Connect
← Return to Agoraphobia: Wondering if anyone ever got back to normal way of life?
Discussion
Agoraphobia: Wondering if anyone ever got back to normal way of life?
Mental Health | Last Active: Jul 29 11:26pm | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
Hi, I am new to the group. I have been suffering from agoraphobia since 2021. Currently, I am homebound...but am able to do yardwork, and take very small walks. I am taking prescriptions which have somewhat eased my anxiety, but I need ideas and/or tools on how to "push" myself out the door. This has impacted my family so much, and I would love to put it behind me. Any advice is appreciated!!!
Replies to "Hi, I am new to the group. I have been suffering from agoraphobia since 2021. Currently,..."
@melsie1008 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I moved your post here so you could join others talking about agoraphobia on Connect:
- Agoraphobia: Wondering if anyone ever got back to normal way of life? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/agoraphobia-1/
This will help more Connect members see your question and invite responses from people with experience with this condition who may be able to help and let you know what to expect. Fellow members such as @faraway53 @mamacita @blue81 and others may have ideas on this from their experiences. @hopeful33250 also may have thoughts for you.
If you are replying by email, click on VIEW & REPLY so that you will be brought to the new discussion. I suggest reading through and jumping in where you feel comfortable.
In what ways do you observe your agoraphobia affecting your family?
Connect
Do you have access to a therapist using telehealth? I’m sure they would work with you on developing an exposure plan. I think it’s hard to give specifics without knowing your fears - in exposure therapy generally you make a heirarchy and you slowly your way up, from least to most feared situations. A therapist can be really helpful with this.
I don’t know if AI can help with this, but the Feeling Great app by David Burns MD is amazing for cognitive distortions and maybe it could help you too. I believe it’s still being offered for free!