I haven't left mine in 9 months and its driving me crazy, I feel so helpless and some days I can't stand it but when I think about getting in the car and going somewhere I feel panic and think its too far to go. Panic starts setting in and I feel like I could die if I try it.
Does anyone have anxiety so bad that they can't leave their house?
Question posted by kaylyn on 16 May 2011
Last updated on 20 April 2025 (1 week ago) by Medmk24
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
127 Answers
Medmk24
20 April 2025
To all of you out there. I am dealing with the same. I am on valium but all it does is keep the worst anxiety away. I have no magic answer but please try L-theanine and Ashwaganda. These supplements before going outdoors. It works. Especially if you go in a car. God bless.you all!!!
gjampol
18 Aug 2023
I've been taking Xanax for more than 25 years, however, the dosage has varied widely. There have been times when I needed to take three 2mg. tablets a day (my usual dose) and maybe 1mg. While I was working in a job that I loved I was so totally absorbed by what I was doing that I often skipped taking any Xanax.
Now I'm retired and living in reduced circumstances. My partner for 50 years died two years ago, leaving me feeling adrift. My anxiety is worse than ever. I usually have to take 4mg. to 6mg. when I go outside. My agoraphobia is crippling. I try to avoid trips to doctors because I fear the unpleasantness of being outside my home.
I've been thinking of switching to Valium because, I understand, it has a longer half-life than Xanax. Also, there is a physical effect that assures me the drug is working. I'd like to know whether I'd benefit from switching. Let me add that I also have clinical depression.
Erincat8
14 June 2023
This happened to me when my anxiety was acute. Nowhere was safe. I had a hard time even being a passenger in the car and had to lie in the back as the speed and sounds were too much and I cried and cried. If you want to try, this worked for me… start by opening the door of your home and standing in the doorway to the outside for 10 seconds. That’s it, just stand there and breathe outside air, let cars pass, people pass, hear the outside sounds. Then go back inside and be proud of your courage. Do it again the next day and then maybe the next, if you want to, until you’re ready to stand just outside the doorway with the door still open. Then try with the door closed. Then the next day sit on your step. There is no timeline here, just do what you can and congratulate yourself with every step. When you’re ready, hold your car keys in your hand while standing outside. Then maybe walk to your car and sit in the front seat. That’s a big one.
Sit as long as you can and breathe. No need to go anywhere. Do that as many days as you can. When you’re ready, start the car, sit and breathe, then turn it off again and go back inside. Congratulate yourself on the huge step you’ve taken. When you’re ready, start the car and put it on gear, move forward a few feet, then turn it off again and go inside. When you’re ready, drive around the block. You will remember how to drive without having to think about it. Your steps may differ from mine, the point is to take tiny steps. When I say tiny, I know that when we are in the midst of panic or anxiety or agoraphobia these steps are giant. They are huge accomplishments and be proud of each one. 3 years later I am back to being completely comfortable driving on 4 lane highways again. Sometimes I feel anxiety rise and I remember that that’s ok, my body knows how to drive and I can exit and pull over at any time. I hope you are able to find freedom again, at your own pace.
hlanelle
12 June 2023
Hi, I have had PTSD, anxiety and severe panic disorder for 11 years now stemming from a near fatal car accident I was involved in. Just the thought of leaving home and/or getting in a vehicle causes me to have severe panic attacks. Loud noises does the same. My Dr has had me on Celexa and Clonazepam for a couple of years now and it really helps. Yes I still have panic attacks, but they're bearable and I'm able to leave home to work and do the things I need to do. Even with medication, therapy and a strong support group, It still takes a lot out of me to get out and do things but without it, there was no way of convincing me to leave home and most certainly of getting into a vehicle.
757Gator
20 March 2023
I just had a stroke10 days ago. I have never been scared of anything in my life, fights, gunshot fire, anything. Now I can barely see.This is a new challenge that I do not like seeing again. Three neurologists said my sight might improve, but it's not coming back. These ability attacks such they're very real & disabling its something
I haven't figured out how to deal with cause I can't grab it & kill it so far. Only Valium helps. I try to go to the glory days & happy places, but none of those has helped & Valium takes about 45 minutes to kick in so yes leaving the house i can understand my happy places have been on the back of a horse, remembering the glory days listening to steel pan music in Trinidad deep sea fishing being out on a boat on the bay smelling the salty air, 88 degree sunshine stuff like that that makes the whole world dissappear.
Hearing a warm friendly female voice to me help calm down its hard to tell someone what it's like unless you've been there.Your chest gets tight hard to breathe feels like there's log or telephone
RoseBryce
8 Sep 2022
Yes! I can't stand being out in the world!!! I need to be home!! How do I manage Dr ANd dentist visits?? They are good and kind people. I just can't stand being there!!
masso
8 Sep 2022
I believe you might have Agoraphobia:
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes intense fear of becoming overwhelmed or unable to escape or get help. Because of fear and anxiety, people with agoraphobia often avoid new places and unfamiliar situations, such as:
Open or enclosed spaces.
Crowds.
Places outside your home.
Public transportation.
masso
8 Sep 2022
Click on the link:
RoseBryce
9 Sep 2022
Thank you Masso, I was wondering that very thing today. I'll look into it. Bless you, Rose
masso
9 Sep 2022
Thank you and you are welcome.
masso
9 Sep 2022
Thank you and you are welcome.
barbiecorn
21 March 2022
I totally understand..
Sam009
25 Nov 2021
Hia all IV Been suffering anxiety and panic disorders for about 5 years all the medication doctors have put me have made so ill . I have tried fluoxetine citalopram sertraline all of these made me so bad and just couldn't leave my house I just got so bad with panic attacks it's awful feeling not wanting to see my family mates and even my own kids and husband just locked my self away so trying to find something else now . I have been told that amitriptyline work good for this but still researching about this.
angel1662
22 March 2022
I was reading the comments so I could possibly give some feedback and came across your post, Amitriptyline name brand Elavil. I was on this med and I didn't like it, it made me a zombie and I didn't want to do anything, but like they say meds work for everyone differently I hope you find something that helps you!! I have a host of psychiatric issues one being panic with agoraphobia meaning I like the person who posted seems to have where you are petrified to leave your home, it's so horrible!! Wishing you some type of relief my friend..angel1662
Sam009
5 April 2022
I'm coming off amitriptyline now nothing seems to be helping on thing that calms me is diazepam and none of the SSR work for me have really bad side effects of them . But my GP won't give me diazepam all the time .so only can take 1 when I'm feeling a panic attack coming on only 2mg I take they do help but so addictive and that's y they won't give them to me all the time . I feel like I'm lose the will some days. It's so horrible
ymcadoo
23 May 2022
I was very sick one time for 4 years. I ask the doctor for Paxil and I waited a long time for it to work. I used it for 6 years without any episodes until this last October. I switched doctors and now on Pristiq. My advice is prayer works and then I guess like Pristiq giving it some time. I’m like you I haven’t be out. Well I had 3 weeks of normal self then I slipped back with anxiety but less-and also depression. Giving it some more time.
ymcadoo
23 May 2022
I was very sick one time for 4 years. I ask the doctor for Paxil and I waited a long time for it to work. I used it for 6 years without any episodes until this last October. I switched doctors and now on Pristiq. My advice is prayer works and then I guess like Pristiq giving it some time. I’m like you I haven’t be out. Well I had 3 weeks of normal self then I slipped back with anxiety but less-and also depression. Giving it some more time.
ymcadoo
23 May 2022
I was very sick one time for 4 years. I ask the doctor for Paxil and I waited a long time for it to work. I used it for 6 years without any episodes until this last October. I switched doctors and now on Pristiq. My advice is prayer works and then I guess like Pristiq giving it some time. I’m like you I haven’t be out. Well I had 3 weeks of normal self then I slipped back with anxiety but less-and also depression. Giving it some more time.
susilawm
23 April 2023
I’m feeling very much the same way sometimes and empathize with your pain and terror♥️
A therapist and trying meds are helpful..
Also, staying busy ( for me).
Nahdia
27 July 2021
I truly can relate
Inactive
16 March 2021
If want advice on panicky attacks I'm your guy.been having them since 1987 when Dr. and nurses would laugh at you say nothing wrong with you you won't die.they had no idea about panicky attacks and didn't care.witch put me in emergency room at so many hospitals costing lot of money.finally a nurse new about them and gave me .5 Xanax in sample pack they where so new and basically saved my life
barbiecorn
22 March 2022
How much Xanax do you take? My panic is bad I have. .5
I take it 4 times a day
Sam009
5 April 2022
I see where u are coming from my GP just gives me anything and send me on my way . It's so annoying I wish someone could help me not just give meds all the time . And i end up worse most of the time coz of the side effects of them there's no compassion on people with metal health at all I find . My marriage is on breaking point most of the time because I can't go out and do nothing even of I drive I have a full blown panic attack . It's so nasty then I feel embarrassed when it happens ...
cleo130
6 Jan 2021
I had the same problem for an entire year. I finally was able to see a Psychiatrist, and he started me on Xanax. It was a miracle worker at the time.
Marla82
6 Jan 2021
Did you take the Xanax daily or only "as needed"?
cleo130
6 Jan 2021
I wanted to add that I was also dealling with depression, and I was separated from my husband when the panic hit me. I was unable to work, and driving was so difficult, I remember my hand shaking when I tried to turn the dial on my car radio. The anxiety was 24/7, and once I reconciled with my husband and was on his insurance I was able to see the Psychiatrist who saved me. Being on the Xanax and talking about my problems helped to get my anxiety under control. I was able to teach dance classes again and function better. No one knows what anxiety and depression are like unless they have experienced it themselves, or possibly had someone close to them going through it. I was raised to believe that I should be able to "snap out of it", and my parents and sisters thought that taking medications were unnecessary. I think tjey finally had some understanding of what I was going through, but in my mind I thought I was flawed or weak. Remember you are not alone, not losing your mind and you don't deserve to suffer. You are in my prayers.
cleo130
6 Jan 2021
I wanted to add that I was also dealing with depression, and I was separated from my husband when the panic hit me. I was unable to work, and driving was so difficult, I remember my hand shaking when I tried to turn the dial on my car radio. The anxiety was 24/7, and once I reconciled with my husband and was on his insurance I was able to see the Psychiatrist who saved me. Being on the Xanax and talking about my problems helped to get my anxiety under control. I was able to teach dance classes again and function better. No one knows what anxiety and depression are like unless they have experienced it themselves, or possibly had someone close to them going through it. I was raised to believe that I should be able to "snap out of it", and my parents and sisters thought that taking medications were unnecessary. I think they finally had some understanding of what I was going through, but in my mind I thought I was flawed or weak. Remember you are not alone, not losing your mind and you don't deserve to suffer. You are in my prayers.
Kelly Drake
5 Jan 2021
Yes I've been so bad at times, I would hide in my closet! Only one wish it was a walk in closet! However in my little closet i would have my flashlight, water, pillow and blanket! 3 days i stayed one time, at my lowest! I would do this periodically for years! Now i really can't let my grandchildren see this side if me! Even though i am on depression medicine now, my anxiety gets so bad, iso of literally going in the closet, i go into in my mind! I live moment to moment! ✌
Rhonda fretz
24 Oct 2020
Yes its going on 4 years I have been isolating myself
VickyNC1
6 Sep 2020
I too have anxiety and home bound ,but I lean on God a lot ! I shall overcome !
Boangel66
25 July 2020
Yes, you’re not alone! Many tasks cause me panic, making it very hard to function! I can’t let shower head splash water on my face, it’s really bad when I need to make phone calls or even answer my phone.
Sometimes it just comes out of the blue, which I know comes from the traumatic things I have suffered thru! I had a very traumatic young childhood due to death of my baby brother which died from SIDS Fourth of July when I was 3 yrs old, parents separated after that I suffered much abuse as a child then as an adult, This guy stalked me, my 2nd brother was murdered and I was violently raped, this guy also set my family’s house on fire, did a lot of property damage to me and family near me, the guy also tried running me off the road, I almost died as well! I panic at the thought of going on a walk by myself even! People always misunderstand me and even think you’re crazy or faking! Me, I would just rather live without the panic altogether but since I can’t erase the underlying causes, this is my life! I live in a constant panic! Panic and anxiety attacks are real and very scary, not to mention exhausting!
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sta-d, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder
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