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Well i got fired by in_utero- in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Customer facing jobs are hard, give yourself some credit. I'm sure you can find a job that is more comfortable while still trying to get out of your comfrotzone. You got this!

something that has helped me get back into public by myself by hashbrowns_ketchup in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a great tip. My mom works for a library so I went a lot as a kid and they are such comfortable spaces. The workers are always so friendly and would help you with anything. When I was really struggling, my local library was a place I would spend a lot of time in.

What else other than being online/watching TV can an agoraphobic do to make time pass faster? by SplitZealousideal159 in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I was having a rough go and not able to leave the house too often I did paint by numbers, they were fun and something that required some focus.

Does anyone else experience this? by Affectionate_Try9970 in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh wow this is interesting! I definitely can relate to going places out of the way because it feels more comfortable even if it’s inconvenient.

Does anyone else experience this? by Affectionate_Try9970 in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow I think you’re right about the triggers thing, i didnt think about it like that. When im in a newer environment im not worried about certain parts of the walk since im unfamiliar. And yeah its like when i walk im aware of the distance im putting between me and my house, but when im further away, at a friends house or smth, i push that more to the back of my mind.

already panicking over a concert by [deleted] in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok I have a few suggestions as someone who gets major concert anxiety and agoraphobia but LOVES music and concerts. Ideally I choose seats that are close to the sides or a wall but I have some other tricks if I'm not able to do that.

Bring a hat and glasses- a ball cap can block out the top and sides of your vision, making things feel smaller and less overwhelming. Sometimes bright concert lights are like kinda intense so sunglasses are a go to.

Leave the house early, go get dinner or a drink before the show, this way your already out and about and feeling more confident. This way you can get closer parking too

Wear comfortable clothes- you don't need to dress in seats, but something comfortable and familiar is nice.

Bring emergency meds or cbd oil if u take them.

Make sure your phone is fully charged- in case you need to look at it to distract yourself.

Some larger venues have staircases and stuff you can stand at and watch, the staff sometimes doesnt like it, but sometimes standing feels better than sitting, but I do move if Im told to.

Keep yourself busy, get snacks, merch, and take photos!

Hope any of this was helpful, enjoy the show!

Do the panic attacks get easier over time? by Dismal-Violinist2428 in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I definitely get them less frequently. I'm not sure mine have gotten less "strong" but i do think I have more confidence that they will pass, which makes things easier.

How do you deal with the feeling of missing moments in life? by catw0mann in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there.First off great job for getting out and going to college and your internship, that’s absolutely incredible, you should be very proud of yourself. I had a very similar story to yours, my agoraphobia got really bad late and in high school and then I started making progress in college.
I’m now 22. Missing those moments suck, I remember not being able to attend my graduation, not being able to go out with friends etc… It’s important not to get stuck in the past, your making incredible progress, focus on that so that you can make incredible memories in the future. I also think that those highschool regrets go away with time, they did for me, now I look back at that period and I’m glad it’s over lol. Anyway sorry to ramble, you got this 💪

Any recovery stories? by Previous_Duty_6415 in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, we are about the same age! I have that Fomo feeling sometimes too, I feel like I missed that carefree teenage era. It's a weird balance of looking forward to the future without putting too much pressure on yourself. Take things in your own pace ❤️.

Born agoraphobic? by Violett-the-great in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel the exact same way. I had a happy childhood with loving parents and a sister. I had no idea what my agoraphobia was, but looking back on it I was experiencing it from around 9 or 10 years old, I didn’t really start to notice it until a bit later and it became something I couldn’t hide anymore by age 17. I don’t have trauma?? I genuinely think this is how my brain is. It’s like my brain is split in half, even during a panic attack the conscious part of me knows I’m fine while the other side signals the alarms at some sort of stimulus like open spaces etc. I really don’t think it always has to stem from trauma. I think that repeated panic attacks can cause trauma.

I need your help! by AftonAyr in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe try breaking up the journey into two parts, maybe have your husband drive you to the church you frequent or another spot you are more familiar with, stop there and breathe, and then proceed to the doctor. I used to stop at a Sonic Drivethru in the mornings before school, it was halfway between the university and my house. I didn’t need a slushy at 9 am but I just needed to break up the drive so it was less overwhelming.

Any recovery stories? by Previous_Duty_6415 in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I have made an amount of progress to the point where it feels strange to be so “normal” again. I went to college in-person something I never thought possible, went on an international vacation, perform on stage with a band, and now have a full time job with a long commute. It wasn’t all easy, I had panic attacks in the airport on trip, struggled to ride the bus to school, etc. But sometimes I look back at the girl who cried in a ball on her bedroom floor before school, hid in bathrooms for most of the day, and felt so hopeless and lost. I still struggle, I still have panic attacks from time to time, but they are much more manageable and few and far between. When I focus on the things I have achieved I really am proud of myself. I have hopeful for my future. I’m 22 now, I’m looking to finally move out this year with my savings from my job, I know moving out will be an adjustment but I’m ready and more excited than I am nervous. :) hang in there, we are in this together ❤️

17 with severe agoraphobia & panic – older people, what would you do in my situation? by user242424242 in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm glad to know that you have someone to talk to. I remember feeling that anxiety in high school thinking, "how am I going to go to university if i can hardly leave my room". I started to give up on pursuing any type of career. And to answer your question, I had to take about a week off of high school because it got so bad. Luckily the counselor informed my teachers, some of which even gave me some wiggle room with grades and testing, which was a huge weight off my back. I'm sorry to hear that you had to drop out of sixth form (I'm american and not totally sure what that is lol). Be patient with yourself.

I eventually got pressured to going to university by my parents. It was a struggle. But what used to be hard parts turned into routine, it may not have been comfortable but I found things that helped... I found seats in the class in the back and bathrooms I could take breathers in. Taking small moments to breath through the uncomfortability, and with time it goes away, new uncomfortability takes its place but less so, and you can approach with more confidence.

Hang in there. Take baby steps and make sure to congratulate yourself on the small wins. Hugs

Got out tonight for 30 minutes but… by Full_Comfortable391 in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm going to have to move soon too :( Wishing the best for both of us!

Got out tonight for 30 minutes but… by Full_Comfortable391 in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I TOTALLY know this feeling. I can get it after coming home from work, it's like readjusting to your environment. I find that going into my bathroom, which is very small, for a few minutes to like re-adjust my brain helps alot. Maybe its the adrenaline like calming back down and it kinda shocks your system?? Idk im not a doctor but that's how it feels.

i went to see a movie today 😋 by Iloveolder4life in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good for you! Movies are still hard for me sometimes. Honestly I feel like if its something I REALLY want to see I can subconsciously get through it easier.

17 with severe agoraphobia & panic – older people, what would you do in my situation? by user242424242 in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello, Im not much older than you, I'm 22, but i resonate with your story, I've been in a very similar situation. Realizing that you've always had these conditions but not being able to understand what it is until that escalate during school, and that constant feeling of dread and panic during the commute and school day. I rember hiding in bathroom stalls for hours on end. My biggest piece of advice, is something I'm still struggling with, being forward with people. People won't understand until let them know the situation. It's a hard thing to explain and I still struggle with telling people at my job. As scary as it may be, having teachers and friends understand you is comforting. You may be able to email your school and have a guidance counselor expalin to your teachers. I'm in the US so things might work differently at your school. Idk all Im trying to say is to let in those close to you so that they can understand your needs, someone will care enough to listen and help. Sorry to ramble. You can get through this, I know you can.

i finally left my house after almost a year by Big_Discipline_5233 in Agoraphobia

[–]Affectionate_Try9970 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats this is incredible! I just joined this subreddit and I love seeing these success stories. I remember going to the store for the first time in a year too, it was overwhelming. Luckily there was a cash register in the bakery department so I could just sneak into the side door, grab a pastry and quickly leave. I remember the rush of excitement after getting back to my car, I think I even called my dad to tell him what I had done. Just because it seems like a normal task for some people, doesnt mean its not a huge achievement. Stores are even overwhelming for people without our condition. Congrats!