Is it agoraphobia?!

minnow

minnow

Well-known member
I have read a lot of post of people who have SAD and are housebound because they are afraid of meeting people. This includes me. But when I googled various stuff it classified agoraphobia as being scared of being trapped in a situation you can't get out of and more physical fears such as being attacked etc.
When I read about SAD it mentioned sufferes becoming "housebound" but did not call it agoraphobia. Is it the same? Kinda confused:confused:
 
seafolly

seafolly

Well-known member
I'm not a professional so I can't answer this but I've been diagnosed with agoraphobia and people don't frighten me. Actually I like people. A lot. My day feels much brighter if I've talked to a stranger or...anyone really. I think the fears are unique to the person and the diagnosis is general. I personally fear being in situations I cannot escape or make me feel unsafe. I won't make commitments. In lectures I sit right by the doorway. I always have a cell phone on me, and oh, I never ever leave the house without someone! I fear the physical symptoms of anxiety. I faint, you see. So it's not people in my case but I don't know enough about the term to say if you do or don't have it. Fear is fear.
 
minnow

minnow

Well-known member
Very insightful answer! Thank you. Perhaps the articles I was reading were using the most common examples...:)
 
seafolly

seafolly

Well-known member
You're welcome! I just posted something on "how to beat agoraphobia" so I encourage you to check that thread out as there are lots of good pieces of advice. The best thing I can tell you now is to start fighting now. Today. It's a deep hole and the further you fall the higher a climb it is to get out. You CAN beat it though. It's just easier caught early on before it becomes a terrible habit and way of living that renders you completely helpless without the aid of company or someone kind enough to run errands for you. That's where I'm at and I don't wish it upon anyone.
 
seafolly

seafolly

Well-known member
Thanks! :) I hope the same for you. I think the most frustrating aspect is knowing it's fully in your power and there's no magic pill or magic words. You just have to bite that bullet and it's so easier said than done! For example, I'm in my pj's right now. In bed, at 3:45 pm, haha. Awful! But writing to you has given me a kick in the butt. I don't want to be a hypocrite. ;) So I'm going to get dressed and walk the dog. If I faint, I faint. The world won't end. : /

Right here: http://www.socialphobiaworld.com/how-can-i-get-over-my-agoraphobia-14682/ :)
 
minnow

minnow

Well-known member
Yay! I am glad. :DI will not keep you any longer, but if you want to add me as a friend welcome and we live in the same time zone! It is 3:50 by my clock and I have been putting off making a phone call (terrifyed) but I am goin too!
 
seafolly

seafolly

Well-known member
You're on! :D I'm now dressed and brushed my hair, now...to...step out the door. Eep! I'll be sending positive thoughts your way while I'm out there!
 
seafolly

seafolly

Well-known member
I'm aliiiiiive! :D That really wasn't so bad! Though I was wearing sunglasses and had my dog which really helps. There was a moment when I went up some stairs that were somewhat grated and my retriever didn't trust them so I spent a few minutes coaxing her up and gosh that drew attention. Everyone at the park clapped for her when she eventually made her way up to me. ::eek:: What a chicken.

How did the telephone call go? :)
 
3

32belly

Member
Wow!

Your support for each other throughout this thread was really sweet and inspiring.

I hope I see more like this.

Well done both of you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top