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
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 Page 8
b4u2
25 June 2011
Get mad at it! It's stealing your joy & happyness. Anger is a good motovater if used in the right degree. I got so angry and i used medication/s untill i got over it & used to being ok.When it became a habit to just start my day out. It's not going to hurt you & no one cares. You know? Were not that important,no one is. Irt's a form of selfishess on our part to think we are so important that we should have this rediculus problem/s. Who the hell are we? What do we exspect?Nothing,& that's what's going to happen-nothing! We are afraid of nothing & everything,.That when I got piissed n took back my life dam it! Get pissed,not to the point of hurting self or anyone,at the 'thing' that really isn't anything.see?Fear is the culprit,and no matter what it's all the same with or without-Think this way & it shall be. Open of a path for truth,& all good thing come walking down to greet you.
It a win-win,it always was.You deserve peace n happiness like everyone else.Take it! It's yours for the asking.Don't compare your insides with everybodys outsides.I know you'll lick it,it doesn't own you.
happycatsierra
24 June 2011
I have the SAME problems! My anxiety is so bad that I cant even be out in putblic without having a panic attack!
I have to go out in public and had to deal with all the suffering but ask your doctor about Visterail.. It does wonders... (at least for me)
ottomarie
18 June 2011
My dr. Has me trying a little known drug called c-naltrexone. I can't start until I wean myself off all narcotic pain relievers, the two don't mix. Look it to on the internet and ask you dr about it. My dr is very positive as she has seen this drug work miracles on a number of conditions. It is non narcotic and has very little if any side effects. Good luck and if anyone starts using it I would be thrilled to know how it works. Good luck and god bless.
sickeffects
18 June 2011
The best thing for you man is to talk to a professional because the anxiety that i have had and that must other people is not a longterm version and could be just a reaction to a time someone experienced some anxiety because they new there life was going to be like without that perosn, or something from and or on going battle with substance abuse, or battle with a fear that is at the core of this longterm version of anxiety. Finding and developing a coping method without or in your cause as litlle medication as possiable to help you cope with the anxiety is the best thing possiable. you definitly need to talk to professional if you have isolated yourself this long bro.
Your stronger than most you know you have a dissorder; now do you have the strength to face the root of what is actually causing you to have such an incrediably isolative response to being around poeple; who honestly are people you are so afraid of being around that you will never know are be a big deal to them. Remember your at a strong point now you knew what is going on with you is negatively effecting you, so do everything you can without use and or becoming dependant of a form of medication or false strength. It could only make things harder and longer for you is why i am mentioning the as little as possiable form of medication as possiable.
Inactive
16 June 2011
In my opinion, do yourself a favor and look up Celexa in the search bar on this site. Go down to the reviews and out of the 4 pages available I think I only found a couple of bad reviews. I take Celexa 40mg and my life has never been better. I was initially on Lexapro but it never really quite did it. Since there was no generic for Lexapro, my doc put me on Celexa for a much lower price. It's not a generic for Lexapro, but it is generic (much cheaper) and in the same family of medicines. It will work wonders, trust me.
Pablo52
5 June 2011
Hi Kaylin, like so many others here I can identify totally with what you say and what you're going through. I first started with anxietyt and panic attacks at the age of 15, am now 55 and striull on medication, still have days when I don't go out, can't answer the phone, just like you. I was prescribed Ativan (Lorazepam) 30 years ago, and have been taking it every day of my life since then, of course there have been times when I've managed to reduce the dose, and almost wean myself off, with help (essential). I have also been thru cold turkey and it was the most horrific experience of my life, including suicidal thoughts which i had never had before. I've been on anti-depressants for about 25 years, and for the last 6 also have to take medication for high blood pressure, it's all a vicious circle, as everyone here knows.
For the agrophobia The only anti-depressant which has helped is effexor xr, I know there are mixed viesw about this drug, as with all, bit when I was first prescribed it some 12 years ago I found for the first time I could venture out and not think about where I had left my car, which was my only "prop" and safety for me. Now, and for years, I don't have a car, and can travel overseas, walk around and not think about any kind of prop to keep me safe. Fantastic! I know I am still messed up, it cost me my job, my marriage, my self confidence and self-esteem, but when all's saqid and done i have to think about my quality of life, compared to what it was. yes, I'm totally dependent on benzos and other meds, but in general my quality oif life is good, I try and work from home so I can be my own boss, and I say to myself that ok, I take legal meds, as a prop, but what about millions of other people? WQhat about smokers? What about those who can't function before taking 3 or 4 cups of very strong coffee? In short, I believe we all have some kind of prop, so I tell myself i'm as good as most other people. as for professional help, yes, essential to support you, ideally group therapy with others who have been or are going thru the same. But it's so hard to find these days, as more and more people are "stressed", more and more take hard drugs, the funding for people like us has dried up, we are the forgotten generation, I have been to so many psychiatrists, psychologists, hipnotherapists, some have been great, others a complete waste of time (and money, in some cases), but professional help and support from fellow-sufferers is vital, though I have none at the moment, owing to huge waiting lists and the lack of time these people give you. My doctor, like many others before, knows full well I am taking very high levels of lorazepam, but, what is the alternative? At least now they are aware of the huge dangers of suddenly stopping the meds, and I know both my doctor and I are "marking time", ie, waiting for me to know when I feel the time is right to start reducing again, and we both know with my current situation of no job, no family near me, no friends, no support, now is not the time. But I put it to the back of my mind, atr least I'm not exhaling poisonous chemicals on others, as smokers do, i may be screwing up my body, but not inflicting harm on others. So, in summary, it's patience, patience, patience, one step at a time, trying to venture out a little more each day and giving yourself a big pat on the back everytime you do so, and, above all, remember there are so many of us in the same position who know exactly what you're going through. If you find a good psychologist hold onto him/her, they are worth their weight in gold, whereas psychiatrists are soleyl interested in medication, and in my experience just want to get you off the drugs as soon as possible due to the fear of being sued for prescribing these "happy"pills in the first place. Good luck to you, I also offer myself to you if you want to write regularly, I'm sure we can help each other. All the best, we'll get there in the end.
popthat247
4 June 2011
Hello Kaylyn!! Yes I have anxiety so bad that when and if I do have to go in public to such the grocery store, take my kids to the doc., schools, ect. Everyday living place.. And if there may be alot of people say i think 5 people are alot if they are in my area. and 10+ i get very nervous and scared that someone is going to hurt me.. I have been going threw this for almost 2years now and just about 2 months ago I started trying to get out of the house.. since then I have joined a ALL WOMENS GROUP, I try to walk to where ever I can that is around instead of gettting in a car. I also just about 2 to 3 times a day have a notebook that I write in. I write anything from the way I feel.. what Im thinking.. If i have a problem.. I set a goal for everyday, 1 for every week, 2 for a month, 3 for 6months & 5 for the year. now these goals go from small things to large things.. and they are all different and some are as easy as cleaning a room in my house.
or finding a park to go to that will have people around me. and Im happy to say that it has been helping me more then I thought it would. Also i am going to a tech school.. but have been out of school for 6 months because of my issues with leaving my home and being around alot of people. I also have delete i guess you would say everyone I talk to and set my pros and cons about them and seen who were really my friends and who was just using me for onething or another.. i have to get going now I actully met a lady in my group and we are going to dinner.. crazy right. but i have to go i really do not want to be in my house for the whole summer. it makes me too say being by myself all the time.. well my kids are with me but they are very good listeners but they really cant give me to much advice back.. lol but please let me know how you been doing or write me a private convo.. I probalby can help you with more information of things u can do.. nice to talk to you..
pickles503
21 May 2013
Great answer, popthat. A lot of thought went into your answer.
brittuwhni
31 May 2011
hi kaylyn i can identify 17 years i was unable to leave my apt then i lived in long island ny i had to get a family member to get my food an other item from outside it just happened to me all of the sudden prior to that id been in an out of phyciatric wards while doctors tried to find the right meds for me then all of the sudden i went to the front door and it felt like there wasnt enough air out side so therpist came to my house i did this for 13 month it took 3 months to stan out side the apt door in the hall way and breath so you will learn to with counceling coupled with medications i say it this way because it was impossible for me to do it on my own your in my prays
Molded
26 Feb 2018
Have you been diagnosed with agoraphobia.
stormyrn
29 May 2011
Yes, I know exactly what you are talking about. I use to suffer from the same symptoms, but with the support of a Psychiatrist, counseling, medication and support groups I have become able to function much better. I still do not go to social events or places unless I have to. I am able to hold down a great job as a Registered Nurse working with patients that suffer from mental illness and substance abuse issues. My Psychiatrist told me that I have Social Anxiety Disorder and Agoraphobia. By no means would I suggest anyone to take any medication or diagnosis anyone. I am just telling you my personal experience. I would suggest you seek professional help because what you are going through is very emotionally painful and has a dramatic effect on your life. If you are like me, friends and family don't understand and think you are just lazy and think you should be able to control it.
That is why support groups are so comforting and helpful, you can see there are so many others that suffer from the same thing you do and you are not just lazy. However, I do think that along with support groups seeing a professional is also very important so that you can receive all the help there is available for you. I hope I have been helpful. I am here if you have any questions or just want a friend to talk to. Have a blessed day.
123Missyme
7 April 2013
I know exactly what you mean when you say that no one understands in fact just the other day I called my mother I law crying hoping to get some comfort and she told me to snap out of it and that it was a choice, she had never been through what we are going through, my fiancé also feels. The same way and I just feel all alone with this, I am so glad you are able to work! I just recently had to quit my job because my depression and and anxiety is so severe. My dr put me on Paxil about 2 weeks ago I'm Realy hoping it starts to work real soon because I don't even want to get out of bed in the morning it's a nightmare I have to wait 10 more days to see my dr. For anxiety medicine! I just want my life back!
lowerh878
3 May 2013
I'm in a similar situation. I too am a nurse and unfortunately over the last 3mo's only leave my house to go to work. After reading these posts I'm wanting suggestions about what to do next. I've been seeing my current therapist for 3yrs and feel like we've come to a standstill. I suffered from chemical dependence, and have been free of that for over 2yrs. I've tried Alanon and AA and it didn't work for me. I've always been self_motivated and goal driven and this has also dissapated over the last year. I cant think forward and don't have the concentration to meet any goal or desires. I'm concerned. I'm wondering also about medications that others have been on that helped the SAD... anything would be helpful. Thanks for your time
lynn1968
20 Feb 2017
I was feeling uplifted by your comment. I have to wonder if it is a unusual reaction to withdrawl like a turtle into it's shell as soon as I read "group" in your comment? I was so struck by "people-fear" that I actually tried to hide from the post when I read group. I fear I'm not able to be helped.
Shiner14
18 Sep 2017
Had to a medical leave from job cause any stimulus cranks the anxiety through the roof. With that comes the loud uncontrollable screams from head. I feel insane. Trying to get a drs. Appt. I've colored red articles, funny cause I can focus or retain, and when the ride is too fast I write whatever I can comprehend. I'm scared to death.I've the ole lovely bipolar but self medicated for 30 years. Any advice how to quiet the voices
Tonka8561
29 May 2011
Not pretending I am a doctor, but this sounds beyond anxiety and tipping into agorophobia. My best freind of 15 years has developed agoraphobia. We live 600 miles apart (I am a bit of a tumbleweed), but if I were near her, I would offer to help her take baby steps. Can you confide in someone about what you are going thru? Even if you can't, my freind's therapist suggested that she go outside her house once a day, moving a little further from the front door everyday. The therapist also suggested that while she was on the stoop, for instance, to focus on making observations - of her surroundings, the noises, the lawn, and how she is feeling while taking those step(s) outside.
If you jump start all the way to getting in your car and actually going somewhere, well, it is overwhelming.
Beyond that, look on Amazon for a book by a Psychologist on the topic of agoraphobia. And if you decide to take those babysteps away from your front door, afterwards, I would journal about the experience - how it felt, what you saw, what your heard, etc.
Eventually, it might be a good idea to see a Psychologist, to find out what is underlying your anxiety.
There are meds (besides benzos) which help with anxiety - for that you would need to see a Psychiatrist.
Good luck
medotcom
29 May 2011
I am 26 years old, and have suffered with G.A.D., panic attacks, as well as agorophobia and ADHD for 7-8 years now. I've been on pretty much every legal and not drug available. My attacks are brutal, life can be, difficult to say the least. I got away from illicit stuff and quit SSRI-SNRI's after 2 years on clonazapam (klonipan), along with alprazolam (xanax) I still suffer, but can leave my house and live (a reasonably normal) life. . . You're not alone, and you're not crazy! Hope this helps, and hope life gets easier for you.- Christopher
brianasmom2006
5 Jan 2012
I am 26 too with two children I raise on my own. I don't drive. And I BARELY leave the house. I just started leaving the house again in November then my doctor took me off my depakote and Xanax (which I have been on for over 2 years) and just put me on topomax and I feel like I am right back where I was. I just want this to stop. If not for me for my kids. My doctor needs to stops changing my medicine when it is working.
Jov3
23 Oct 2016
If its working for you, You tell the doc i want to stay on this med
Jov3
23 Oct 2016
If its working for you, You tell the doc i want to stay on this med
manicbaby123
26 May 2011
Yes I have experieced this for years. it was very bad for about 3 to 4 years in a row after stopping Dexedrine. I also have OCD. I did get better w/new meds, but anxiety/panic has set back in, in late 2010, I don't even go outside. the only time I leave the house is 4 mandatory DR. visits, & some1 drives me. It is so bad, I've limited myself to the upstairs & mostly my bedroom, I hate leaving my room, even to 2 the restroom. it annoys me, my bedroom is my "comfort/safety zone". I've lost alot of friends who do not understand this, and a relationship. I can't tell u exactly what brought it back on so full force again. (2007-2009) I was active. but like 2002 thru 2005 not all at, & in deep depession. I'm sorry, this prob isn't helping you at all. u r not alone, geez I thought I was the only one. Xanax is supposed to help with agoraphobia, and it does help some, as long as I have no panic "triggers"...
I hope this helped some. Are you on a new med after stopping Lexapro? i'm 39 & I have tried lots of meds for this & anxiety & depression, if u ever want to talk to let me know. sorry I wrote so much. guess this was not direct. but I'm not on here for the points, I'm on here to meet people going thru the same struggles as me..take care, Kay
princess1983
18 March 2017
Hi all, i just wanted to join and write as i can totally relate to all the posts on here. I am not alone. That gives me a small comfort, i hope it does others.Here's my story: well, i've suffered from anxiety and depression since i was a teenager. Have been to many doctors and had different medications. I am going through a really bad time at the moment, have panic attacks, mood swings/depression/sleeping all day. I don't leave my bedroom unless to go to the bathroom or get something to eat(i dont eat much}
CodyMckinney
25 April 2017
Hi Kay I would love to talk to you I was a healthy person with no anxiety or depression 7 months ago All of a sudden I was hit with anxiety and it has turned my world upside down. I use to work full time and I loved my job and I use to be very active with my husband. I was driving a little but very uncomfortable, now I don't want to leave my house again. Its so scary I don't know who I am anymore unless I am with my husband. If you every want to talk let me know and I can give you my number.
Jennxiety247
28 Oct 2017
I feel the same way, i don't ever like to go anywhere or have social contact with anyone in public. Just the thought of having to go somewhere or being forced to go somewhere makes me feel like Im going to have an attack. Well I do panic bad! I even get extreamly angered easy and it's just getting worse. I had been with my boyfriend for a year and so.e months and after a year of being with my boyfriend suddenly he wants me to up and find a new place to live. He is tired of me! It's not easy due to the fact that his home had become my comfort zone and home, I don't know what to do! I am freaking out!
Candy26
20 April 2018
I am going through this right now and have been on and off for about 4 years but the past 11 months have been hell. What helped you?
Randomgirl888
27 May 2020
This comment may be years later but I am dealing with this, I am on effexor XR 225mg and it seems to have lost its effectiveness
IndyLady2012
25 May 2011
Yes i had it that bad and i went to the aniexty disorders instutite in atlanta GA now its not there anymore.But i was prescrived trofranil and it was like a miracle drug for me.Now days they have even better medicines Lexapro is good.
IndyLady2012
27 May 2011
Remember its a fear usually that causes anixty and panic attacks and agoraphobia.The only thing to fear is fear itself!I have been there and was in your shoes for many years.Many people experience these problems altho it seems like your the only one who does or knows how it is.But believe me your not alone.Your not crazy,Your just afraid usually.Why because usually its a imbalance in hormones in the brain that does balance out like they should there for you have the fight or flight experience.To explain it better its like when you go to do something its like the feeling you get if you almost get in a car accident and have to skid of the brakes and it was a close call.Whew and what a aweful feeling that is.It can also be accomcompanied by other weird symptoms that you think no one else would ever understand.There is hope.There is medicines out there that can help you live a normal life again.Sometimes you have to try more than one to find the one that works for you.But you also need ...
to know if you dont try to get well you wont.Convince yourself that you are going to be ok and you will take some medicine and you will be well again.I know its really had.I had a fear of taking medicine for years and suffered all those years unnessarly.Knowledge of your problem helps alot.Not understanding the causes only makes things worse but if you educate yourself it really does help.This is from a person that at one time didnt leave her house.Ran out of stores ran stop lights to get home to what i felt was safe.I could go on and on.There is a book out there that my brother suggested i read that help me alot but i cant remember the name right now.If i do i will let you know.Research the internet educate yourself.Know your options and conquer the fear demand that you will not let fear control you one more minute of your life.Your in my prayers.
Sharon
IndyLady2012
29 May 2011
If you can get someone you trust to help you get to a doctor.Refuse to live another day as a slave to this aniexty and panic you feel,You must act and go to the doctor no matter how hard it seems remember you havent died from it yet and it hasnt hurt you except for the way it makes you feel.My Sister neighber had it this way also as i did.I went to the doctor got help and told her.She hadnt left the house in 6years and now she goes everywhere and does everything herself.Your not alone sweety many many ppl suffer from this diablitating illness/And like one said No your not crazy.Its just like a person with high blood pressure they get sick go to the doc get meds and they are fine.You will be do.Purpose in your mind to go get help.You can do it.I know you feel like you cant.But you can.I actually had a panic attack right in the doctors office when i went.Alot of mental health professsionals are up to date on this now as they didnt use to be.Make sure you tell them everything believe ...
me they have heard it before even tho you dont think or feel like anyone has experience what you have they really truely have.My Earnest prayers are with you.
God Bless You
Sharon
629253
28 March 2012
What you are going through is real, except there are tools to deal with this! You can be your safe place. I and another member of my family went for help at Midwest Center for stress and anxiety... Lucinda Bassett, CEO..You can call them, they have people on staff to help. They offer a 15 week course or if you prefer they have coaches to help you personally. This condition is definitely fixable! Turn around and look at this and say, I can do this!
LoStOnE86
22 Sep 2012
I'm happy for you's who feel betrer! I DEAL with the agoraphobia and panic_I JUST DON'T KNOW WHO IVE BECOME ANY MORE! SOMETIMES I WANNA GIVE UP
Avrahom
24 May 2011
Kaylyn:
For the past 27 years I have had anxiety and panic attacks in addition to depression and experienced some weird situations. Yes, afraid of leaving the house is one symptom of anxiety. Fear of doing everyday routines now that didn't affect you yesterday or the day before is unfortunately commonplace for anxiety and should not worry you. Try to go out and ask a friend to accompany you.
Best wishes,
Avrahom
bipolar4life
17 May 2011
Hi I am jan
I have agoraphobia and have had it for years and years i went to therapy for 6 yers and still have bad days i dont want to scare u off what everyoe said here already will help u. it all started when i went out on my own and got divorced luckily i had close close friends that would gorcery for me get my son to preschool and such i didnt leave my house for alost 2 years please please dont lelt this happen to u i believe because i waited so long to get help because i didnt have ot cause others were doing for me that thats why i still have trouble with it. i usually dont go out "anywhere" without someone. now if it is to the grocery across the street that is ok but if it is somewhere a little far even forget it i need my husband mike with me and driving i get panickybehind the whell too. even if my son is with me i am fine it is weird and he is 15 what the heck could he do if something God for bid were to happen ya know.
anyways i am saying please get the help u need quickly dont let this go it canget very serious and such like me u do noto want that trust me hon
u will be in my prayers and thoughts
i do do affirmations on the subject but i am permanenetly diagnosed agoraphobia panic and anxiety
lolove to u
and listen to everyone here please they know what they are talking about!! i am heavly medicated which stinks because of this just to get out u dont want that honey keep us updated please (((((((((((hugs)))))))))))
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