Agoraphobia

Hello Dotty Singer,

I've had agoraphobia since my OH passed away. I can go anywhere in the city, where I live, with varying degrees of anxiety but leaving town is totally beyond me. I did go on one coach trip but didn't enjoy it.

Was there anything that caused your agoraphobia?

I just take each day at a time and other Gransnetters helped me a lot. Just carry on doing what you did with the choir and don't be hard on yourself.

After 3 years I'm beginning to see myself going on a few trips at some time in the future.

Did you tell your GP about your problem? I didn't because I knew I needed time and couldn't be pushed, but he/she may be able to help.

You would be better off posting this OP in the Health section.

I think you are already on the road to recovery - you went to join a choir and felt OK. I am assuming you felt panicky but didn't need emergency treatment? If that is the case and you managed your panic then you have already proved that you can survive going out and if you repeat this to yourself (and you love singing) then you can continue to push yourself forward (gently) just don't overdo it and congratulate yourself each time you come back from the choir - ie give yourself a treat - a whole bar of chocolate or a glass of something nice for example. Keep it up One day at a time springs to mind.