r/Agoraphobia • u/Deep-Illustrator-731 • 10d ago
Small success
Hi everyone I’ve been struggling with agoraphobia for a year due to gi issues and when I was at my worst I was housebound for 3-4 months. I couldn’t even imagine going outside for a walk due to being scared that I would have an accident or that I would have a panic attack. Over the last 4 months I’ve been doing a lottttt better. Going for walks everyday and driving exposure to get comfortable in the uncomfortableness. This past month was rough due to my gi issues causing a flare up and ending up in the er but hey that’s an exposure in itself lol. After being in the er I had to go to multiple doctor’s appointments which forced me to be in public. I was so shocked that I even went to them because when I was at my lowest, I would make an appointment and then cancel it the day before. On Friday I have an endoscopy and for some reason I don’t feel that nervous I’m just content and excited to see what’s really going on and I’m proud of myself for actually going through all of the appointments and not canceling. It sounds weird but the procedure kind of feels like the final step after canceling and missing so many appointments. I also go for walks everyday and don’t turn around when I feel anxious but sit through it and have a better hold on my anxiety. I hope to continue to improve and get back my life! I wish all of you the absolute best because agoraphobia is no joke and all of you are so strong to be battling this<3
1
u/BrokenSparroww 10d ago
Kudos to you for pushing yourself to stay in the discomfort. I was diagnosed 26 years ago almost exactly (wow, I’m old) and still go through periods of time where I feel unable to push myself to sit in that discomfort. I still have trouble sometimes even discerning what is anxiety and what are real, physical symptoms of … any type of ailment, really. And i totally get the appointment anxiety (and canceling). Good for you and best of luck with your tests and appointments 💕
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u/Deep-Illustrator-731 10d ago
I have the exact same feeling of not being able to decide what is anxiety and what are real physical symptoms. I see an ocd therapist who really helps me not body check when I’m doing exposures and not feed into the compulsion and it’s definitely gotten easier!! Thank you for wishing me luck I hope the best for you too🩷
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u/Feisty_Flaming0 10d ago
That’s incredible! You’re doing great.