Dealing with Agoraphobia: My Struggle to Leave the House

hey i saw this and i immediately wanted to comment bc i have a very similar thing i've been experiencing. if it feels like agoraphobia for you i don't wanna invalidate that at all, but i thought i had it for awhile too but i did some deeper diving and im experiencing chronic fatigue and post exertion malaise which just sorta manifest in a way that mirrors agoraphobia. just wanted to put that here as an alternative in case that feels better! but regardless of what the root of it is, there are so many services available to help with smaller things like groceries and friends/family (i.e. video calls, grocery delivery, etc) but i haven't yet found a solution for work and other necessities that are harder to avoid :/

I feel the same way. I haven't even been able to work the last 2 weeks and I've been having panic attacks about going back all day.

I have agoraphobia. The important thing to remember, at least for me, is that you are safe. When you're going to the grocery store, just repeat to yourself that you're safe. When family and friends come unannounced, just remember those are the people who love you and have your best interest at heart, so it's okay to ask them to give you a heads up. Stay ahead of it by practicing going out. Exposure is one of the things my therapist tells me will help. Sometimes, it's hard to even leave the house. I ended up curtaining all of my windows, and occasionally I go look outside to make sure no one is coming up. I ended up taking a job that forces me out and to meet people (delivery driver) as a part time gig to expose myself, and it honestly has helped. I hope some of this was helpful. Good luck! ❤️