I am very surprised to read you have fainted while having a panic attack, this is very rare but it can happen. I encourage you to talk to your doctor about how you are feeling. This program can help but you may require assistance from a professional or with medication.
Hello Lolbanana, I actually typed a long response to you detailing my battle the past 19 years with anxiety and panic disorder but when I went to post the response it deleted the entire message. I'll keep it short, first of all you are not alone, I experience my first panic attack in 1998, I went through exactly what you are going through for about a year until after a 911 call because I thought I was dying, I met with a doctor and started on anti anxiety medication. I hate taking medicine for anything but this actually helped me. I'm not sure if it was the placebo effect or the medicine worked itself either way I began to have less attacks which allowed me to function. Now 19 years later I still have my problems but my problems are with my negative subconscious mind. I constantly have negative thoughts which control my life. I have a family, work and live my life but I will not drive on the freeway alone and I have to take xanax to fly. I've had thoughts of dying or something catastrophic happening at some point every day for the past 19 years and I'm sick and tired of it. I hope that talking with others who truly understand what we are going through will help. I'm trying to figure out the root cause of my anxiety while also pushing my limits. I was a Marine who worked on helicopters drove a motorcycle and enjoyed life. I had no fears. I want to enjoy life again. I bought a motorcycle about a month ago and started riding again. I'm VERY anxious at times but the thought that I'm doing something I once loved feels amazing. I'm also starting to force myself to drive on the freeway in the car. It's a mental battle but I know 100% that the only way to beat this is to overcome my illegitimate fears make them normal. I've done this over the years with going to stores, driving at all etc. and didn't realize that my circle was getting bigger I only focused on the fact that I didn't feel like I wanted to. We are in this together.
I'd say you should speak to your doctor and at least try medication for a couple of months. Once you have a few good minutes, hours, days and then weeks you can slowly start pushing the envelope and overcoming your fears.
I have had agoraphobia for 19 years. I have not been anywhere alone in that time. My symptoms have changed dramatically over the years... the one i get now *which i have read is impossible* is that i faint. I literally become so overwhelmed with the sensations its almost like my body shuts down..... It only happens when i am panicking, i haven't passed out any other time.
Also and a problem i see as even worse than not being able to go out, is not being able to be alone. I have been 'babysat' by my mother for the last 28 months, 24/7. I cannot be alone for a second. As soon as she tried to leave and the door shuts, i am on the floor, 'dying'....
I have had CBT and i just can't seem to let the feelings come and go with them... my body instinctively reacts...
I need help. I am 42 and i cannot cope living like this anymore.