Agoraphobia and dating

[anxious_thoughts]

I have a bit of agoraphobia that stems from my health anxiety that worsened after having COVID in January.

It used to be much worse, where I couldn’t even go out driving or out for a walk. But since I got heart tests done I’ve felt better and can now go for walks that are over an hour long. Although going places indoors makes me nervous. I sometimes take Ativan. Typically .50mg once every 1-2 weeks if I have to do something that requires me to go inside. Like waiting in line to update my drivers license. I get those symptoms of dizziness, feeling like ill faint, and palpitations.

I’ve been going on dating apps again and will be meeting for a second date with someone at an obscure coffee shop tomorrow. I’m already feeling anxious and worry I’ll get those symptoms there. But for example last week I waited over 2 hours to speak with my dermatologist in the waiting room and I felt fine. So it’s definitely my brain Overthinking

I just don’t want to rely on Ativan for every date I go on. But it’s hard to get ready for the date and not get palps and terrible gagging from anxiety. :(

[Catkins]

Well done you for getting out there!

I would say to try doing other things that you normally do to reduce your anxiety and use the medication as a last resort. Slow deep breathing, a guided meditation, focusing on the five senses, that kind of thing helps me. Also if I have something big coming up I increase the amount that I do in preparation for it.

[Matthew1995]

Hey there I recently joined no more panic and I'm seeing what it's all about seeing if it's any good I suffer with panic attacks panic disorder very high anxiety I'm 30 years old and I'm looking for people who also understands which I saw this comment I've become quite aggrophobic due to the panic and I also saw that you mentioned dating I also struggle with dating myself I don't even get dates any way I've been single for a number of years so it's nice to find somebody who understands I'm also on dating apps but don't have any luck on them if you would wish to chat if you get this comment I'd be happy to because it sounds like you understand what I'm going through I also have autism ADHD PTSD and I live home Alone so I'm trying to connect I live in South Wales