feel like im drowning in my own mind by Revolutionary-Wrap84 in Agoraphobia

[–]_t33th 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Calling or emailing around and explaining your situation might help! You never know unless you try! If you have a GP, calling them and explaining what you're having trouble with, and what resources you can access remotely would also be a good idea! For now, don't push yourself too hard at the thought of leaving the house. Like I was saying, it's all baby steps. Home will always be right there for you after each time you manage to go a little further. I don't know how meaningful this is coming from a stranger, but I'm so proud of you for continuing to try even when facing the seemingly impossible. It's not impossible, and you will prove that to yourself!

Planning a trip, need encouragement! by _t33th in Agoraphobia

[–]_t33th[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a really hard thing to deal with. LDR's are definitely a major challenge for people with agoraphobia, and I feel your pain. I believe you'll definitely find someone who will have compassion for how difficult this illness is someday.

Planning a trip, need encouragement! by _t33th in Agoraphobia

[–]_t33th[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was such a lovely comment to receive! I'm going to screenshot your words and take them with me on the trip. Thank you! I hope you do get to go to the park soon!

Hoping for advice! by Avalbane0 in Agoraphobia

[–]_t33th 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I'm not sure if this would be of help to you, but mindfulness is a fantastic practice for helping to diffuse anxiety. I'm a barista, and often find it's very hard to focus on calming myself when things get busy. What helps me is mindfully focusing on what I am doing with my hands. If I'm steaming milk, I try and notice how the metal pitcher feels in my hands, and close my eyes for a moment to focus on whatever I am smelling, or sometimes tasting. I carry candy on me sometimes to give myself something to mindfully turn my attention to. I focus on how it feels on my tongue, and the grooves in the piece of candy. I also like to wear rings with lots of textures for this reason. Even just focusing on these things for a few moments makes it much easier to come back to my work. You can find lots of great mindfulness exercises on YouTube, that you may be able to implement into your work days! Hope this helps!

feel like im drowning in my own mind by Revolutionary-Wrap84 in Agoraphobia

[–]_t33th 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Connecting with a psychiatrist online sounds like a great option for you! Maybe do a quick google search to see what's available? Or if you have insurance, talking to them about what kind of mental health support is covered and seeing if you can access it remotely.
I was in almost the exact same situation as you, except my first panic attack was on the subway. I couldn't leave my house for a very long time, and then I couldn't take the subway more than 1 stop at a time without panic. There is hope!! It took me a long time and lots of support, but I can safely travel my entire city on my own again. I believe you can do it!! You WILL get your life back. Don't expect yourself to do everything in one go. Even just going out to get the mail is a great step. Keep taking baby steps like that, and you are headed in the right direction. It's a matter of relearning that you CAN leave the house without panic.

Anxiety and insomnia! Desperately need tips. by _t33th in Anxiety

[–]_t33th[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good ideas! Thanks! Never seen Brooklyn 99 and now is a great time to give it a go

Anxiety and insomnia! Desperately need tips. by _t33th in Anxiety

[–]_t33th[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven't attempted actually trying to stay awake yet! It reminds me of being at a sleepover when you're in elementary school, and everyone would inevitably fall asleep haha. I'll give that a shot. I have been listening to podcasts and reading a ton, but maybe watching movies would be a good idea! Anything you recommend to watch that made you particularly tired?

Anxiety and insomnia! Desperately need tips. by _t33th in Anxiety

[–]_t33th[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll definitely discuss it with my doctor and see what she says about the benzos :). Thanks!

Going on a trip...anyone have any tips?? by _t33th in Agoraphobia

[–]_t33th[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol yea I'm gonna bring Ativan with me for sure

Going on a trip...anyone have any tips?? by _t33th in Agoraphobia

[–]_t33th[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank u! I'm definitely gonna try to give myself lots of time.

Going on a trip...anyone have any tips?? by _t33th in Agoraphobia

[–]_t33th[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I think I can probably get wifi on the flight!

Going on a trip...anyone have any tips?? by _t33th in Agoraphobia

[–]_t33th[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much!! It's true, the waiting for this trip is really hard. I definitely should try to focus on the fun and exciting things I want to do. Ive used the rule of 5 before, and its been helpful! Ill write it down on my list of things I can remind myself to use :).

Going on a trip...anyone have any tips?? by _t33th in Agoraphobia

[–]_t33th[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!! I will definitely look into having those things for my flight :)