Anxiety and Agoraphobia

[Nanabanana6]

Thru the years I have limited myself because of my fear of having a panic attack in certain situations. I no longer drive alone, stay alone,etc. I don't travel for fear of having a panic attack in the middle of nowhere. We use to love camping and the outdoors. (not anymore) We sold our travel trailer because I just couldn't make myself go to the campgrounds so far from civilization! We sold our home in a rural area and moved closer to town (which in the long run was really a good move). My question: Has anyone else had panic disorder or anxiety take you to this extreme? Where avoidance of so many things has changed your everday life! We recently had two major Hurricanes in Southeast Texas and having to evacuate was horrific seeing as I don't normally go more than about 15 miles from home. We had to drive all the way to Arkansas to get a Hotel. Thankfully I did better than I thought but the fact is, the fear was there. My very supportive family laughed and said well mamma if you can go all the way to Arkansas evacuating then you ought to be able to go on vacation now and have some fun, I jokingly replied..." no the only reason I made it to Arkansas was I had a hurricane on my *SS and I was scared!!! "  So when the second more trajic Hurricane came thru I feared evacuating again so we road out the storm at home. NOT A GOOD IDEA! Never been so scared in my life. There was no medical help to be found. Homes were flooded and I had loved ones trapped in their attics. Fear is a terrible thing.  I was just wondering how anxiety may rule other peoples lives. OOPs sorry, got a little long winded!

[Nanabanana6]

Thank You both, And believe me If I ever find a good way to live with fear I will shout it from a roof top. (of course I'll have my safety harness on just in case)  LOL

[Mike85281]

Oh yes, anxiety has seriously put a damper on my life as well. I fear going out my door sometimes. I haven't been able to keep a job for any length of time in the last 4 years because I get panicky being stuck in a place for 8+ hours a day. If it wasn't for the friend I've been living with, I'd be homeless or worse. My family hasn't been supportive at all. It's rough when fear controls your life. My anxiety can trigger atrial fibrillation, which means I get hospitalized for a few days. I am scared to death of hospitals and getting my blood pressure checked. I have had panic attacks from a simple blood pressure check. Something about that cuff tightening like that... I almost pass out. Anyway, if you find a good way to live with your fear, pass it on. I could use it too.

[MrGreen]

Come join us on the Argraphobic forum and you will meet others like yourself. It is part of the MedHelp forums. Lot of people who have gone through what you have. They will be willing to share their stories with you.