Re: Is this agoraphobia?
Originally Posted by
Panda22
I don't necessarily mind how far i travel, it's more busy places that i find very difficult. When i go to family it's a 2 hour drive and it's just relaxing there i'm pretty much fine. But if i go to the shopping mall a few mins from my home, i get very panicky and just really want to go home. If i don't go home right away, the panic starts building up till i get so uncomfortable i just have to go home because i can't take it anymore.
I just get so overwhelmed in busy places. And places where i can't 'escape' easily. I always feel like going back home, because that's where i feel safe and were i can distract myself from these feelings.
I used to be able to walk in shopping malls with no problems, i even went there just because i enjoyed it - that was only a few months ago. Now, i can't go for more then 10mins without really needing to go home. My mind is on high alert when i'm there constantly.
How can i overcome this?
Hi Panda
I suppose Agoraphobia is like everything else, it differs in severity.
I have suffered from agoraphobia for many years now and at my worst, Just leaving my house was extremely traumatic. Agoraphobics tend to have a safe place and the further you are from it, the more the anxiety is heightened.
If you're comfortable and relaxed driving two hours to spend time with family then (from my experience) I would say having agoraphobia is highly unlikely so I really wouldn't worry too much on that front.
It is however very common for people to feel very anxious in large shops or shopping centres etc. It can give you that feeling of being closed in, ( claustrophobic even) especially if the place it quite busy. This is where your anxiety levels reach the (fight or flight) level. Do you stay and face it or do you run for (what we would see as) safety?.
They say the best way to deal with these situations is little but often. If it's in a shopping Mall for example and you are feeling extremely anxious after 10 minutes then try to stay two more minutes and then leave. You repeat this until you are more comfortable to say add yet another two minutes on. First time I tried this, I lasted about 30 seconds and bolted for the door. Lol...It's not a nice feeling at all.
Best of luck
Lisa
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