Hi Stephie

You do need professional help for this. It does seem very much like agoraphobia. You shouldn't feel ashamed or embarrassed these things are very common. I do find doctors nowadays are generally much better than they used to be. I avoided doctors for years fo the same reasons as you, but was forced into going because of my illness. I was pleasantly surprised at how good they were. I have seen three different doctors at my practice now and can't fault any of them. If you do find your doctor unsympathetic, see another one next time or change your surgery if you can. Is there any procedure for getting an appointment a bit earlier if you ring up first thing and ask to see the duty doctor?

Your family probably don't want to think that you have this illness, but it won't go away unless you get help. Once your doctor has seen you it will be easier to explain it all in full to your family as it is very hard going through all this on your own.

Tyke