angoraphobia and anxiety and panic attacks

Anxiety and panic attacks I've had to deal with since I was a little girl (they got worse as time went on then hit full blown in my late 20s)..I've only ever had 2 or 3 short term bouts of agoraphobia though and that was about 6 yrs ago...and wow what a horrible feeling....13 yrs you've had to deal with it? How do you manage?

and welcome to mylots btw!

I had agoraphobia, panic attacks and anxiety in my early 20's. It was due to no self esteem and fear of the future.

I finally just said F*ck it, I'm going to die someday and I want to experience the outside world, and have a real life.
It was hard getting out there but with a positive attitude you can make it.

Instead sitting in my room being fearful of going out, saying to myself "what if, what if"...I just went for it, took it one minute at a time and just did it. Sure it was scary but if I didn't get out I would surely die.

The only fear I have yet to conquer is my fear of flying.....

I deal with anxiety about leaving the house on occasion. Luckily it doesn't happen every time I need to leave. I am currently pregnant and I'm staying at home, so I'm not getting out regularly. I have to force myself to go out regularly or else I'm afraid it will escalate.

Welcome to myLot! I hope to see more of you again. Have you tried therapy or counseling?

I already posted this in another panic-attack thread but it's worth repeating. I guarantee you there is a link to monosodium glutamate (MSG) in food. It took me years to figure out I was getting the reaction to things I ate because it mostly happens hours later when it reaches your lower bowel. If you follow pollen.com you may also find your attacks following the pollen seasons. Also things like fabric softener and dryer sheets, air fresheners, incense, plug-ins, carpet sprinkles, self-deodorizing cat litter, all that stuff can set you off. Your blood test will show elevated eosinophils. Some people actually have a prolapsed mitral valve.