I've been making some progress lately with my panic disorder and agoraphobia, so I wanted to share what's been happening! Website - iamlaurenrose.com Instagram - / laurenr_rose Music used in this video provided by audionautix.com/
Agoraphobia is like going out into the world and everyone else knows how to handle its challenges, but you don’t. When you stay inside for too long, it’s like you were literally never socialized and don’t know how to handle everyday situations without fear of imminent panic.
You've made peace with your panic attacks. Congrats! your brain has now recognized that they're not dangerous. You are on your way to full recovery if you keep it up.
@@jakesjourney1 gosh this is the exact thoughts I have. Like I miss the old me before this agoraphobia and panic attacks demolished my happy life. I really miss the long drive and flights i used to take that now I can’t.
I find agoraphobia is like a spiritual journey. It's so tough to explain it but it is very real. Good luck to everyone fighting it and realise there is an answer for us all. Good luck and best wishes
I know the feeling,but I’ve heard if you will just talk n walk your way through a few,you overpower them..So proud for you..I’m blessed too now for probably 24-25 years,so thankful to my Lord...
It's 2 in the morning and I've been watching videos hoping there's someone out there I can relate to because I've been diagnosed with agoraphobia & social anxiety, and the strangest part is.. this all came out of no where. It's been 2 months since I've had a severe panic attack in public and my only fear is knowing it might happen again if I get out of the house. My heart breaks every day when my toddler asks if we can leave the house and my only answer is that "mommy can't do it today".. and I get depressed knowing I didn't at least try, but this video gives me so much hope that things will get better. I've gotten to the point where I say "screw the damn xanax" and welcome the anxiety and panic attacks now in public. It's a hard battle to deal with, but I know I'm not alone. Thank you for this video and I'm wishing everyone else out there who feels like they've hit rock bottom a peaceful recovery. Our setback is only preparing us for our greatest comeback. ❤️
Hi... I'm in the same boat. I wanted to walk to get my kids from the bus stop yesterday and halfway through I wanted to walk back home. But I pushed myself to go get them from the bus. I also made myself go out and clean up my back yard. Baby steps. Although today I had to pick my daughter up from school and "see adults" my heart was racing and I just wanted to hurry and get back home :(
Me too girl I am completely home bound now it got worse last year and I used to just avoid certain places like Gyms, parking lots, and the mall. Now I can’t even grocery shop or take a walk around the block. It’s terrible. Hang in there. It’s been 3 years for you I hope you’re doing better !
This is exactly how my anxiety manifests. I panic just the same way but in life sometimes you have to do things even if you are in a state of panic. I will constantly check my mirrors in the car to see how I look and quickly realize that no one else can see my panic on the outside. I dont know why that helps but it does. After I finally get through the panic i get a euphoric feeling but it is not easy to get there. Keep up the exposure therapy.
I’ve been like this for like 8 years now. Haven’t gone more then 10 miles from home. I feel like I’ve lost out on a lot of life. This gave me some hope. Thank you.
On minute 5:22 you hit it right on point. Nothing bad is going to happen. We are fine! Lol it feels so horrible when the attack happens, but you’ll get through it and it relieved does come back. More then anything you’re safe and nothing bad will happen to you. It’s okay! That’s really the truth yet we freak out. Lol we got to all get over this.
I have TERRIBLE anxiety and panic attacks that are SO bad that i loose reality. i black out and i feel like im in a dream its so sos o bad and im to scared to go out and get a panic attack. im TERRFIED :(
Hollie have you ever looked into Depersonalization/Derealization? From the sound of it you sound like you have agoraphobia and Depersonalization/Derealization. I'm writing a book actually write now on my experience with it.
+Jay Shepard thats what happened to me I heard aoud bang in my head and my soul like left my body and it always feels like its gunna happen again and I can barley leave the house my life sucks
They suck have you been to your GP i got put on citalopram. I was so anti medication but they are really helping me make progress . Good luck and you'll get through this
The panic attacks I get are dizziness or vertigo outside. I have a cane for my balance it seems when my stress needs venting I experience vertigo. I've been sober loving it❤
My agoraphobia stems from ptsd after an assault. I'm convinced I will be plunged into a situation that I can't control out there. My first bout culminated with about 6 months in my flat. First time I managed to get out was to see a psychiatrist. Got locked on a psyche ward for 3 weeks. My reasons for not going outside seemed quite justified 😂
Hollie W you can. Trust me, I've been there. You can do it. Start slowly and retrain your brain. It takes a lot of work and a lot of uncomfortable feelings but you can do it.
Hollie W same here. It’s really shitty because I’m 18 and this is my time to become an adult but I barely ever leave my house, only if I’m with my mom.
Hollie W hi Hollie you are brave to , I had the same situation up an down for almost 20 years . And I found out the best remedy for panic attack is simply the ignorance . Don’t pay attention to it , don’t tell the people about it , don’t give this panic more energy to grow up , and you have to know every thing is static till it observed
Thank you for posting this! I'm reading through Claire Weekes' books now, and your video is a nice, modern, real-life bit of encouragement that goes well with her ideas. Heading over now to check out your blog and other videos. Thank you thank you!
I burst into tears watching this. You are so much like me and while that breaks my heart for you, it feels so good to know that I am not alone, fighting these fears.
Thank you so much for this video ❤️ I’m so happy to hear from someone who actually has panic disorder and understands what it’s like. I feel so much better now and more confident to face my panic. Thank you thank you!
So glad that you got those wins! :) I have agoraphobia myself and I know the struggle but as you said, its just powering through and the anxiety calms it self down. But as you also say, its not easy to think that in the moment, so great job powering through! :D
Thankyou so much, this video was just what I needed to hear as I’ve really been struggling with agoraphobia recently. Its so nice to have that reassurance that I’m not the only one who’s going through it and that there is still hope 🙏🏼
This is all the kind of stuff that you get told in CBT but it is awesome to hear it from your perspective. Thank you for sharing and good luck with it!
+Anxiety Mamma grocery shopping is the best :) I make it through my entire list without bolting it's great. Still trying to conquer Walmart at the moment. That's always been a tough one for me.
Great video! Such an inspiring person to post something like this and be so open about this subject. I’ve been struggling for about 1.5 years with the same thing, I feel like giving but I know there is a reason for all of this. Thank you for this
Watching your video was inspiring. One year ago I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. Agoraphobia is such a daily struggle but it's nice to know there is hope!
+Samantha Pauly Thank you :) It is definitely a struggle and it's a pain that recovery lies in everything you fear but I think it definitely makes us stronger individuals. Sending lots of positive vibes to you x
I’ve had a similar story like this my friend picked me up to go bowling with him and didn’t take no for an answer. So I just sorta panicked but when into his car no biggie. In the middle of the freeway the panic rose terribly and I was like fuck! But a minute or 2 later it lifted off my shoulders cause I knew regardless I wasn’t gonna turn back so there’s hope for all.
It's nice to know I'm not alone in these situations, And how you talked about letting the panic attack in is really inspiring, because all of us try to run from them to our "safe place" I love your perspective on it, I've been in the house for a month now and I'm ready to overcome this, thanks for your opinions and God bless.
Thank you so much for such a lovely comment!! It's a very rough ride dealing with something like this but you can do it, I promise! Sending you all the love and positivity I have
I just left the house today and I've controlled it and I don't think I would of did it without seeing this , thank you for the courage, I started to get anxiety and I simple told myself it's "discomfort not dangerous" I'm ready to get my life back thank u again 😊
You can and you will! Truly, it's not a forever thing. And you will come out the other side much stronger and with a far better understanding of yourself, I think. Sending you lots of positive vibes
I don't think so. Before I had my daughter I had huge doubts about how I could be a good mother with this disorder. But I think under the circumstances I do a great job - the only things she really misses out on is that we haven't been on holiday or to places in the city like the zoo or the aquarium...but honestly I don't think that's a prerequisite for a toddler. I'm confident we'll get there. If anything, being a mama has just pushed me to get better!
+AnxietyMamma I've been so inspired by you. God bless you, I pray you continue you find your strength! Thank you for being open about all of this. I often feel like this makes me less of a mother, wife, friend, daughter, on and on but I am trying. it's not going as fast as I'd like but I'm trying to be okay with that ♡
Thank you so much Toni. I know how easy it can be to feel that way but I bet you do the best possible job you can do in all of those areas in life, which is all anyone can do - anxiety disorder or not!
I totally feel you! I was the same. I struggled with both being a passenger and just driving somebody else around in the car. Now I can do both! It was really just a matter of practice and repetition. And trusting that I would be safe, which was the hardest part. Keep trying - you will get there!
ahh I know! It's so strange, so many agoraphobics/anxiety sufferers I know are like 'oh but what about going out with your safe person?' I don't have a safe person!!
I am in the same boat here. I have been struggling with this since HS and now into my late 30's and still seeing no end to this. I hate this feeling so bad, always thinking that someone is watching me when I am outside and my panic disorder kicked in and I swallowed my own saliva and fear people might hear my gulping. I wish this "disease" would leave me alone so I can my self again and live my life a meaningful life. Not that I have done anything bad to society. Ugh, how I hate myself going through this.
It's so weird, I was recovering from AG but because of stress the past month, my panic attacks are back! I have four (one full blown one and three like mild ones but still scary) just at home, and it's getting harder to get out whereas before I was going out alone to the gym, to martial art sessions, etc... My biggest issue is I get racing thoughts like "i'm never gonna recover, I'm going crazy, I can't cope" etc but I don't know how to get rid of these thoughts because it's a vicious circle! My own thoughts and symptoms of anxiety make me panic even more!! I also get depersonalisation and derealisation, do you get those symptoms? Thank you so much though for posting these videos, you're right, it's so much better to hear it from someone who is going through agoraphobia
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dGQ2mxjkb2E.html, a guide on how meditation can be used to make peace with panic, it's a part one of two. I would really recommend that you start meditation to make peace with your racing thoughts. If you have more questions, don't be afraid to ask!
Thank you for sharing this. I have had it for many many years. I am getting much better. I know this video is old so I hope you have overcome it completely. Maybe we can connect, in in Australia
Hey there. I've been struggling quite a bit lately. I think my fear is that I'll somehow be locked into a situation I can't escape, and become trapped in some sort of unending panic episode for all eternity. I realize I'm at a low point, and things are bound to improve, but hearing your story was very useful to me. Thank you so much for sharing!
You're welcome! It is hard to see the light when you're in the thick of it, I know. Sending you love and I hope that things improve for you very soon! (PS The land before time was one of my favourite movies as a kid)
I wrote a really long comment and I accidentally deleted it :/ ... I'll try again... I was saying that I'm trying to get the idea that "nothing bad happens, the panic attack always goes away" and I'm doing better but it's quite difficult, even tho I always got better and I was always (or almost always) by myself. Feeling better being by myself is another thing that always intrigued me, because I know I can trust lots of people but still, it doesn't matter who it is I'm just more comfortable alone. Your analysis on that makes me wonder... Also YES, the thought of "I'm better than one year ago" is helpful, so much, I try to remind myself whenever I can (I had agoraphobia before, got better and last year my dad died and everything just got way worse). But I'm better now and I just want to get that idea into my head, "Nothing bad is going to happen, everything will get better". I've become quite the hypochondriac also, that never helps lol. Anyway, thank you for sharing, I've just discovered your channel and will be investigating it. Hope you're doing well :)
Ahh I hate when that happens! :P It is totally one thing to say 'the panic goes away', but another thing altogether to actually believe that in the moment! It's been a while since this video and I still have to remind myself daily. Very sorry about your dad. I can understand how something like that might knock you backwards. I'm glad you're getting better again - at least you know that you've managed to get better before so it's something you can always go back to, and there must be some comfort in that! Thank you so much for your comment. Sending you big love!
Good job it's nice to hear other success stories out there. I had also suffered from agoraphobia and anxiety and just started a channel telling my story and the steps I took. Please have a look, and I hope it helps.
I feel like I’m different with my anxiety even with people that suffer from anxiety. I am always tense and tight. I am always thinking about my breathing and my heartbeat. When I get out of breath, I get a little panicky. I do work full time as a delivery person delivering to up to 5 counties a day. I also drive for Uber and lyft on the side. I also usher at Penn State Football Games. I’m told I’m physically healthy but I am overweight. I used to be very much active playing sports but now I’m afraid to participate anymore because I am so out of shape. I know to get back in shape I need to become active again. I hide my anxiety and panic from others. Does anyone else feel this way?
No rushing allowed. I've lived w anxiety since 1998. If I end up running late or rushing it's a main trigger for attack. You look great and keep up the good spirits.
I've had agoraphobia for about 3 years now. I found using Nike running app to track my walks and track how far and how long I've gone for. I'd really recommend this to keep yourself accountable and track your progress :)
thanx for this vid. really needed to see this. have been agrophobic in the past which lasted 3 months. and ever since I was robbed last year I have become slightly agrophobic again. trying hard to beat it, this vid is helpful
also I want to add may be am struggling with acrophobia till now bec,i have lost my husband recently and my father died when I was young in age , so when am around in any man in my work ,, I feel very comfortable and safe ,, so wired !! sometimes I ask myself why I feel this ??
I've got slight agoraphobia. Most of the time I can get out of the flat and I go on nature walks through woodlands and them kind of places but when I come to say an open field then it becomes too open and unsettling thoughts creep in. There's this view point with a load of benches and because a few of them are too open i can't sit on them for too long, feel ill at ease. I can sit on the benches nearer to where you enter woodlands because I feel more closed in its near some trees and i feel more protected. But there are times I do feel anxious about getting out the flat too. Sick of living like this 😪
It's insane. This is literally EXACTLY how my panic has been. I've been doing a lot to cope, but it seems that I have good weeks and then some bad weeks where I don't want to go anywhere. I have had a couple situations very similar, where I've just HAD to keep going and it felt so freeing to panic and get through it. Thank you for sharing your story.
I had one of those panic attacks you were talking about tonight I was driving then had a panic attack I calmed it down quickly then I felt good after just tired and very tight and weak.
Had a massive panic attack at a big mall my heart was beating really hard and fast I had to walk for about 10 minutes just to get out of the big mall :(
My mall was my favorite to place all the time !!!! 3 months ago I got a bad pánic attack at Macy’s inside the biggg mall I was so scared I never went again since then that’s was like 3 months ago and am so sad o can’t go to the mall no more or any store :(
+steven adam Hmm, that's a hard one to answer! I think it really depends on the person. On the one hand I'd say something you can do on the phone, or an office job where you can just sit at a desk and be in your own space, but then on the other hand...something outdoors or something that pushes you out of your comfort zone would probably be the best thing for you.
I use to hate my panic attacks. Sometimes I tell myself I love them and look forward to “seeing” them, but not really...but when they come they aren’t as bad. It’s like the bully I don’t like but I keep killing with kindness. The panics don’t last as long and sometimes it won’t show up at times when I expect to see it!! If I get tired of being nice to my panic I’ll threaten it when I start to feel it come; “Come on sucka, come on!!!!What you got?? That’s it!!! That’s all you got?!!!” And when it finally starts to dissipate. I tell myself I made it run. Thought tricks. Also try taking magnesium. Look into Dr. Carolyn Dean’s Remag magnesium. It has calmed my anxiety down so much! That I can ride my bike further out of my neighborhood.😄 Another thing I use if a panic comes is Motherwort tincture. I don’t leave home without!! If your panic starts to come take a full topper full immediately!! Do not take it before it comes just when you feel it coming, you do not want to become a immune to it....It has worked wonders for me. Motherwort!!! Also Relaxing Sleep tincture. It will not put you to sleep, but it will calm down your panic so you can think clearly. Amazon has them all. You’re doing great!! Next year you will be driving even further out with ease!!! Thank you for sharing. People who don’t have panic attacks don’t get it.
I live in London , getting on the London Underground tube train during the rush hour is the ultimate test, your a 100 foot underground and packed in like a sardine and sometimes it stops in the middle of the tunnel and the thought of having a panic attack there automatically triggers one off..
Ohh my gosh I can only imagine!!! I did live in Hong Kong for a few years and the subway there was pretty stressful at the best of times. I've heard some horror stories about the tube though!
you can't imagine,,, I was crying while I was watching this video ,,,I have been suffering for years and years ,, I didn't knew that I am acrophobia,, I have the same feelings just like you ,,, I can't go out without preparing myself and my food and my medicine,, everything has to be with me in my bag.. i have fear of public transportation,,when I see crowds I found my self can't breath and dizzy ,, i thought that am the only person in this world who suffers from this ,, this year I challenged myself and said that I have to travel away away from my house to over come this ,, but I failed kinda bit ,, I don't know what am scared of really ,, may be from dying alone ,, i am still trying to overcome this ,, I think I will go and visit a doctor
Been unable to leave my home properly in just over 2 years now, I have a daughter too and it breaks my heart that I can't be the dad I want to be for her, sometimes it feels like it's useless to even try to get better, I put on weight being stuck in the house, being medicated with anti depressants and vitamin d supplements, lost friends because I couldn't go out and see them so we drifted apart, even missed my daughter's birth and my nans funeral because of this. I sometimes think it would be best to end it because it just feels like this is a battle I'll have to fight my whole life and I don't have enough energy left to do it. Been looking at these type of videos for a while now and decided to finally comment hoping maybe someone else would feel the same way or understand how I feel.
Josh 123 josh I completely understand. I’ve felt the same way many times throughout my journey. It often feels hopeless to try, because so many people seem to say that they’ve had agoraphobia for 20,40+ years etc, or you read about agoraphobics who got better and then got worse again. I used to feel like there was no point in trying when I was going to be stuck with this for life. But it does getter better. Sometimes I still experience a set back or a panic attack but rarely on the same level I used to, and I always understand now that it’s because I’m tired, or undernourished, or worried about something that I haven’t let myself process yet. Sometimes it seems unfair that we’ve been assigned this battle but I really do believe there’s a reason for it. Keep at it. Come at your health from all angles. Start small and build up your trips out from there. It gets easier, and far less exhausting. There is so much ahead for you with your daughter, don’t give up.
AnxietyMamma thank you so much, it helps to know others are and have battled this and beaten it, I think what you're doing is fantastic. To provide people with knowledge on what this condition is and also to provide comfort for those suffering from it.
Hi awesome progress! Do you use anti anxiety meds in general or before exposures? I've been using benzo for few years now and trying to do exposures but hard to gage success while taking med..
Hi Sara! I take an antidepressant daily but I don't take any other medication. I used to use benzos before I had my daughter but I found that I had to keep increasing the dosage to have any effect and I was probably becoming too reliant on them. I think medication can totally be useful depending on your circumstances, but I also wonder if it becomes more of a coping behaviour in the end, which doesn't help with addressing the fear in the long run.
I sort of like having someone with me when I drive so if I pass out at the wheel they can somehow take over and save me and maybe we won’t die in a car accident or if I have a heart attack they can call the ambulance for me. But I think I Prefer being alone Cos I can act crazy by myself and breathe really loud and cry and talk to myself and no one will see me. Also if I randomly Shit my pants in the car no one will judge me. I always feel really comfortable when an ambulance is next to me at the lights. Sometimes I want to wave and yell for help but what would I say? How would I explain what I’m feeling?
Anxiety mamma how are you doing with your panic attacks now? I have had my first panic attack when I was around 26, I beat it for about 13 years and all of a sudden they have come back in full force. I am having alot of trouble driving and being a passenger in a car the most. I seem to do better if I'm in the car alone. I really feel like I'm going crazy! I used to be a race car driver as a hobby. I'm so not myself lately.
Ahh yes I know the feeling of being better alone in the car!! I am doing much better, in fact I barely react nowadays if I need to hop in the car with somebody else (or even go in someone else’s car which used to be a big issue for me). I’ve heard that panic/anxiety issues can ebb and flow and come back after a few years of ‘recovery’ but I’m yet to experience that myself. At least if there’s one thing you know it’s that you’ve overcome this once before!! I found that just driving consistently everyday was really the best thing that helped me. Let me know how you get on!
I really wanna be able to leave my house and be outside on the NORM I have to get my meals delivered because im so scared to go to the store:/ or anywhere for that matter:/
You can do it. It seemed impossible for me a few years ago. Start small and build up to bigger trips. Use meditation tapes. Use distraction techniques. Read every book you can find on recovery from agoraphobia. It's just a case of making it more of a habit to get out everyday than it is to stay in. And it doesn't matter how slow you go in the beginning, or if you only go out your front door and back. Do it everyday. You can do this.
I just..I can't accept the panic. I hate feeling like I'm dying. It costs me my marriage and family in 2019. I started SSRI a month ago but it's still happening and still a prisoner to these walls and my mind.
I understand that. Have you considered working from home? I just make sure that I contribute in meaningful ways to the household - cooking, cleaning, keeping the house looking nice. You gotta do what you can, right?
Matt Stevens Matt I’m sorry it took me so long to get back to you! Thank you for watching. You can absolutely do the same - it’s a process but you are so capable ! Please let me know if I can help 😊
Oh dear :( Its hard having when your local services fall short :( What are you struggling in particular with? Leaving the house? I have some great tips over on my blog, especially on how to start exposure therapy, which really has been the most helpful thing for me. You can find me on anxietymamma.com Exercise was another huge one for me; finding a way to connect with my body and learn what sensations to trust, and which to ignore.
AnxietyMamma ok yeah I have huge issues with sensations, I'm trying too find a way too get exercise I love going out but really struggle the whole auto pilot thing is something I seem too have lost I used too do all the time but now I struggle I'll check the blog out cheers 😊 I'm from uk by the way incase I say something that doesn't make sense lol
Yep sensations is a really tricky one! If you haven’t already, read the book Dare by Barry McDonagh, it had some really great stuff on dealing with all of that. You will get there❤️❤️
Idk if you would still repond at this comment after such a long time. But i had a life threathing medical situation that happend and thay sparked my agoraphobia. Im able to take small walks for 5min and work with mild panic during the day. Do you have any tips you found helpfull to be able to relax. Thankyou (btw i sometimes take benzos but im not a fan of it. I wanna be productive without being on drugs)
I'm sorry to hear about the medical situation, that sounds scary! I am a big fan of yoga for relaxation, I found that hugely helpful with my anxiety, but also - keep doing the walks!!! Getting outside helps to regulate your nervous system and if you can slowly increase the walks, that would be wonderful. 5 minutes is a grwat place to start!!
@@LaurenRose. thanks too these tips im able to go to shopping centers, work, supermarkets without benzos or others drugs. Thankyou so much!!!! God bless you miss.
I'm 34. My agoraphobia started at a young age i believe. I'm still battling but determined to overcome it. For now a small glass of whisky will help push me if i need to go anywhere
i have agoraphobia, I'm already overcomming it, but suddenly something terrible happen to me, i vomit blood, I was just alone in home, then my phobia, came back again
I am in the same boat as you. I have been struggling with this since HS and now into my late 30's and still seeing no end to this. I hate this feeling so bad, always thinking that someone is watching me when I am outside and my panic disorder kicked in and I swallowed my own saliva and fear people might hear my gulping. I wish this "disease" would leave me alone so I can my self again and live my life a meaningful life. Not that I have done anything bad to society. Ugh, how I hate myself going through this.
+Anxiety Mamma I don't and a couple of months like I do go out but feel dizzy and I have a fear of fainting some days it's better but sometimes it's not
Yep! I struggled with a few different types but settled on one last year. I take a very low dose of Luvox (Fluvoxamine) which seems to work very well for me.
+Anxiety Mamma my personal experience road trip 2500 miles 10 days outta state not one day did I freak out it was actually the best time I had after being home 15 yrs
+Anxiety Mamma I read some articles and books and all I got was you need to get full exposure and be with people who comfort you and I was so scared that I was gonna flip out so I dreaded the weeks going on vacation but then I imagined how fun it could be and I pictured it out for weeks and when it was time to go I packed up with no hesitation and hit the road.. Not only for myself but for my kids so that they could have memories.. Maybe u should just do it just go I promise your gonna get ur life back and do family things u never imagined in places u never thought you could go again..
+Anxiety Mamma sounds impossible but if I can do it ANYBODY who struggles this way of life can do it just as easy... If u need my number to talk if u want comfort on a trip I'm here for anybody needing help.. I'm in the US
