Do I have agoraphobia/panic attacks?

[Guest]

Hey, I'm 18 years old and when I was 17 I had 2 panic attacks. First I just blew them off and went on with my life. Then I noticed that I would get dizzy, or feel unsteady whenever I went to school or the grocery store,etc. I am able to leave my home, but whenever I'm in public or driving I feel dizzy/unsteady and I have to get out of the situation. Is this agoraphobia?

 

[Alex]

Agoraphobia is when you don't want to leave the house or be in public, but it sounds like you are liable for panic attacks in public. Do you know what causes the panic attacks, because there usually is a trigger? Sometimes if you are on other medication it can also trigger them, but you should check with a doctor if they persist.


Personally I have never liked going out in public since I was a child and was always afraid. You go where you need to go, and sometimes you put on a brave face when you are agoraphobic. Once you are home you are relieved. I still only go out when I need to, and for no longer than necessary.

 

[Piper]

It does sound like you are having panic attacks, but if it were agoraphobia, I do not think you would be able to leave your home. A friend of mine has had agoraphobia for many years and she has not been able to leave her home for over 15 years.

 

[aimeepoo]

I am agoraphobic and agoraphobia does not necessarily limit one to being home bound. Severe cases of agoraphobia will cause the affected person to be home bound though. I was at one point in time but thankfully was not for long as I forced myself to get out. But you really need to go to a doctor and get some guidance on a treatment plan for this. Wishing you the best!

 

[Free_spirit]

I like to go outdoors, so I don't have the usual form of agoraphobia. However, some years ago, I developed a fear of walking across an open space. It was part of my larger phobia - fear of falling. My fear limits my ability to go places freely. I have a therapist who has me doing gradual exposure. I first do something that I am only slightly afraid of. Gradually, I build up to things that cause me more anxiety. I know I have to go through this to get better. I am usually with someone who assists me. But often I do better if I am all alone. I guess I trust myself more than I trust others.