Hey Karen,
I know how you feel. Sometimes you feel "nuts", or just feel like "what's wrong with me?". I've been then, but now I feel like I know what's wrong with me, so now I know how to fix it! I have been doing a lot of reading on agorophobia, anxiety attacks, panic disorder, etc. The way you want to feel "normal" agian, is one I'm sure everyone feels, I know I have. So, what I have found out through reading is, that you may want to feel "normal" again, but what was "normal" before you started having the fears and/or attacks? I found that for me, I was still scared of a LOT of things, but I wasn't as carefree as I thought I was. I suggest you do some reading about the panic attacks and/or agorophobia, I'm sure it will help. It has helped me tremendously, and it's been less than a week since I started! It's true, it really has helped and I'm doing things that I thought I couldn't or shouldn't do whether I felt ok or not. I still did it, and I'm SO proud of myself. I have a few recommendations for you on books that might help (they've really helped me!). 1: "From Panic to Power" by: Lucinda Bassett. 2: "The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook, Third Edition" by: Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D.
The second book, the workbook, that one in particular has helped me the most so far. It covers anything and everything you want to know. Seriously! It teaches you coping methods, relaxation, a "peaceful place" for you to retreat to when you feel an attack coming on, etc. It's TERRIFIC and a MUST HAVE, in my opinion for anyone dealing with these problems. I found that book at the public library, so you can buy or it or maybe check it out, but either way is SO worth it.
I hope this helps you and I'm sure one day you will be able to resume a life in which you are happy with! Best of luck!
