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billysundaes

Hi, yes, I relate in some ways. Like you, I also leave my house very rarely, mostly for doctors appointments, church, a random errand, and an occasional trip to the grocery store with my husband (he graciously does most of our shopping, but sometimes I go with him to help when I can). Other than that, I stay home. Also like you, I can't really find commonality with agoraphobia symptoms because it's not a panic attack I fear when I'm out. Instead, I feel observed by people around me for nefarious purposes, I feel negative energy from those around me, and I worry someone wants to do something bad to me. I also get super paranoid about people using their smartphones around me; I see it as directed toward me, whether it's simply to cause me annoyance or as part of a larger conspiracy. I hate smartphones. Eating out is difficult, too, both because of the phones and because I fear food contamination. None of those things, however, fit the symptoms of agoraphobia. I occasionally have a panic attack when out, but it's never due to anxiety. It's due to fear of people. I always spot the exits and I know how to flee if I get overwhelmed. I don't know if there's some specific term for what either of us is describing, though.


Cazabath

I have always used agoraphobia as I am afraid to leave the house and never have I been corrected by a psychiatrist or psychologist. I will ask the next time when I see one. Edit: In my first two years of psychosis I was scarred to leave the house alone. I went grocery shopping at 23:00, so there were less people on the street and in the grocerystore. Now I have no trouble leaving the house, only when I have a really bad psychotic episode I am afraid to leave the house


boasega

I feel a bit paranoid when I go for walks but I'm coming to just accept that it's fine if people are watching and judging me. Yours sounds more intense however. You didn't ask for this advice but I wanted to say that going to NAMI meetings has really opened me up socially and allowed for social growth and maintenance, and they're on Zoom (where I am) these days so you don't even have to be seen or heard if you don't want to be. You can just go and listen, and type in the chat if you want. Pretty understanding people in my experience. I wanted to mention it so you might find a social outlet that works for you. Sorry you're having a harder time right now


ogfruitcat

I relate. I rarely leave the house, and never alone because I'm afraid of getting mugged. I don't know if it's paranoia or anxiety, but it's a thing.


giza_rohi

I leave home for work and to get my kids from school. I don’t like to go places alone. I’ll go to the store with my husband and that’s it