyone because they think were nuts and ashamed of being embarrassed,,but now i am going out to face these fears and telling myself to stay and not run and let my feelings do what they want to me orelse i will never get out of this rutt,,,thankyou my friend for sharing your experience
My brother you are a complete blessing! I stumbled on your page while looking for insight into my generalized anxiety disorder. I’m a Veteran with blindness (not completely) and anxiety with riding in cars, being in malls, Walmart and lastly museums 😢. I use to be carefree person that drove cross country, and visited museums with no issues. My museum anxiety came out of the blue over 20+ years ago🤦🏽♂️. The other anxieties (panic attacks) have progressively gotten worse. I’m currently In treatment and medication therapy. I’m due to go to Paris with my wife. I’m building myself up to visit the places she wants to experience. Any tidbits you have to assist with that? I will go through your playlist.
Hi mate, ive become used to listening in groups, really listening and trusting because im a recovering drug addict! Like you, ive travelled, worked, on my own, abroad, and in staying away from my old using partners. my life is now the other extreme. im still on meds but they dont work anymore, i understand addiction, behavioural patterns and could have written a book. i havnt left the house properly now for 7 years. my life has turned to crap! My health the woarse. Im not lazy, i know that, but i dont have anyone anymore, not even a pet, as the flats dont allow them! im a sociable person, always have been, but i cant keep doing this! i hate myself now, cause ive put on loadsa weight, through not going out. i know what i have to do but just dont do it. thanks, and im glad youre doung well my friend
It’s so hard, I have to write instructions for myself on paper and follow these instructions in order to get a task done. This issue occurred after a traumatic event and it’s been one and half year, not exactly improving yet but I have written instructions for myself from a higher part of my mind which has guided me on the next steps to be in a place where I feel comfortable and not afraid. Try to think from a third or second person when planning outings and this helps
Awesome video
I'm so glad you were able to defeat this horrible mental illness. I'm 39 years old now and sadly been living with this too for actually a long time . 12 years. Yess. And it's coused me so much depression in my life. Been on meds that just do not do anything at all for me. I'm not home bounded but am community bounded. I'm afraid of getting on busses,cars,trains, airplane. So I walk. It's not fun. I'm tired of avoiding my issues. I have so much I wanna do in life😒😒 and never before wanted to travel the world. Now I really want too. I want to sing, and be known. Thanks for this awesome video🙏
I have all of this but tahr something to get on a plane and go to Europe but don’t get on trains or underground - stay by a beach etc. it’s awful I know I also don’t stay in a hotel 2 or three floors high.
I just realized I’m not alone, and I can’t explain how much better this makes me feel
The pandemic has made me scared to go anywhere. I’m hoping your teachings will help me.
Even though the anxiety is uncomfortable it’s the panic attacks that worry me. That’s why I don’t stay alone and why I don’t venture out as much. Anxiety only is different to the actual panic attacks
You did understand the mechanics of anxiety? Wow! This is quite an achievement. It seems you had mild anxiety and it's been a long time you don't have a panic attack for what you say and your suggestions of "healing approach" are far from the reality of those who are trying to beat agoraphobia. I'm glad you're far above those who are dealing with all of this. Now you're confident and it's amazing that you look like an actor in the presentation of your video. Congratulations and I'm sure you're helping many people with your reasonings. We all know that once the mechanics is explained and the person is shown "it's all in your head" "it's just a thought, not reality" instant recover is the result. It seems you created a methodology far better than *Exposure Therapy " that has percentage of relapse of 20 to 50%. Thanks for showing all of that.
I was working myself really hard in 2021 because I was the only person in the department at that time. I ended up burning out and having a panic attack for the first time ever at work. I literally thought I was going to die. I had to have my dad come pick me up because it felt like, if I sat down, i was going to pass out. I then ended up getting a double ear infection and possibly COVID and I just felt absolutely awful all the time. It took me almost 6 months to go back to work in person. I still feel stuck when I go someplaces and had no idea it was agoraphobia! Understanding what is going on with both your mental and physical health is so important! It’s definitely the first step to healing.
Hi shaan , my both kids have anxiety issues but little different from one another. My younger one has developed love and hate relationship with studies . He used to be bright student two years back but last two years have been very difficult for both of us . I will not say there is any issues with going out that much but study wise, he has anxiety and complains about fatigue ,lack of focus ,what if's , guilt, ,lack of desire to go to school . I can see he is really struggling and I dont know how to help . I keep searching for him but many things he can't comprehend or convince him . For his age its difficult to make him understand what it is to witness oneself . My elder one actually can be labelled as agoraphobic .
Yes yes yes this all was in my heart like when I would go out of house I would start getting panic attacs♥️😭♥️
Thank you for talking about this. I have no idea how to get better.
It's hard to explane but its a struggle through life
Thank you for this video. I was diagnosed with agoraphobia at 17 and got through it. I relapsed recently…I have two kids and I HATE how I’m living. 😭 even worse, I don’t like being alone now and I’m no longer driving alone.
Ya know.. for years now I've told myself I had bad cabin fever and wasn't really knowledgeable on agoraphobia. Seeing this video and finding I wasn't alone in years of isolation with a handful of times leaving my house was extremely eye opening- I kind of chalked it up to the covid lockdowns until this point even though I had signs of agoraphobia years prior and it just hadn't felt like it was heavily impacting my life yet. I've always been a recluse of sorts and find joy in doing things by myself but there's a huge dichotomy in my willingness and ableness to do anything that required me leaving the house. Coupled with addiction to smoking leading to me thinking I couldn't be outside longer than a couple minutes without the fear of panicking over needing to smoke and being able to speak to my closest friends over online platforms like discord I found it rather easy to dismiss any thoughts of an actual anxiety disorder. This past week I've been taking steps towards sobriety and I searched this video up after taking a walk through my neighborhood at 3am and upon returning something told me to seek out more info on what's been going on with me. Years I've been on autopilot and living through clouded judgement and I'm finally taking steps towards feeling in control of my life again. Thank you for this video!
I know exactly how much harder being a smoker makes it. Not only needing to smoke, but having to be out smelling badly too🥺
Much love too you
I really want to take a 8 hour flight to travel but I have agoraphobia and I hate planes 😭
Have you tried going on a plane now?
Dude you literally explained my life , I’m going threw so much right now , I Evan got teary eyed watching this 😢
Bro I have been stuck in the house for 7 months now 😭
Reading the comment section makes my agoraphobia worse. I was chatting with the nail tech that was doing my nails and she stated that going to far from home was scary for her. Ever since she told me that, it has became a problem for me. It’s weird. I try to avoid comments and topics about anxiety with others because what they tell me may stick. I fight through it everyday. Don’t give up.
I have the same problem. I usually just leave it along for a bit and then forget that conversation with time. But if it works with bad experiences that others have, can you make it work with good ones as well? Sometimes I can,but it is harder.
I never comment but I just wanted to say in a way it makes me feel better knowing I’m not a lot, been diagnosed with agoraphobia about 6 months ago had it for maybe 3 years, going on a flight in a couple hours and I’m scared to death. I’ve been on a couple flights since having this anxiety and each time I’ve been a complete wreck just want to go back to normal :(
I get it while driving on the expressway or anything that reminds me of it..Even long streets make me have a panic attack.. I used to love long distance driving ..
I been going out for months every day and i dont even feel anixeity when im out only sometimesbut i know it will last only like 1 hr i got my life back
I've been suffering with Agoraphobia for over a decade. I'm not afraid of the anxiety attacks ... I'm scared. I also have severe conversion disorder with PNES (psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. I'm awake thru the seizures. My BP goes up at the thought of leaving my house. Agoraphobia is an irrational fear. But, when I've pushed myself to go out ... BAD THINGS HAPPEN! I had to file an ADA DOJ complaint against a venue that kicked me out because I have a service dog. The ADA law isn't worth the paper it was written on. Ugh. I'm tired of rambling. I hope I can recover from Agoraphobia. Thanks
I can so relate to this. I wish we could talk. I’ve never spoken with anyone who has experienced anything like this. I’m just told I could if I wanted to and I’m making excuses or lying or something else rather than just what I’m saying I am going through 😢
@GoAskAlice10TALL I'm available to talk. I don't know how, but if you've got any idea ... I'm here. I'm sorry you're dealing with this stuff too. It's hard. And people who don't have it cannot understand it.
I didn’t know my info wasn’t being posted Tried again Speaking with someone who understands can be lifesaving. We’re not doing anything wrong 🤔🥺
Is there not a way to communicate with someone 1-1 from the comments?
I had so many traumas for so long.. and finally it damaged something inside of me. I get scared for a reason for sure ( I was in very abusive relationship and had to escape many times ) .. I think that's one of the reasons but yeah like u said agoraphobia "is like a prison" that overwhelming feeling what u can get even going to train station or something is so draining.. I just hope that I can survive from this and some day I don't have to be so afraid anymore
You made some good points towards the end. My anxiety hasnt gone away Im just inside having anxiety now. My quality of life is lower. But also I dont particularly like and I certainly cant trust other humans so I just prefer to stay away from them. Too many psychos walking around.
I’m fine when I’m with someone outside, the issue is, I can’t be alone outside
Ive had it for years. Its true i avoided any situation that might cause an attack . I took meds for years it helped. But id like more freedom.
You touched my inside sir ... Thanks for making this videos ...
Glad to hear that
I have one of the worst forms of agoraphobia -- the form in which I can't even leave the house. Would love the opportunity to talk with you on the subject. There's stuff I've learned during this journey that might help others, and I'd really like to get the information out there with someone that actually has an understanding of this horrible condition. I don't have a following on KZhead so I'd really like to present the information and lessons learned. I'd love to help anyone, not only avoid, but try to beat this condition.
This makes me cry. I am not alone. I have been inside my house for almost 1.5 years having panic attacks.. I hate being in public or even in the woods. I used to love hikes! I used to love driving. Nature makes me feel so alive but not anymore.. But I don’t want to go outside or even in my car anymore... i am so deathly afraid of people due from past abuse. I just want to be free… I just want to go in public without panicking. I want to drive again. I have 2 therapists and 2 doctors to help with this but I can’t even go to my appointments, they have to call me. It’s not helping still… I am so scared to go do anything
Never ever ever have I heard anyone mention that fear of your heart exploding. Many years ago I mentioned it to my family doctor and then ever visit afterwards he'd come in, chuckle, and say "So did your heart explode?" It was really humiliating that he was making light of it in a 15 minute visit but I had to go home with it and feel that fear every second of every day until the next time he made fun of it. I'm just really glad to hear someone else say it. I have had thousands of people say to me "I thought I was the only one!" regarding so many symptoms - but never the fear of your heart exploding, so - here I go... I thought I was the only one. Thank you. I've been agoraphobic for 30 years. Haven't been able to drive for 25. I don't even know who I am.
mine is really weird. like i went to a job interview and felt comfortable and confident during it. had a small 20 seconds of anxiety but i think i was like "this is normal im in a job interview" and it went away. the other day though, I went to a museum. The downstairs exhibits were fine, small amounts of anxiety but i could look at everything and enjoy it. Once i went upstairs, boom full on panic and had to go back down. Going to restaurants - inside dining in a crowded, hot, loud restaurant is a no go and i panic. Taking the same scenario but give it outdoor seating and its much better.
ashwagandha herb is really helping me. I have Natural Life Herbs ashwagandha 2100 MG capsules. I've been dealing with this since 2009... started the ashwagandha couple days ago and already feeling a little better.... hope this helps! I pray we all are 100% cured from this debilitating issue
Are you taking it as a tea or a pill? I have had agoraphobia with panic disorder since 2000 and nothing has worked for me
@@linnerellie209 capsules
I’m currently going through exactly same thing and started exposure excercise which is kinda working for “going out” scenarios. But recently when I go to sleep the second I close my eyes I sometimes find anxiety flaring up, making me nervous, scared etc. this will go through the night to the point of feeling exhausted and nervous the next day. What’s the best way to do exposure in this sleep scenario?
Sleep aids or sedatives or a specific bedtime routine plus sleep aids
I use to be out all the time as well. You’d never catch me at home. I drive wherever whenever. Now I am afraid to walk to the mailbox
Same here 😕
May I ask what caused it?
Lol same here we must all walk together
I had to check if I’d written this comment. 😢
I hate when someone says, “you don’t pass out from a panic attack”… yes the f**k you do. I experienced this numerous times. It is among the several major threats I face suffering from agoraphobia disorder. Passing out makes me vulnerable to be robbed, physically harming myself during the fall, and I am at the mercy of others. Fight or flight kicks in so hard for me… I have tried making escapes that could have led to extreme harm if a person did not use all the strength to stop me. Panic disorders can be dangerous if they are messing the extreme end of “fight” or “flight” “flight” contains passing out. running. peeing. Diehrea, etc. “fight” contains physical reactions and boils down to a legit fight response. Those suffering with full blown extreme agoraphobia or panic disorder are individuals who fight flight attendants on planes when they did not mean to do so. People have died from this panic/agoraphobia disorder. We know also that it is running out of control is the issue.
I have a fear of not being close to a hospital incase of emergencies which causes panic attacks when traveling. Anyone else have this or something similar? Advice?
That is exactly what I’m going through right now
Same here I have fear of hospitals...I don't want to speak or hear this word even in discussion...🫣
Same here!
Same!
Same! I’ve had medical issues in the past.. they are fixed but I still fear the worst whenever I’m out
Agoraphobia really ruins my life as a university student. I stopped going to classes because I'm affraid that I'll get a panic attack in the middle of lecutre and scare all the other students and professors. Like, they won't be able to calm me down, ambulance will be called, such a chaos because of me or even worse, I'll die there in front of everyone... I'm affraid of going to exams not because of "What if I fail?", but because of "What if my panic starts to hit right here right now?". Now I'm teriffied for my future because I don't think that I'll be able to graduate and have my own career or that I'll be able to work anywhere at all. I hope there are also students/young people who can relate to this because I feel like I'm insane.
this is my situation too! It’s so frustrating, especially as someone who always loved school growing up. I want to learn! And it feels so embarrassing because it’s just sitting! Like I just have to sit. Babies can do that, why can’t I?
Maybe you could apply for student facilities? I did at my uni. I had the same situation hard time going to class or even attend exams. What really helped me was going to class with a friend and applying for student facilities. My uni let me do my exams in a room with other students who had these 'facilities' because they had a disability (like ADHD, dyslexie etc). But I'm from Belgium I don't if they have this in other universities, I really hope they do. Overall I know how difficult it is. I have been there but don't give up. I have graduated. It wasn't easy but if I have done it so can you!
Thanks so much for this, do you have a hard back book for sale?
My agoraphobia was pretty severe a few years ago. I would try to leave my house and then my legs would turn into jello and shake uncontrollably. I would shake and experience vertigo and sweat profusely. Now it’s not like that, but I have random panic attacks, usually when I’m grocery shopping, sometimes on public transportation, things like that. Everyone says I always look like I’m ready to escape or run away. I always need to have my bag with me. I can feel panic brewing too and many times people don’t think I’m being serious. Sometimes I can’t avoid public displays of panic, but if I can at least get away and be in my safe place (my flat), I end up having full body tremors. I feel so abnormal. The thing I’ll say though is that I’ve always had varying degrees of agoraphobia but it never goes away.
Me too
My anxiety affects my bowels and I have had accidents outside so my fear has been reinforced over and over making exposure therapy a no no for me
Eat bran flakes. Makes a world of difference
I’m struggling really bad right now and I want to go outside I want my life back I want to push myself but I don’t know how and when I get physical symptoms I can’t unfocus on them and they take over because I can’t take my mind off them if that makes sense this is effecting my relationship with my partner family and friends even when it comes to seeing my daughter
Can you start by standing at your front door? ❤
I do not believe i can overcome anxiety while im alive. I will always have to cope with it. And for what? 🤷♀️ just to live another day alone and in fear.
Been a prisoner of the walls of the home and my own mind now for years.
Me too 😢 I want to speak with someone who’s going through this too. I have never before and everyone who doesn’t understand only makes me feel so much worse… not that I really have more than a couple of people I speak with occasionally anyways..
i am 15 and have never really come across someone my age with the same thing, i stopped going to school last year and stopped going outside overall, but i have been going on tiny walks recently and im determined to not let it eat my life away anymore, i missed all my mock exams and will be missing my gcses but im just focusing my attention on myself for now, getting me better before my education because though it is important to have an education i would much rather be able to go to the shops right now, school is where i had my first panic attack so i associated school with panic and now i do online school and its great honestly, i just want to be living instead of just being, even if that means i can only do the basics like the shops or walks. Something, even if it’s tiny walks, is better than nothing cause u can build up from that in time, but u can’t build something out of nothing
I thought I was the only one suffering with these symptoms and extreme fear! I also have anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia since the last 20 years, and haven’t been on a holiday since. I feel so guilty as my poor husband has to travel alone and he really misses me and wishes that we can travel together. I can’t travel by bus, train or plane, as I can’t risk having a panic attack away from home, or somewhere far where I won’t be able to escape. I can travel by car but only local places, as I fear being stuck in traffic, or in a tunnel if traveling far. I have been mostly housebound for years, and am also anxious at home too now. I can stay on my own either. I have missed out on so much in life, and not sure if I will ever be normal again😥 I don’t even have the energy now to deal with these issues now, please can someone help me, or advise me as to how I can overcome this. I don’t want to take medication, as scared of side effects, and CBT hasn’t worked for me. I was looking into hypnotherapy, but am confused about that.
where from you
i guide you everything i was in much worse condition i tried everything but nothing helped
cbt, journals,dieting , exercising,meditation i tried everything nothing helped me
2 years i was in medication but nothing changed however i go much worse
@@Animator-kl9si Are you better now, or same?
Its weird, i wont accept work that involves leaving house, i avoid any social situations that can trigger my anxiety and fear. Im starting to build my life around this BS. Im headed to the homeless disability life. WTF?! 2 years of psych and I got worse! No one diagnosed or helped with this? My fears ate real unfortunately, they happened.. alot. Ive taken things into my own hands: immersion therapy: im having people throw me into situations, and riding the panic attacks, im retraining my nervous system, this is horrible!
Me too. The things that I fear have happened many times 😢 Can we talk? Signal? 🙏🏽
@@GoAskAlice10TALL how do we connect without sharing our contact info in this comment section?
What is your book? I Can't find it on your channel? What is the name, and where can I order it?
Im trying but ist really hard. When I come home, I feel tired, nausea, feelling like Im going to pass out. I wanted to join your membership program but I wish I could work with someone who can speak Slovak. Or Czech. I know there are some people like Mirka, but Im not sure if I have the opportunity to choose. I know I can help myself out of this hell but I need someone who understands me
Mirka is a coach and she’s Czech :)
@@anxiety_recovery hi, am an Indian and how can I join this and how would it help, I hv anxiety disorder and Agoraphobia..
Ahoj, jsem Česka, jak jsi na tom teď?
I have gotten physical symptoms, nausea, headache, even problems with balance when I get anxious in places.
What is the book please @shaan x
Hi shan i am coping my anxity with exercise. And now last 14 month i am daily cardio exercise . my every month is better than old month.. I am in depresion last 6year but i did not accept last one year i am accept and start work on it and have amazing result. Please tell me who many month still i have suffer...
I’m completely housebound with my agorophobia. Wot exercises do u do that helps
Shaaan i have problems of extreme sweating when around people I’m even sweating at home. Mostly on my forehead I had it for years don’t know what to do.
I see symptoms are different for many of us here. I don't have fear about "not really things" are happening, my fears are so real and started in a shelter I was living because some peoples from there was following all ALL the time whatever I go and this starting to happening even I the street, same people from shelter following me even outside then different people same, I started to notice this almost every where I go so yes this become so scary for me. Some people get inside to my room while I sleeping, my door lock was disabled and who this that? Noones know nobody did anything so yes my fears are so SO real now from any person that approached me, and I can't have a normal life anymore and this hurts so SO MUCH! I can't have a job I can't stand for long in public transportation when is getting full, I can't even go to my school anymore without feel so much fear and anxious, people scared me almost most of the time, although is lees if I'm not alone but still hard. I feel I need now a protective dog so people will not approached me, I don't know all I know is this is so hard, I'm not myself anymore and this hurts
What if you have racing thoughts and random scenarios coming into your head repetitive thoughts am I best to just let them come into my head? Cause this happens to me then the fear of them and feeling like I'm going crazy causes a panic attack
Same!
@sherrybishop8077 yer the anxious mind is mad... this was a while ago now and it's been on and off ... I'm reading claire weekes book at the moment essential help for your nerves I highly recommend you read it ... after accepting and using her method I'm feeling so so much better ... buy that book and give it a read :)
I still am not understanding if I deal with Agoraphobia bc a big part of why I have this anxiety has to do with people attacking my confidence and characteristic which makes me sink into a shell of avoidance it's always on going and very unexpecting I really dislike people feeling super comfortable doing this to me unprovoked so I've stop working and going outside altogether for about 5 months now I have a daughter and it is effecting her bc I can't keep her inside with me forever
I am starting to develop a lot of regret, I want to be done stressing about whit if and anxiety 😟
Why I have mood low in the evening?
damn! i want to get my PPL but i have to overcome agoraphobia
It's sounds stupid but I'm really afraid of public transport especially standing in there in a traffic jam. I'm scared that if i stand too much I'll faint
My name is cosmin i am 12 years old I have agoraphobia from when i was 8 years old. I still fight whit it.
Sir do u have like Tetany symptoms?
Please please respond I m having breathing prob like breathing from stomach n with alot of pressure along with stinging pain on my left chest as if I have breast cancer. It is so frustrating Did u have stinging pain in left side which travels back to arms
You should see a doctor. Sometimes anxiety may actually be stemming from a medical condition. In my case, i was having all the symptoms of health issues but i got misdiagonised with anxiety. Turns out it was pneumonia.
Yes go to a doctor but I wouldn't panic right now. Calm down, you're OK. These are common panic symptoms
I went to many doctors all of them says anxiety. I did CT scan and X-ray it came back normal. I m scared of breast cancer now.
@@somakhan5895 if so then it must be health anxiety. And if it is anxiety then there is a solution! ✨
My dad has the worst anxiety i've ever seen in a person to where it effects him from doing daily things, he always wants to stay inside because he's scared of going out and he gets worried when we're walking in a store. But i have one question, does it stop you from doing basic household things? Like washing the dishes, or doing laundry or errands within the household? Is it some thing to where he might feel use less? If anyone has had this happen to them or anyone they know, please reply to me and let me know how i can fix this , much love. Thank you :)
severe anxiety/panic disorder/ agoraphobia can cause some to get really depressed and disappointed in themselves to where they just don't have the motivation to do anything including house chores... it's a part of the depressive state from being sad that they have mental issues
@@successfulOn3 this is me. It ruined my marriage and has caused my life to come to a halt. Working on it now and hopefully can make progress.
As a person who is struggling with this, I can say it tires you out so much because you are fighting anxiety all day and all night. You become not only mentally exhausted, but physically exhausted to the point that picking up one dish and washing it, taxes you of all your strength. You end up feeling so defeated you suffer from zero motivation and the slightest task seems like climbing a mountain. The only solution for your dad is getting the help he needs so the anxiety and depression goes away. Otherwise he is going to continue this behavior until it gets to the point he will be crippled for life.
I thought that was just me. Now my neighbours are being mean which is only making me even more unable to step outside, even to get the mail. 😢
@@successfulOn3 how are things now? I haven’t seen these messages
Hi shan I'm 23 panic started 3 years ago to the point where I wouldn't go in to shower or get out bed i started taking 50mg settaline which helped me and I got a driving licence got a car started to be normal after a year I decreased to 25mg which worked but then I started having bad days anyway 2 years later I'd decided to quit them I quit them and after month to today I can't leave the house anymore I'm scared each time I try to leave I panic I get dizzy fast heart beat csnt work can't carry on studies will starting sertaline again put me back on my feet and starting psychotherapy help me and put me back in being normal?
I can so relate to this. I wish we could talk. I’ve never spoken with anyone who has experienced anything like this. I’m just told I could if I wanted to and I’m making excuses or lying or something else rather than just what I’m saying I am going through 😢
@@GoAskAlice10TALLI too can relate. I’ve been agoraphobic for 7 years. Initially I couldn’t leave my bedroom. I’d shower with my wife sitting in the bathroom. I gradually was able to go downstairs and then outside. I was having multiple panic attacks a day most days. It’s gotten better over time. I’m still agoraphobic, but I don’t have the panic attack issue every day. They seldom happen anymore.
What’s the name of the book?
What to do if when i know the root cause? And how do you find the root cause?
I am exactly the same way. That's literally me.