Yes! Started with panic attacks when out (first one on a Thames riverboat trip) which made me feel it was safer not to go out. At first, I was given pills, probably Valium. I had such a bad reaction I stopped it, otherwise I wonder if I could have become addicted (late 70s). Over the years, I’ve had various forms of counselling, read loads of book and listened to many other stories. I always feel I’m not a good Mum as there were days when I just could not go out or even drop them off somewhere. Both my DDs are in their forties now and wonderful, balanced mums to our 5DGC.
I am trying very hard now not to let it all creep back, but being depressed and living in a rather cliquey village, it is often easier to stay at home. One of the reasons we have a dog, is to encourage me to go out every day. Lockdown has not helped, now we can go out, it’s sometimes a real effort to step over the front door threshold. Kate do you have a friend who could go out with you to places that you like (doesn’t have to be far from home, park, favourite shop) and when you are a little more confident, go to wherever the incidents happened? I always tried to do that on my own after panic attacks, because if I hadn’t, I would have given up ever going there again. I’m sorry your GP seemed so unsympathetic, try self referral (although probably a long waiting time if as our area and the number of sessions are limited). Breathing exercises can help too. Please don’t let your anxiety escalate.