Wanting to Go on a Trip, but Agoraphobia Is Stopping Me. Help?

Question by shootingstar: wanting to go on a trip, but agoraphobia is stopping me. help?
ive had agoraphobia for a couple years now and it ruining my life.
for those of you that have it, what helped you overcome it?
im wanting to take a drive to austin which is 5 hours away and everytime i think about it , i freak out and get way to scared to go and be on the road for 5 hours! but my friend lives there and i really wanna go visit.
what are some things i can do to help?
keep me relaxed and stuff.

Best answer:

Answer by Matt
I would try to look for more positive reasons to add to your trip.
Go camping, do some photography, or on a hike. People all
are negative thinkers. Forget what you are afraid of, because
it may hold you back from many other things.

Answer by Julie
Do you take any medication for your anxiety? I have trouble with anxiety and the farther I get from home, the worse it is. I take ativan, a prescription medication) to get me through the anxiety and that’s usually the only time I take it. I couldn’t go anywhere if I didn’t take the medicine. I’m really not an advocate of drugs, but sometimes that’s all that gets you by. Also, learn to relax with deep breathing. Sometimes when we are anxious we hold our breath, which just makes things worse. If you don’t have to drive, try sleeping or listening to soothing music while visualizing your goal, or find a “happy place” and think of that. I hope you can find the courage to go! I know how hard it is to just watch life happen.

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