Agoraphobia/Panic Disorder Recovery

Hi Everyone,

First I want to let you guys know i've been a long time lurker and realting to alot of you made me not feel alone in the world and that people all over the world have similar situations to mine.

In October of last year I developed agoraphobia and could not leave the house under any circumstances. I couldn't go outside because the looking up at the sky made me dizzy and in the car I felt like I was going to lose control. I sat home for 3 months and did nothing to help myself to get through this.

I made the daunting decision to admit myself to an intensive outpatient program for anxiety and I feel this helped me get my life back to somewhat normal. I can now drive by myself and go out but it is still very limited but, I feel my quality of life has gotten a little better. I still have panic attacks every day and it sucks but, through therapy I learned how to differently interact with the anxiety and it has helped tremendously.

The best advice I can give to anyone who has to suffer from this fucking stupid disorder is to never give up and be a strong as you can. It took me everything in my power to leave my house for this first time in 3 months in January but, I am very happy I did as am doing a little better and can enjoy my life somewhat normally. My panic disorder is still very crippling but, I have to push myself everyday to go out and do things because I know that is the only way I can return to my normal self and maybe even better than before. It has literally been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and through sheer mental will I have gotten through some of it and I love reading success stories on here as they helped me get through tough times so I though I could return the favor even if it is not a full recovery, any bit of progress should be celebrated and I am achieving little goals everyday. Thank you for reading and I hope this helps anyone out there who struggles like I do with panic disorder/agoraphobia and please do not hesitate to pm me if you have any questions or just someone to talk to.

Thanks