Agoraphobia - I have had a fear of driving, public places (including my front porch) for four years?

rachel, I went thru that for several months, almost a year.I have just starting getting out. First I would go on the porch, then worked my way to the carport, felt like I would pass out. I would ride to the store with my hubby abd sit in the truck. He did all the shopping. Then one day I just got out at the dollar store. I told my hubby don't leave my side, he didn't. So now I do better, I have my days, sometimes I can go and sometimes I can't. I was driving by myself when I had my breakdown so I have not drove since except a couple of times with hubby with me and I was scard to death, but I did it. Take baby steps, just one thing at a time. Meyati was talking about a dog, hubby got me one. We adopted her she was already fixed and house trained to aleash. we called tht local Vet and they had her, we paid 95.00. She is a joy. I also had empty nest, all the kids were gone and I was a basket case plus had a very stressfull job.

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I thake lexapro and xanax, but they are changing my lexapro to celexa only because of the cost, which Im worried about. But the xanax has worked wonders. Good luck and I hope I have helped in some way. And think about what Meyati said about the dog. I will friend you and Im always around if you need to talk amd so are alot of other people. Von-1

Hi Rachel,
I too was once like you are,afraid to leave my house,mix with people,do simple things like going to get grocery food. Anywhere that was crowded i could'nt enter without this feeling of dread washing over me,i felt everyone was looking at me,knew i was paranoid-all those things and situatons made me stop going out and staying in-doors! There was once a time where the thoughts of going to bed and then waking up first thing and the dredges of panic would come over me.

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I went to my doc and attented Cbt therapy,it helped a little,but i'm still looking for the right combo of meds to help me along,the only thing that works for me now is xanax. All i can advise is you taking baby steps like Von suggested,it's the best medicine and i understand you may be tired of trying all these meds and feeling nothin from them,i also feel the same,but sometimes you have to push yourself aswel,take deep breaths,do breathing exercises to help you calm down,tell yourself over and over that you have nothin to be scared about,that you can do this!! I know its easier said than done,but if you take it slowly slowly,then you may be able to fight this along with the help of meds!!
Kepp posting,we all care and here for yo uto talk to or if you need an ear to listen!! I wish you all the best!!