Welcome. I have suffered from Agoraphobia for years and technically still do although it has no control over me. It is very common and manifests itself in a number of different ways. Fear of failure is a very common one. If you look close you will notice that it is not a fear of leaving the house but a fear of failing to do what you have to do when you leave the house. You have to understand a few things about this condition you have developed. First you have to understand how fight or flight works. You have to know about adrenalin rush. And you have to know what triggers the panic. BUT, first you have to learn relaxation and coping skills. The program will teach you these. Once you understand these I will help you with your specific treatment for your form of agoraphobia. Some times the obvious is buried just enough that you need someone to point it out. You have picked out a very rewarding career so start on the program and we will get your agoraphobia cured so you can pursue it. At least you have not had this problem long enough for it to get set deep. Never think for a minute that this isn't curable because it is. Keep posting and next time I will tell you how to get out of the house. The technique is quite simple but it takes a bit of time and space to explain it. I would like you to read a bit about what you are suffering from first and at least read the program.
Hello Bttrfly22: Welcome to the forums and CBT program. You have come to the right place. This forum has members who are newcomers as you are and some of us - like me - no longer have panic attacks but may still have a sumptom or two from times of stress.
The educators are here to help - all questions are answered quickly and you get a lot of support from fellow members who are going through, have been through, what you are going through right now. Read past posts too, you can get lots of info. from these. Post as often as you want, venting here is safe and we understand.
I am a stay at home mother of 2 and a full time student. I left my job over a year ago to persue my dream of being a teacher. However, since then I have been having panic attacks every time I leave the house. So, I have been avoiding going out. It has been almost 2 weeks since I have even left my house. (sad I know) Anyway, how did you over come this. I am just afraid I will faint! I don't know why, because I never have but that is what I am afraid of. Obviously, being a teacher I will have to leave the house and be in front of people. I just don't know how to get out of the house. I get anxious just thinking about it. Please Help!