Tips for Coping with Agoraphobia

I have to force myself to leave the house at least once a week. I hate cars after an accident last year. It's rough, the people and being in a car. I'm scared of both.

Zoloft has helped. I've kept an optimistic mindset keeping in mind that I WANT to get better. I've taken small steps every day and have asked friends and family to gently keep me accountable. They've been really helpful in getting me out and staying with me. I use the DARE app which helps with panic and anxiety. Breathing techniques help when panic creeps up. Box breathing (4 in 4 hold 4 out 4 hold then increase to deeper breaths), deep inhale, hold, release, repeat is a good way to calm the brain. There's a few breathing apps out there and you can look on YouTube. I have fidget rings to help concentrate my anxious energy. And I always tell myself I can "escape" to a safe place if needed. I did small things at first. Sat in the living room until I felt the panic subside. Then cooked in the kitchen until the panic subsided. Sat outside until it subsided. Rode in a car. Walked around a small store. Then a bigger store. Then sat at someone's house. Small steps. It's uncomfortable but I promise it won't kill you. I've made it this far so far. You can too ❤️