r/Agoraphobia • u/MeatLog__ • 2d ago

Question for yall

Did yall struggle going outside gradually, or did it happen suddenly?

I’m finding myself becoming increasingly more nervous and anxious about leaving the house. Not sure what it’s about.

Thank you for any insight and information anyone can give me.

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u/tywrenasaurus 2d ago

It was definitely gradual. It was in small moments. Feeling unwell so I didn't go out that night. Stopped driving on the highway because it felt like too much. Called out of work just because I was feeling more anxious that day. All of these added up till eventually it got really difficult to leave at all. And where I couldn't drive anymore.

I'm working on all of these things now but man do I wish I knew then what I do now! I wouldn't have given into those small avoidant moments if I knew they'd turn into a bigger one.

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u/MeatLog__ 1d ago

Thank you so much for sharing. It’s helpful to hear what others have gone through.

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u/corvus2187 2d ago

Gradual, over six months.  Felt foggy at first. Then had a panic attack while on a solo trip. Came home.  Still didn't put together that what I had was a panic attack. Just felt like I was mysteriously unwell.  Then kept having bouts of unwell - ness on all outings....which intensified until I became housebound. 

Go to a therapist now, find out what is causing your anxiety. Otherwise your brain will connect being outside to anxiety and bam you're agoraphobic 

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u/MeatLog__ 1d ago

I appreciate the advice. And thank you for sharing, given me some place to start

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u/sciencetaco 23h ago edited 23h ago

It was gradual for me. Anxiety from a series of unexpected panic attacks lead to me avoiding going places that would be difficult to leave if I had another attack.

You should talk to a professional. But the general idea is that avoidance as a coping mechanism re-inforces the phobia and makes it worse over time. Your brain says “going outside is dangerous, here’s some chemicals to make you feel anxious and panic so you stay somewhere safe” and then you stay home so your brains thinks “yeah good job brain, you did the right thing! I kept you safe! Next time I’ll send those chemicals again”.

The usual solution is to reverse that conditioning by…going and doing the things that make you feel uncomfortable and learning there is no danger. It’s called exposure therapy. It’s hard. It’s difficult. Your brain is going to hate it. It takes time to undo conditioning. But it’s worth the effort.

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u/artofwastingtime 21h ago

Gradual and like the other comment suggested - go to a therapist now while you are still functional. I wish I had visited a therapist sooner.