Agoraphobia - No Easy Escape | How to Treat Agoraphobia |
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- Опубликовано: 16 ноя 2019
- Agoraphobia is a condition similar to being thrown in jail for a crime you didn't commit. It robs people of some of the most basic freedoms and joys that life can bring. Wouldn't you do everything possible to free yourself, to fix the injustice?
Agoraphobia is a large-scale, complex anxiety disorder, typically associated with panic disorder. Triggering events can include public transportation, being in enclosed spaces or large open spaces, being away from home, standing in line, or being in a crowd.
The worst part is that it often makes one feel hopeless and helpless. They often want to live a full life, go places, do things, but they feel trapped by panic and fear. If this is you, then hear this message:
THERE IS HOPE.
I have personally known and worked with people crippled by agoraphobia. With directed therapy, and sometimes medication, they were able to calm their body's physiological response to triggering stimuli, and learn the skills required to overcome agoraphobia. Several of my past clients are actually World travelers now and are enjoying life to the fullest. But, their success was fought for, and it wasn’t easy, nor did it happen overnight. It is a process that takes determination, perseverance, and a commitment to keep working at it regardless of the setbacks and ups and downs of recovery. But, nothing is more important than getting your life back.
#PaigePradko, #agoraphobia, #panicdisorder, #agoraphobic, #afraidtoleavemyhouse, #howtodoexposuresforagoraphobia, #howtotreatagoraphobia, #helpforagoraphobia, #exposuresforagoraphobia, #howtodoexposuresforagoraphobia, #helpforpanicdisorder, #panicwhenleavehouse, #howtogetoverfearofleavinghouse, #fearofleavinghome, #treatmentforagoraphobia, #calmseriesforanxiety
In this video, I mentioned some of the most effective treatments for working through the symptoms and underlying causes of agoraphobia. To learn more about those treatments in depth, please look to these videos:
Calm the Body Series -- • Playlist
Interoceptive Exposure Therapy -- • Interoceptive Exposure...
Exposure Therapy -- • Exposure Therapy: Anxi...
Pain Attacks Series -- • Stop Panic Attacks | E...
Accepting Anxiety -- • Accepting Anxiety-How ...
Benzodiazepines -- • Dangers of Benzodiazep...
Making this video has been a passion of mine. You can see how many videos I had to make, before I could make this one. It is a complicated disorder that requires a multifaceted treatment. One client that touched me very much had severe agoraphobia. I began making these videos in his honor, because it is something he thought would help him and others with agoraphobia. My wish is that it helps you too.
Please feel free to follow me at the social media sites below:
/ paigepradkotherapy
/ paige.pradko.therapy
/ paigepradko
www.paigepradko.com/
I would love to hear your comments and questions below. If you would like your question considered on an upcoming Q & A video, please let me know. Thank you for helping me spread mental health help and education.
Until next time...I will see you in session,
Paige
Here is a FREE PDF gift for you:
Why Do I Feel That in my Body? Explanations of Bodily Symptoms Due to Anxiety, Stress and Panic
www.paigepradko.com/bodyanxiety
Going over bridges ‘
I think Benzodiazepines are the only real treatment, is my experience. No, if your method doesn’t work then we a in big trouble.
Hello I'm from Pakistan .. and I'm trying my best to get rid of this phobia ..I've consulted psychiatrist.. but they recommend me medicines ..I don't want to take medicines.. because I'm not much agrophobic ..I want to help my self by my own .. I can go freely alone in any where ..but i got panic only during classes ..when I feel.. now I'm trapped and I can't go out side ..thats it .. and nothing more than that 🥺🥺
Need your advice 🥺
I don't get any attacks ..only my heat beat increases ..when I think I'm trapped
I've got diagnosed with agoraphobia + panic disorder last March, after years of not knowing what's happening to me. I was completely housebound.. but I'm in therapy since May now and exposure therapy literally saved my life. I can go outside and get shopping done all on my own. I drove with the bus many times already and i can go to appointments. It's small steps but I'm getting my life back ☺
That’s wonderful, Anna. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Did your exposure therapy consist of behavioral goals, or did it include Interoceptive Exposure where one does exposures on their own body sensations like a rapid heart beat or dizziness?
I don’t even know you and I’m proud of you! Thanks this gives me hope I can do it too.
God bless, thank the Lord he helped you ❤️
Shit, I wish I could say the same. I had been dealing with panic attacks since around 2013 ish or so. 2018 completely house bound. Before house bound it literally took me 2 hours to get to work. And 2 hours just go to the store a min drive from my house. Now my drivers license is expired and solely depend on family and delivery apps. Luckily I blow glass and can make a living from home but I have not left my street since June 2018
I don’t know you but, I’m proud of you! I hope I will be where you’re at one day. It’s been two years so far and I’m struggling with what to do. I know no one with it as bad as me.
I have always had crippling anxiety since I was a child. As I have grown older, this anxiety has grown into an intense fear of leaving my house and socializing. I feel like I will never grow past this.
Exposure therapy worked best for me. I just walked and drove a little further each day. I’ve also learned how to talk to myself. Exercise, diet and sleep also play a huge role.
That’s wonderful….good job…exactly the way to do it.❤️
Hello I'm from Pakistan .. and I'm trying my best to get rid of this phobia ..I've consulted psychiatrist.. but they recommend me medicines ..I don't want to take medicines.. because I'm not much agrophobic ..I want to help my self by my own .. I can go freely alone in any where ..but i got panic only during classes ..when I feel.. now I'm trapped and I can't go out side ..thats it .. and nothing more than that 🥺🥺
I am doing this right now, small steps to go further each day to broaden my comfort zone
when my own parents didn't understand, some stranger online did, thanks. ily
You are not alone. ❤️
The fact that you mention recovery is possible is so uplifting. I have been dealing with agoraphobia for a little over a year now. It began in May 2019. It resulted in me losing my job, several friends, and my own spirits. I even dropped out of college which was my passion. I did a self check-in this year into a mental hospital because the depression that came from it was too overbearing. I miss going to the beach, hiking, traveling. I missed out on SO much already. It really hit me like a ton of bricks because I use to be so fearless and social & this illness just randomly took over, OUT OF NOWHERE! As difficult as it might be, I need to fight for my life back and do exposure therapy. I’m only 22. I want to eventually get married, travel, work again, and do the many things I once sought out to do... Thank you for these videos. The comment section gives me hope for I am not alone...😔✊
Also, I do have a therapist and she said she’s willing to work with me in this but I understand a therapist can only do so much. Thanks again for spreading this info!
I am so glad you are getting help. One step at a time. Complete and Full Recovery is possible.
You're not alone. Others like me are recovering from this.
Hi, I'd like to know if it has gone any better since? :)
slowly but surely, mate. You definitely aren't alone in this
You have that warm caring mother look
I was thinking the same thing!
It’s doesn’t help my Agoraphobia that she seems motherly. No
Being “ Earthy with this calming music 🎵 does not cure Agoraphobia . No
So what’s the replacement for Benzodiazepines ????? Tell me please .
Yes , you are right, she has a caring motherly look .. SPOT ON ! ..
Thank you for your calming presence, I really needed this information ❤️
I am so glad you found it helpful.
Thank you so much. What an informative, compassionate video.
My "fear places/situations" are being in a public transportation (usually I can get past it if there aren't many people on it) because that's where I got my very first panick attack, even if it didn't condition me like the second one. My second place is restaurants, where I got my second and strongest panick attack that started it all. After that I exposed myself once again in a restaurant and felt derealisation. My other fear places or situations are waiting for a long time in a line, waiting for someone or something for a long time, sometimes I fear fainting from too much physical activity, being outside of my house for too long (unless I'm on vacation). And I get daily anxiety attacks, fear for my health and nausea sometimes at the very thought of it. Thank you for your video💗
Thank you for sharing your history. It will take you time, but through repeated exposures, you can retrain your brain that all of these situations are not dangerous. On my playlist page, there is a playlist on exposures that can help you learn how to get the most out of your exposures. I wish you the best in your recovery.
Hi Miriam, how are you doing now? I have the same too
I appreciate you taking the time to address this condition. I haven't been able to get very far from home without turning around and racing back since 2003. some years I was completely housebound. its taken over, and ultimately decimated my quality of life since I was 17. im 34 now and I have made some progress although it was a struggle to make, I lost most of it. for instance, I made it to a local diner for the first time in 16 years not long ago only to lose the ability to do so shortly after due to my panic disorder(not the coronavirus) It's been extremely difficult and just the thought of getting in the passenger seat of a car, or getting on the highway races my heart, and I feel an awful sense of dread... its unimaginable and VERY difficult to describe, so its easy to just not try, especially with the stigma surrounding it, So I think that's how a lot of people end up suffering alone with this battle.. also, being on my own for years, exploited, shunned and just overall generally stressed about it and still trying to manage grief, acting like im fine(just a homebody) its a tough topic. It's very terrifying to do exposure therapy and be positive when a lot has gone wrong in my life, and the involuntary ''fight or flight'' response kicks in and I need to race home. I still have faith. im sorry for the long message... I hope others out there suffering know their not alone. Thank you for your work
Thank you for sharing your story, Michael. I know that many people can relate to your struggle. As difficult as it is, exposures are needed to retrain the brain. When you set a destination goal, stay there even through the panic symptoms. When you turn around for home during the panic, you are unwillingly teaching your brain that you are only safe at home. Your brain has to learn otherwise. It takes time. Take it slow...every exposure helps. Wishing you the best.
Thanks for sharing that. I have gone through similar things. It's so hard sometimes.
I've been studying best natural cure for anxiety and discovered an awesome resource at t.co/SShXwevAHG
Hi Michael, I truly hope you overcome this and you can live your life again.
Hi mam, before marriage I was very fond of travelling. After marriage, I was coming back from chandigarh to amritsar in private bus, I got a panic attack. I did not bother. 2nd time during travelling, I got panic attack, after that I never go out of home. I m suffering from last 10 years. I jst want to die, what should I do
thank you for this video, that was very helpful and comforting :) i don't have any questions but i am struggling with agoraphobia right now and this video definitely gave me a shot of confidence to continue doing exposure therapy and all the healthy things i need to do to move forward in life. sometimes it can get really frustrating and the frustration can cause you to regress with your progress, but you reminded me that i just need to stay positive and keep trying and eventually i will see results. the part of this video towards the end where you noted that full recovery is totally possible, that you've seen it happen multiple times, brought the warmest smile to my face and honestly almost made me cry haha. thank you for this video! it helped me :)
Thank you for your lovely comments. I am happy to hear that you found the video motivating and encouraging. Yes, keep challenging yourself with exposures. Mix them up in intensity...go from medium, to easy, to difficult. And vary the type of exposures you are doing, instead of completing the same exposure over and over, it is better to do a variety of them. Another piece of research that makes exposures more successful is to sleep following the exposure. A protein synthesis happens during sleep, even a nap, that helps our brains consolidate the learning that was done in the exposures. Thank you again for your kind comments. I have a detailed video coming up in a few weeks that reviews the latest research on how to make our exposures even more effective. 😊
Wow, I actually learned something! You are amazing.
Thank you and I am glad you learned something new. 🙏❤️
I have a agoraphobia. It is devastating. You explain everything so calmly. I wish I could have that same energy in my life instead of all this panic. I try to expose myself on my own and can usually get through the situations without too much of a problem but then I get back home and do not want to go out again.
Good for you for doing exposures. One pointer I can give you to help the effectiveness of those exposures is to not rush home for safety. Try to trick your brain by taking a different way home, or making a different stop, or doing a longer exposure. The goal is to tolerate the symptoms versus get rid of the symptoms. I share lots of tips in my weekly newsletter. You can signup at paigepradko.com.
This video was very helpful and effectively summarized the information in a way that was concise and easy to follow. Very Helpful! Thank you!
Thank you, Mat. I appreciate your comments 🙏❤️
Wow!! Been suffering for years... And just shut everything you said to identify this AWFUL condition,..I DO suffer.. thanks for hope!
I am so sorry that you are suffering with agoraphobia. There is hope and I have witnessed many recoveries. I am working on providing more extensive help for people with this condition through online therapy courses and more RUclips videos. If you would like to be on my mailing list, please email me your contact information through PaigePradko.com.
i’ve been on benzodiazepines for 11 years now (i’m almost 29 years old) and i’ve been struggling with panic disorder since age 13 and agoraphobia since i was 14. i’ve had several episodes where i’ve been homebound for years and lately i can feel myself slipping back into it. i’m doing everything i can to stop it, however the fear is just so intense and i don’t know how i could live without my klonopin. i feel like i’m never going to overcome this. :(
I am so sorry. Agoraphobia is terrible. Keep doing exposures and remember that what you feel in your body due to anxiety and panic is not harmful or dangerous. It only feels that way.
Thank you for this video ❤️ I have agoraphobia and panic attacks so I’m trying to watch videos like yours to help myself out. So thank you so much for this I hope this helps 🤞🏼❤️🥰
Hi Leslie. I hope that my videos help you. Here is a playlist for agoraphobia and panic ruclips.net/p/PL1lUhuKpYUYoJdExc0g8zVZuekW2zhGG7
I’ve been housebound due to panic and extreme depersonalization for 2 years. I avoid at all cost. It’s so hard. I need an amazing therapist like you! I’ve been on benzos for many many many years. So maybe why I got worse ?:( oh no
I am so sorry that you have been house bound. I understand avoiding things that make you anxious or panic. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines have actually been shown to cause or contribute to agoraphobia. I found this research shocking since they have been prescribed to treat high anxiety and panic. This is not your fault. I am hoping that you have a supportive physician to help you decide what is best for you. If you do decide to wean off of benzodiazepines, I would recommend that you do that under a doctor’s care. Exposure therapy is needed to gain your life back again. Unfortunately, exposure therapy is not effective if one is taking benzodiazepines. I am holding hope for you that you can find support from your physician to help you with this process. You are not alone.❤️
I'm the same, except I've never been properly diagnosed and i've been housebound for four years, i dropped out of school in grade eight and i regret so many things. for example not getting proper help when i needed it or not abusing it enough when i actually had it. I live in a complicated household, but today i'm going to the doctors and I'm terrified haha, didn't even manage to get any sleep but i know if i don't do this now, when will i ever?
Same here. I am on a benzos and have made significant progress. Do not lose hope! You CAN beat this!
There’s a group and an app called DARE. I’ve joined as it’s helping me a lot
Kerry Evans thank you. I am going to go with The Anxiety Guy. I have also heard of the book DARE. Thank you!
Very helpful. Thank you! ❤️
You’re welcome.
I really appreciate this video. Thank you also for watching my videos and giving me advice. I thought I may have to make my anxiety higher to get more out of my exposure but it's really hard to put myself in that position!
It is best to really mix up your exposures. Do some easy ones, and then do some challenging ones. Go different places, different times of the day, with people and without people. It is actually recommended to have bad exposure experiences some times, because it helps your brain learn to tolerate fear and anxiety. You are right when you say that exposures are really hard...that is the truth...but they are necessary. Keep up the good work, you are doing great!
Very informative. I am have been dealing with this for years and have sought treatment many times for it but there are very limited resources for people with AG. This video will be very helpful to people. Thank you b
I am so glad you found the video helpful. You are right...there are limited resources for people with agoraphobia and this pandemic has increased the number of people suffering and the intensity of their symptoms. I hope to do more work in this area.
Your blood pressure shoots up so high when you have the attack I have to walk 6 miles a day for over a year everyday to try to calm this illness Great video 📹 110% rating
Thank you Joey. I appreciate it. You’re doing a great job 🙏❤️
For me it’s shaking. When I start to feel panicked I tremble all over pretty badly and it’s really embarrassing… it’s hard
Hi Abbie. Yes, it is hard. But, the more you practice exposures, the sooner the shaking will go away. I am so proud of you for getting out there…whether you shake or not..you are very brave.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you so much.
It’s funny because I’ve done huge things with my partner like gone on holidays but it’s every day things I avoid still. Slowly working on it now things are opening up again.
The MEWS technique you introduced was very effective. I noticed when I get panic attacks triggered by body sensations I immediately walk around and do affirmations and interact with my environment. I used to do that subconsciously to distract myself but putting it into proper practice with your method has really helped me!
Thank you so much for this video. It really helped me understand more about my agoraphobia ,panic attacks disorders, generalized anxiety , depressive disorder, OCD, PTSD and ADHD. I have lived with this mental illness since I was 14 years old that when I had my first panic attack I am 55 years old now and have become worse that I only feel safe at home. I have been unemployed since 2019 due to my panic attacks and depression. I’ve seen psychiatrist, psychologist, and have taken psycho therapy but nothing works. I’ve been on medication since 1995 and I have taken all kinds of meds but they don’t work. I fear everything even going outside my house or my own profession, I fear phone calls, computers, laptops or webcams. I prefer not o be at home stress free than being out there in the world suffering with panic attacks. My mental disorders are chronic. I have asked many doctors if this ever going to go away and they never give me an answer. What do you think I have and why my mental disorders do not go away ? I have never drink, so drugs or smoke in my life so I don’t understand why they have all these issues. My psychiatrist said is PTSD since I was a kid. 😥
I am sorry that you have so much to deal with. It isn’t an easy road to recovery. 😢
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you so much for your kind words 🙏💙 I don’t wish this on anyone. That’s why I decided to stay home stress free rather than being out there suffering.
This comment is a bit late, but thank you. This video was very helpful and informative, and I can tell you're a very kind person and comfortable to be around. I've been suffering with this for over a year now and don't have access to therapy anymore, so I'm trying to figure out how to finally make it stop. Every time I go out, it's forced and I cry and panic the whole way there.. The transportation part is what makes me panic for some reason.
Anyway, I immediately subscribed and am about to binge watch your videos lol(:
Hi Anna. I am so sorry you are going through this, but, I want to encourage you to keep up with your exposures and going outside. If you need extra help, I am working on a treatment course for agoraphobia and panic. It will take you through step by step what to do in your exposures. If you are interested in being contacted when it is available, please sent me your email through the contact page on PaigePradko.com
@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you! I'll look into that, I am getting better just slowly. I did go out today and did a bunch of shopping and got lunch and felt fine(: I kept telling myself something you said in this video: "I am my safe place, I am my safe person" And it helped so much. Thank you again!
So this is the name of my problem. I was having some agoraphobia ang panic attack. I was about to visit again my psychiatrist to get some meds until I have view this video. Thank you doc I think I'll try to do it without some meds.
i have agoraphobia for over 15 years, in my case it was after taking a high dosage of accutane. Since, I lack sleep, I am ruminate a lot, I have joint pain, I talk to myself a lot and yell randomly when walking down the street, i can't go out all the time, I avoid waiting in line..etc. Basically I'm slowly dying as I see others succeed, get married and do amazing things with their lives, while I just stand on the sideline and watch. I recently got a hip injury and I am avoiding the doctor as I am suffering on a regular basis. Agoraphobia is basically slow death.
Wow this was interesting I don’t experience any of this however mental illness is real so thumbs up.
Thank you for the advice and tips that you're sharing i was diagnose agoraphobia i found this yesterday now am feeling safe am not bothered enough cause now that i know my condition i think am aware enough and safe because little by little i knew i would do to help my self calm and heal. Thanks alot
You’re welcome, Joan. Agoraphobia takes exposure effort overtime to retrain your brain that you are safe. Wishing you the best.
Incredible advice ❤❤❤
🙏❤️
Thank you for shareing ur video.
You’re welcome 🙏😊
My sad life....scared of subways, closed spaces, elevators (can't even see one) electric doors...etc, etc. Exposure doesn't work..I took the subway daily for 4 years and was terrified all the time. I stopped doing it because I don't think I deserve to be suffering daily. I think this happened after september 11th terrorist attack in NYC, I visited one of the observatories weeks before the attack as a tourist. I remember before that I was able to travel in subways, planes, take elevators and having a happy life without fear. I don't know why I have a trauma of something I didn't experience directly, I was in another country, but the news coverage and impact was huge.
I am so sorry, Jairie, that sounds very difficult. I can only imagine how traumatized you were on 9/11. I hope that you are able to be self compassionate as it sounds like you have been through so much.
Thank you so much for this
You’re welcome 🙏
@@PaigePradkoTherapy i'm in the middle of my recovery right now. A few years ago I was entirely housebound. It took over a year just to be able to go over to a friends house who lived in the same complex as us. A few years down the line I'm now running and working out outside mon-fri and challenging my agoraphobia by going out onto the sidewalk. It's extremely difficult but if I compared my life then to my life now it's miles apart. Still so far to go but your video gave me better understanding and hope for the future.
Aaron, that is amazing progress. Reflecting on your progress can be inspiring for you and for others reading this. Keep up your exposures and challenge yourself in different environments. There will be good days and a few different days, but you can tolerate those challenging days. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thank you sooo much for your video. I'm suffering from past 8 months. Hope your video may help♥🎀 Thanks in advance
I hope so too.
This problem changed me completely
It is a challenging condition. Hope you are doing better. ❤️
This helped me so much.I was unable to go work today when I got on the bus I felt so far from home and I was so scared so I took an Uber home I also didn’t go work yesterday because I was scared of outside.
I am trying to get help but this video helped me know that what I’m suffering with has a name and there is help out there
💎thank you
I am so sorry. I know it is scary, but, exposures will help you get to work and get your life back. You are not alone. People all over the planet are suffering with agoraphobia that was even made worse by the pandemic. Here are more videos on how to do exposures. ruclips.net/p/PL1lUhuKpYUYqRtx-_xbr5gofDxBYIBdq0
Iam an agoraphobic and i have say, you can actually tell who understands. Which professionals truely "get it".
Your explanations are clear and detailed. Very easy to grasp. All I have to say and probably many on here, just want to say "Thank you "!
I appreciate your comments, Chris. Agoraphobia is a complicated condition and very challenging to recover from. No other work I do is as important, difficult and rewarding as that of working with people with agoraphobia and helping them to recover.
Great video as always! I want to ask you something about exposure therapy for agoraphobia with/without panic attack. When i do an emaginational exposure, is it helpful to include the worst case scenario like ocd ERP? For example, if i do an exposure about agoraphobia with panic attacks and i am afraid of going to a coffee house, would it be more helpful to do the worst case scenario exposure, like i am having a panic attack?
Yes…great question. You can do a worst-case scenario script and even record a few different scripts. You can record some lighter scripts and some more intense scripts. Try to include a lot of details so that your brain believes it is real. It is difficult sometimes to evoke enough fear in a script…so your job is to evoke that fear and anxiety and then listen and do nothing to calm yourself. Eventually, I recommend listening to the scripts while you are actually doing the real life exposures. I am offering an online course with zoom sessions with help for exposures later this year. If you would like more information when those treatment opportunities become available, please sign up for my newsletter here and I will keep you posted on the details: www.paigepradko.com.
I'm on kind of a spree tonight watching videos on agoraphobia because I need to face mine to get to an important appointment soon- and I'm terrified. I really liked everything you had to say, except to hear one more professional who has a dim view of benzodiazepines. I understand what you are saying and where you are coming from. I also know what kind of quality of life I've had when I've had them versus when I haven't had them.
At the time in my life when I had the most success in dealing with my panic disorder and agoraphobia, I was going out every day. I had a relatively regular schedule, I exercised and I was eating better. Over time I had to use less and less benzos to get out "successfully".
I constantly hear mental health professionals praising SSRIs, I'm yet to find one that does anything other than giving me nasty side effects (among other drug types, in about 21 years of treatment). I think exposure therapy is probably one of the most useful ways of coping with my own issues personally but I question physicians who have not experienced life as I have had it and would be so cruel as to suggest or demand I return to the worst time in my life with panic disorder- that is the time I was unable to get a benzo because of heroin junkies and so-called professionals who do not know what my suffering feels like.
Thanks all the same for the video!
Hi Patrick. I appreciate your honesty and acknowledge what you are saying. I do look at medications as a quality of life issue and short term benefit versus long term dependence and possible cognitive problems. I think that some people may need to use benzodiazepines to cope with certain challenges in their day. Because benzodiazepines make exposure learning less effective, I recommend that my clients move to an “as needed” dosing where we can work toward practicing exposures while not on the medications. I am not a huge supporter of antidepressants and have seen a range of being unhelpful with intolerable side effects to mildly helpful. I leave that decision up to my clients and their doctors. I have to say that the trend I see in practice is that people are moving away from both classifications of medications, and maybe this is a positive trend. Thanks again for sharing your honest feelings and experience.
It's been 10 years that I have been struggling with Agoraphobia since I was 15 now I'm 25 years old.
It started on and off when I was 14 and then when I turn 15 it was all the time all day non stop for 10 years.
I've missed alot of life due to this.
And I have felt extremely suicidal due to this problem I have. the first few years I didn't know it was agoraphobia and I didn't know what was happening too me.
I have such extreme anxiety that I even sweat in public places and I feel so ashamed, embarrassed and dumb when as a child I was so happy and excited.
I don't know how to stop this. I've tried many things but I still feel unsafe and In panic mode.
Hi Shaulin.
I am so sorry that you have had agoraphobia for 10 years. I specialize in treating people with agoraphobia with and without panic disorder. I am creating an online therapy course right now where I teach people step by step what to do to recover. I am expecting it to be completed and available in about 90 days. If you would like more information, please email me at info@paigepradko.com and I will notify you when it is available.
I'm also dealing with agoraphobia from 5 years and this illness completely ruined my life I'm just a common school student and and I lost my friends and precious enjoyment time of my life 😢
Learn the Claire Weekes method. Agoraphobia is a genetic disorder
Thank you for this gift of hope. Im in tears watching this. Thank you so much. Do you offer session therapy? Can neuroplasticity or hypnotherpay help ?
Hi Frank. I have received your message from my contact form. I will be getting back to you. We always have neuroplasticity through our entire lives. We can face our fears and form bridges over the old fear network. Exposure therapy is the evidenced based method of recovery from agoraphobia and panic disorder. But, there are specific ways of doing it that can make it more effective.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you! 😊
Thanks a lot !!❤
You’re welcome ☺️
Hello, I stumbled on your video, and as I watched it know you are speaking truth with these coping and fact ways of calming the fear and panic. I sadly admit to having agoraphobia all my adult life. Started when I was 20, am now 63. Over the years I struggled huge as I had to work, and provide for my family. I once tried a medication in my mid 20's, only to have a horrible reaction from the first dose! I literally had no control of my body (fell to the floor when first getting up). I then unfortunately became phobic of ingesting anything foreign as I feared not being in control. So I lived life in my small box of going to work and back with the very rare farther outing with the help of Ativan to get me there. Finally when I turned 50, I accepted the defeat, and tried the newer medication of an antidepressant. Life is definitely better as I no longer have daily panic attacks. I still suffer from Agoraphobia, but manage to go every once in a while outside my comfort zone by taking an Ativan. I am not cured and know that. I sometimes have setbacks and then get depressed. Your video does bring back remind me of hope!
Hi Cynthia. I admire your continued efforts to support your family and do what you had to do. Our brains can learn at any age. I encourage you to continue to challenge yourself while also practicing self compassion as this is difficult indeed. ❤️
Hi Cynthia, do you have any advice for me? I’m 38 and have had agoraphobia since I was 15. I have an 11 year old daughter and most days I can’t even take her to school. Today I had another panic attack and am currently sitting in ER parking lot just to feel safe. I’m so sad and overwhelmed and disappointed in myself. I KNOW panic can’t hurt me and yet I run from it every time.
@@gabriellareed4181 my only help that calmed me was going on an antidepressant. I still take it daily. One that is meant to help with Agoraphobia
Iv been suffering so badly since I was removed from physcogy. They said my life was to busy for them to help me and living in a very rural area they are the only physcogy for 2 hours. Desperate to find something to help so I can make sure I can keep going to work otherwise I'll have no money again. This video has been a helpful starting point
I wish you well. Continuing with a work routine is very helpful for agoraphobia. Keep working on challenging yourself with exposures in a variety of areas that you might avoid. It takes time, but every exposure helps.
Please listen to the benzo advice . They do provide excellent SHORT term relief but they only mask the problem and are extremely addictive . I ended up hooked on them and lost my business and family .
I've taken Xanax a couple times I saw nothing addicting about them. You probably took too high of dose when you shouldn't have then abused them.
They are bloody awful !!!! I’m so pleased I’m off of them x
Had this for 12 years now, the hope of ever living a normal life has been beaten out of me.
I am so sorry, Deci. I do want you to know that you can make progress at any age and the length of time you are agoraphobic does not make it more difficult to create new neuropathways. But, I have a great deal of compassion for you, because I know it is difficult and it takes time and commitment. I also recognize that there may be complications making recovery for some more complex and complicated. Wishing you the best. Here is a pdf that you might find helpful.
www.paigepradko.com/bodyanxiety
Thank you so much love your videos
Just wanted to say something based on experience
SSRI too can make progress fail too
SSRI ease the symptoms which make exposure more bearable
But once you finish therapy and ready to get off of them you doubt your mind something like what if the medication that do all the work what if I'm gonna be vulnerable without them
I know it's a distorted thoughts but ssri can be a safety behavior too that it's hard to eliminate plus the side effects of them
Thank you for sharing. People do have varied experiences on SSRI’s. I appreciate it.
I’m just seeing this now and am glad I found someone who understands. I feel so helpless and alone. Ive been housebound for awhile now, and felt defeated. Unfortunately even had suicidal thoughts because of this. I take Zoloft, have for 4 years, and my agoraphobia just got severe again about 6 months ago, should I increase my medication? How do I go about therapy?
Hi Brooke. I am sorry that you are feeling helpless and alone. I want you to know that you are not alone. I cannot give you medical advice regarding Zoloft, but I do suggest working with your physician to make that decision. Here is a playlist to help you ruclips.net/p/PL1lUhuKpYUYoJdExc0g8zVZuekW2zhGG7. You may also want to subscribe to my newsletter on paigepradko.com as I will have more help for people with agoraphobia coming out this year.
Hi Paige, thanks for the great videos. When you talk about using the CALM method, and avoiding things that make us anxious such as caffeine and alcohol, isn't this contradictory to exposure therapy where we are encouraging activation of fear centers and learning how to accept anxiety? I just can't figure out where the line between avoidance/re-assurance and the principles of CALM is. Thanks!
Just as an example, I've seen videos on exposure therapy where they get the person to ingest a load of caffeine before the exposure to trigger panic and fear as much as possible.
This is a very helpful, and well thought out question. My CALM method, (found in my playlist) was specifically designed for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I do use the techniques in the Calm the Body series to teach people how to calm down their amygdala (brain’s fear center). But, when doing Exposure Therapy, we do not practice any techniques to calm ourselves down. In fact, we do the opposite. We try to intensify our anxiety and fear during exposure therapy. It only works if we are highly anxious. I have never come across the research on caffeine, but, I bet it would create an intense exposure. If you review my recent video on maximizing exposure therapy, I go into details about how to make exposure therapy more effective. And you are correct...sometimes different techniques give opposite advice. I believe that Calming the Body and Acceptance techniques are wonderful when we want to be calm. But, during our exposures...we have to NOT practice those techniques and get ourselves as anxious as possible. Thanks for covering such a great question. I will use this question on a future Q & A video.
Here is the link for Maximizing Exposure Therapy ruclips.net/video/439l0c-P3lg/видео.html
Haven't been outside since 2015. Just to the grocery store once a month and where I know that I don't have to go outside. Up until than I had no problem. My husband broke my heart and ever since than I don't trust anyone. The best part is I hate being confined inside but every time I go outside I feel like everyone is watching me. Live in a small town where all the bully's I went to school with live, and they are always in my business . I feel threatened. Especially, if I run into them. I am wondering if I move to another city or state , if the feeling of panic will go away.
I am so sorry, Michelle. You are important and deserve to live your life fully. Do not give those bullies or anyone control over how you live your life. Perhaps you can start with making a list of what you would like to do and where you would like to go if you had no fear. Then, you can begin with one challenge at a time.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you. Also married to a narcissist .
I’m so sick of feeling like this, I’ve had it since I was 8, I’m 16 almost 17 now and it comes and goes every few years. Please just make it stop
Thank you🤍
You’re welcome 🙏❤️
hi, i struggle with going certain places in fear of the extreme discomfort i am in and feeling afraid i might start passing out or throwing up due to the amount of anxiety i have. i get so afraid something will happen to me and i’ve tried to go out of my comfort zone and do those things but they are far too awful for me. i sit in public places that give me fear and shake and pray to god that i don’t have a heart attack or get sick or something. it’s awful. i’m currently not on any meds. what specifically do u recommend i do? i cannot continue going out like this i have been avoiding things at all costs lately because it seems no matter how much i go out it never improves.
I am sorry, Vivian. I hear you and I understand. I have worked with many people that have had very similar symptoms. I want to give you hope. It takes willingness and a commitment to do exposures. It is fully possible to build new neuropathways in your brain and be able to leave your safe areas. I admire you for enduring the panic symptoms, but you can mix up the exposures with hard and easier exposures as you go. Even an uncomfortable exposure or a panic attack during an exposure will not set you back. Every exposure helps....keep challenging yourself. Here is a link to several videos on how to do exposures. ruclips.net/p/PL1lUhuKpYUYqRtx-_xbr5gofDxBYIBdq0
This is wonderful information thank you I need all the support I can get in getting my son back on his feet I'm grateful to your sister we just so happen to have had to share one of my son's episodes together in her Clinic and she recommended you for support.
Thank you so much for your comments. I hope you can find some help for your son in my videos. You may want to go to the playlist page and check out my Calm Series. Wishing you and your son the very best. 😊
Paige Pradko LPC NCC mam I need your help !! Please can you tell me we will be normal after taking this medication and when we can stop using medication!!
I am so sorry. Unfortunately, I cannot give medical advice and advice you to speak to your physician about any questions you have about your medications. I wish you the best in your recovery.
Paige Pradko LPC NCC mam I can’t go to doctor can you help me please 🙏🏻
Paige Pradko LPC NCC mam please can you help me I m very tense and sad their are so many problems happening 🙏🏻
Hi Paige, do you do private therapy over zoom etc? You’re the first person I’ve listened to and found that has explained my situation perfectly and really interested in the interoceptive exposure therapy. Thank you for your videos ☺️
Thank you for watching and commenting, Luke. I do work individually with people in person and over zoom. However, as so many therapists, my practice is full. I am working on an online therapy class for people with agoraphobia that will take people step by step through the healing process. I will notify my subscribers when it becomes available later this year.
Hi Luke. I am creating a therapy course for people that suffer from panic disorder and/or agoraphobia. I am interviewing people and asking them exactly what they would like in a therapy course. I want to make it as helpful and effective as possible. Please contact me at paige.pradko@gmail.com or through PaigePradko.com if you would be willing to answer a few questions regarding what you are specifically interested in. Thank you so much.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy just checking if you started the online course yet?
@@masegomoruakgomo9033 , thank you for checking in. I am still in the development stage of the course. If you would like to add your email to my newsletter list on paigepradko.com, I will definitely keep you updated there. I am completing a course for OCD in the first part of 2022, and then my attention will be focused on helping people with agoraphobia. 😊
@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you for the response, will definitely subscribe to the mailing list
I’ve had agoraphobia for 5 years now, and nothing has helped me. Different medications, exposure therapy, CBT, etc. Any time I made any slight progress I relapsed 10x as hard. I truly believe I’m one of the cases that can’t be helped.
Hi Chris. I am so sorry that you are experiencing this and have almost given up hope on your ability to break out of agoraphobia. I have heard this before from a handful of people that believe there is no way out. I always hold Hope, because we have brains that can learn and change. However, sometimes medications and different health issues can add complexities. Please practice self compassion, as this is so challenging and difficult to suffer from this condition.
I do suggest working with a highly trained specialist. In my opinion, the experts listed on the IOCDF.org website are the best in the country with exposures because they work with ocd. Do whatever you can to work with one of the experts. Reach out to researchers in the field of exposures. Start writing emails to all of the researchers and authors and leaders in the field of exposures and ask for help. I am developing is an online course where I give people the tools, a step by step process and a support group. That could be one aspect of your treatment combined with individual therapy support and treatment. I do believe that everyone can make progress, although I do not in anyway want to minimize or dismiss what you are experiencing. This is difficult. Please hold hope and search for the best help available.
If you’ve had it for only 5 years, then it sounds like a psychological anxiety disorder. Agoraphobia is genetic. You are born with it
I have anxiety all the time. At home or anywhere, doing anything. It's horrible.
I am so sorry, Robert. That sounds horrible.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you. It has gotten a little better but I still feel it all the time. A car horn, the doorbell, can put me in a panic. A pat on the shoulder from behind is the worst. I'll go through 10 seconds or so where I am frozen. The good news is I'll never stop trying to get rid of it.
@@wonderland970 Thanks
I usually would love being with large groups and not have any anxiety, but then during quarantine going back to school I had really bad panic attacks and anxiety to the point where I had to switch to online. I don’t know what happened, now I don’t like being where there is tons of people, I have this feeling where I feel as if I’m going to pee myself constantly but then when I end up running to the bathroom there’s nothing. I don’t really know what to do. I’ve been getting a bit better but now my graduation is coming up and theres going to be a lot of people there and I don’t know how I’d handle it. What should I do?
Hi Jamie. You are not alone. Many people are experiencing exactly what you are describing. Here is what to do ruclips.net/video/6-eUwxZTYbw/видео.html
@@PaigePradkoTherapy it’s gotten a bit better so far thank god. I usually now have gotten used to not feeling real, but what’s killing me is that “urged to pee”. I’ll be somewhere and If I stand in one place for longer than 30 seconds I start to panic and think to myself “you’re going to pee yourself” and it’ll escalate from there. It’s really getting into my everyday life and I really want to eliminate that. Please help🥺❤️
it seems when I hit about 40 or 41 I developed panic disorder when I drive on the highway,I get terrible hyperventilation where I feeling like I have to keep breathing in because I feel like a lack of oxygen,then I get extremely nervous,my heart beats real fast,I sweat,and I just want to pull over because it don't feel good to drive,why did happen so late in my life?I been driving since I was 19,at one point I seemed like I was getting better but then it just comes back all of a sudden.
Hi Ryan. I am not sure why it started in your forties. Our brains can pick up anything and associate and connect it to our fear response. What you describe happening to you while driving is actually an accurate description of what happens in our bodies during a high anxiety or panic experience. Eventhough it feels like you are not getting enough air, your body has plenty of air, and is trying to naturally regulate your oxygen levels. It feels strange, but, it is a normal body function. It is impossible to pass out from this, so take that fear off the table. You can heal from this by exposure practice. Drive as much as possible in as many different settings, different times of the day, as much variety as you can. Here is a quick video on some helpful hints. ruclips.net/video/sZ66J3YKOow/видео.html
Hi i subscribed to you. My son is agoraphobic and im trying to educate myself to be able to help him or what he needs to so. He hates takeing meds. He wants to do this on his own.
Hi Carlene. Welcome to my channel. I will have more help for panic disorder and agoraphobia in the coming months. You and your son may want to go to paigepradko.com and subscribe to my newsletter so that you catch the updates.😊
EXCELENT EXPLANATION.
At 4:40 you mentioned body sensations that trigger panic attacks but you should also look into PMDD. My hormones trigger my anxiety. It’s not talked about enough!😊
Hi Chelsea. You are absolutely right. PMDD does exacerbate anxiety and ocd and other conditions and it should be talked about more. Thank you for suggesting that. 🙏😊
You forgot fear of driving & the exhaustion/depression
Yes, it’s a complex condition for sure.
I'm certain I have agoraphobia.. and it's not fair to my daughter. I feel an incredible amount of guilt. When I do leave the house as I absolutely have to force myself to take her for a walk, the entire world is blurry, I stumble trying to walk because I'm looking around for dangers (cars running into the sidewalk, people coming up behind me or toward me, people talking to me, strangers glaring at me judging me) I cannot take public transit. I have to spend money on Ubers if I go somewhere (which I understand is technically public transit but not like the bus) I hate standing in lines in fear that people will be nasty to me and I will have no way out. I'm scared and I don't know how to heal from this.
I am so sorry, Nikki. There is a way out, and you can heal. It is a daily battle right now. Keep taking your daughter out. Keep challenging yourself. Unfortunately, your brain is over sensitive at the moment and is getting scared about things it should not be scared about. But, it all takes time to retrain the brain. If you keep going out, you will be working toward recovery. I will be developing an online therapy course for agoraphobia in the coming months. I am just completing one on health anxiety. I will keep my subscribers notified when it is available.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy I actually just got diagnosed with ADHD so I've been on some new meds that seem to be helping so far
@@wonderland970 my doctor said shrooms could send me into psychosis that it would be bad because I have bipolar
Could you make a video of supplement for agoraphobia
My life is controlled by my panic disorder and agoraphobia,I think I know what to do but don't think I have the strength to do it please help.
Hi Mandi. Panic and agoraphobia has made you feel like you need to avoid places and activities to keep yourself calm and safe from panic. Your brain received the false message that you were in danger, and you reinforced it by avoiding things. Now you must teach your brain that you are safe and can tolerate anxiety. Take small steps, start small exposures, do exposures every day. Everyone has the capacity to retrain your brain. Every exposure is a good exposure.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you very much for the feedback, I have been putting myself out there more and I just pray that I will recover.
Hi, I suffer with agoraphobia and I dont know why but if I imagine im someone else who to me seems fearless my anxiety can go in an instant. I use my dad for this. I try to copy everything he would think in that situation, from thought through to dragging my feet like he does. Why does this work? and it would be interesting to know if it works for anyone else.
That is actually a great strategy. Sometimes I do tell people to fake it when they are going through an exposure. I tell them to fake it like you are really not afraid at all. And, it works. So, you are, in “acting” as if you are under control and not afraid, and your brain is responding. Go with it...it is really helping you. Thanks for sharing.😊
I had a very severe panic attack 2 years ago and from there it all started i went to psychiatrist and she subscribed medication and slowly i was recovering but it was very slow and its almost 2 years now, and at that time i was far from home but due to pandermic i am in home since 8 months and now i m feeling that i will not be safe far from home and far from people i trust and also feel like i will have anxiety if i leave home .. its very fustrating
I am so sorry that you have those fears. The pandemic is unfortunately difficult on people with panic disorder and agoraphobia. Remember that you can retrain your brain at any time and at any age through exposure therapy. Try your best to challenge yourself when you can safely do so.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy yah i will have to challenge myself ,
Why cant i if other people can thanks for your beautiful video
Same here! I had so much confidence and then this stupid pandemic hit. I have like no friends either.
Thank you
Please make more video related do this
Here is a playlist ruclips.net/p/PL1lUhuKpYUYoJdExc0g8zVZuekW2zhGG7&si=RDnAUkUPpgNTjUFN
Hello, I have agoraphobia and panic disorder and I wondered why having cats is bad for people who suffer from anxiety? I have a cat and now that I have this information I am very curios..
Oh no. I did not mean that you should not have cats. I was using C.A.T.S. As an acronym for Caffeine, Alcohol, Tobacco and Sweeteners. I apologize and hope you give your cat a hug and my apologies. 🙏❤️
@@PaigePradkoTherapy got it,thank you so much❤️
I have had agoraphobia when i was a teenager, it was so severe i skipped school really often,later i learnt i had an endocrine disease affect several gland and lack of motivation,do you think those cause anxiety and my housebound habit
Hi ma'am Paige 🙂
can antidepressant medicine help reduce agoraphobia?
I'm suffering from GAD but I can manage my anxiety.
Thank you for your question. I am not a psychiatrist, but I am a psychotherapist. I have seen different results with different people when they are prescribed antidepressants. They help some people and not others. I use Exposure Therapy as my main treatment for agoraphobia.
hello, i was wondering if there was a way to stop becoming super hot when getting anxious? because for me when i am in certain situations i will have a strong urge to ran away and most of the time i can't and my body becomes very hot, regardless of the temperature and my face most of all, i become very red and i've had people call me out asking if im embarrassed or whatnot and that's usually not the case i just wanna get out of the said situation, standing in line, being on the bus, etc. and that always escalated my anxiety
also i have never been diagnosed with anything, but i get panic attacks and have severe anxiety being outside or having people in my home, which i suppose i consider a safe place. but my mother has agoraphobia and i resonate heavily with the symptoms you've explained, i won't jump the gun however and say i have it.
What you are describing about feeling hot and perhaps having the color show on your face, and some people experience sweating are all “normal” experiences when we are challenging ourselves socially. Unfortunately, the more we are annoyed by these symptoms and try to not have them, the more they persist. It works better to try to accept them and even welcome them. Resistance gives your brain the message that something is wrong and fearful and you can cause the reaction by trying not to have it. Fully welcome the warmth if it wants to happen...allow it to happen...welcome it. Also, challenge yourself to stay in situations long enough for the flushing to dial down. Your brain needs time to realize that you are not in danger. The more you practice exposing yourself to these situations and welcoming the hot feeling, the sooner it will calm down. Thank you for your question.
Hi Paige, I have watched all of your CALM videos and just about to start this one. I noticed in the comments you have said we want to intensify anxiety as much as possible during exposure for agoraphobia. I have been agoraphobic since 2017, with periods of being completely housebound and others not. For the most part, I have been housebound. I am trying to equip myself with tools to help me face the prospect of exposure and gaining my life back. Are you saying we shouldn't use breathing techniques such as those mentioned for calming the body during panic when outside? Thank you so much for your videos, the information is invaluable!
Hi Ellie. I work with may people with agoraphobia and am so happy you found my videos. I have a passion for helping people with agoraphobia get their life back. To make exposures effective, your mind has to be in a state of high anxiety and fear. Using calming methods like breathing techniques reduce the effectiveness of exposures. I teach calming, breathing techniques to my clients with agoraphobia, but we do not use them during exposures. Most of my clients with agoraphobia start on doing exposures on body symptoms, like a racing heart beat, before we work on leaving their safety place. You will find even more information on making exposures more effective on my video called, “Maximizing Exposure Therapy”. Exposures are tough, but they absolutely work. I had a client in my office today, who I worked with online last year, but now she is able to see me in my office. She avoided driving, and now she is driving. I want to encourage you to keep working at it the best that you can, one step at a time. If you can find someone in your state to help you online, that may help too. Wishing you the best!
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you so much for getting back to me! I will definitely be watching all of your videos and implementing exposure therapy and it has really made me feel some excitement about finally getting better and being able to live my life again.
I am actually from the UK and haven't been officially diagnosed with agoraphobia and my GP has actually misunderstood it as being "extreme social anxiety", but I still haven't had an official diagnosis. I have been on the waiting list for high-intensity CBT therapy for around 8 months now and even then, they don't accept that making appointments face to face is extremely difficult. Just appears there is a general misunderstanding where I live and the mental health services here are under extreme pressure.
Just know your videos are reaching out to people all over the world and are really helping :) So please keep doing what you're doing!
Just a little side question about the CATS concept. No caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or sweeteners. Is there any Sweeteners that are OK for anxious people perhaps? Maybe honey, maple syrup, monk fruit extract? I definitely feel more anxious from things sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and sugar so I mostly avoid those, but wondering if there’s an OK alternative to use.
Yes, certainly. Some people are more sensitive to sweeteners than other. I like your alternative suggestions.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you for the reply, and thank you for your very helpful videos! I’ve already applied some of your calm techniques, and they have been useful and effective.
ANY type of sweetener? Even all sugar substitutes?
Sugar and sweeteners can increase anxiety. Here is a video about diet and anxiety: ruclips.net/video/CTXA8AMvpis/видео.htmlsi=YiSOaqroYUGqom08
Hello paige pradko, i have been suffering panic disorder and agoraphobia for 5 years, and i want to know if i follow this procedure for 2 years will i ever be able to come out of it and live life normally and i want to also approach a medicine free approach will it work?? Please help me out with your knowledge
What I have learned about helping people with Agoraphobia is that they must be committed to practicing lots of exposures and they must be willing to feel uncomfortable sometimes....not horribly uncomfortable....but at least somewhat uncomfortable. We can retrain our brains at any stage of life. The other important factor is to not be taking any benzodiazepines or other sedatives. Exposure therapy does not work if one is on those medications.
I've been living with panic attacks and agoraphobia for a long time..(25 yeas) .it has created a lot of fear..my question..i feel safer in cloudy, rainy cloudy weather..I feel more restless in clear and sunny weather..any explanation..thanks
Hi CK. I may be that during clear and sunny days, you feel more angst and almost guilt or pressure. You may have thoughts like, “I should be out there enjoying my life.” During rainy days, that pressure may come off. You may feel like it is okay and acceptable to be inside today because the weather is bad.
"You can't have caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or sweetner."
Me: *hits vape, chugs diet coke, eats a gummy worm, "so what's the magic bullet?"
😂
Omg hilarious 😂
Hello, i am avoiding going to far places, should I go? When can Agoraphobia people know if they can do it and go to places they have avoided for years?
I am sorry that you are experiencing this. I do encourage my clients with agoraphobia to plan exposures where they begin to expand their places of safety and begin to travel to places they have avoided. I have other videos on Exposure therapy that you can find on my playlist page to help you. I wish you the best in your recovery.
Hello! I would really love to do some sessions with you, but I am too far. Do you do online therapy too?
Unfortunately, at the present time, I am only doing office and online sessions in the state of Michigan in the US. I will let my subscribers know if that changes. But, I feel very honored that you asked. 😊
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you! :)
I have agoraphobia and panic disorder for almost five years now but recently it has gotten severe ,I am not even able to go out of my home ,I feel dizzy breathless ,scared and my body start to shake .I have been mostly household since five years even if I go somewhere I go with either my friends or family members though they don't know I have agoraphobia but still I feel safe around them but this time no one want to go with me .I have exam after six days and exam center is pretty far away from my home. I am so scared how I will go many negative thoughts are running in my mind like what if I get panic attacks my exam will go bad ,no one will be there to understand my situation many more..
Idk what I will do I am so scared of this horrible feeling 😞
It will so helpful mam if you can give me some tips to feel better and control my thoughts otherwise I don't know how I am gonna face this
I am so sorry that you are faced with this challenge. My first thought is asking the testing site if there are any accommodations that they have for someone with panic and agoraphobia. There are accommodations that are made in the US, but I am unfamiliar with what accommodations are made in other countries. If no accommodations are possible, then I would begin to challenge yourself to leave your home at least 3 times a day beginning today. Allow yourself to panic when you are away if this is how your body responds. Panic will not hurt you even though it is uncomfortable. It is a short period of time…just 6 days away…and perhaps telling yourself that you give yourself permission to try and it is ok if anxiety decides to come along and it is okay if your body decides to panic as you will allow yourself to float through the panic…but you will regardless do your best to take the exams as best as you can. Wishing you the best.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy first of all Thank you so much for replying me mam and yeah as you said now starting from tomorrow I will try to get out from my home as far as possible and I hope I can be confident enough to fight through this well .Thank you so much for wishing me 💜❤
I got it so bad that I got even trouble of going on the balcony at my own flat as I fear neighbours will look at me and judge me :( sometimes I just want to end it all
I hear you. I never liked a neighbor to see me. I would even try to avoid answering the door or the phone. It sounds like maybe there is a mixture of social anxiety mixed in with your agoraphobia. I am glad you are learning how to help yourself. Here is a playlist all about how to do exposures, and I have even more videos on social anxiety. Fortunately, we can work on this at any age. ruclips.net/p/PL1lUhuKpYUYqRtx-_xbr5gofDxBYIBdq0
How are you doing?
I take benzodiazapine medication because anti-depressants cause me to have serotonin syndrome. It's not easy but I've went off the medication in the past. I didn't know my medication, which seems to be the only thing that helps enough to go out at all, could also be making my agoraphobia worse. I liked your video, it just left me wondering at the end if I should go back to not being on my anti-anxiety medication. Therapy has always been a failure for me but you seem very educated on the subject of anxiety.
Hi Nick.
Please do not make medication changes based on my video, as each person has a unique situation. My recommendation is to seek out the counsel and guidance of your doctor and a therapist if possible. It is very difficult to go off of benzodiazepines and I would want you to have the utmost care and supervision in doing that. Thank you for your comment. I wish you the best.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy I know others really struggled but I don't find benzodiazapine's that hard to get off of. I mean it's not a pleasant experience but it's always been tolerable. I quit last year by personal choice after talking to my Doctor about it. I waited 6 months to see if there was any positive or negative effects in my life but unfortunately my quality of life just suffered. So me and my doctor decided to go back on the medication again.
Sorry if I gave the impression that I was going to make medical decisions based off your video. I just hadn't heard anyone explain the connection between benzodiazapine's and agoraphobia. I wanted to discuss it with my doctor to see if going off the medication might be beneficial to me.
@@Cold_raptor571, thanks for clarifying that. I was also surprised by the research on the use of benzodiazepines causing agoraphobia as a side effect.
How are you doing?
@@mandicook9108 I'm fine still have panic disorder and agoraphobia. Going through a move and have a kid on the way so it's extra stressful right now. Not going to stop the benzodiazapine's yet but plan on talking to my doctor. With my reactions to other medications I really don't have a lot of other medication options and without medication I'm really not very productive, my quality of life sucks without them but isn't that great with them. Panic disorder is a crappy thing to live with
Can I ask….
So I have agoraphobia. I fear even walking now… it’s scary.
My fear is my BP getting high (normal BP but skyrockets when panicking).
How do I get past this? I’ve been cleared by Doctors with cardiac follow ups at the hospital. (Difficult lol)
Hi. You are not alone. This is quite common for many people with agoraphobia. To recover from agoraphobia you will want to face your fears gradually in specific ways to create new safety learning neuropathways in your brain. It sounds more complicated than it is. You will want to follow a program with interoceptive sensitivity reduction training. And then move on to do situational exposures.
I have a course for people with panic disorder that includes how to do interoceptive training. I take you through the process step by step. You left a comment at the perfect time because you can take advantage by signing up for a waitlist list and receiving a savings code. The program becomes available in 10 days.
Your Panic Attacks Are NOT the Boss OnLine Course
www.paigepradko.com/panic
Here are a panic assessments:
Panic Attacks Quiz
www.paigepradko.com/panic-quiz
In addition to interoceptive training you may also want to learn how to practice ERP, exposure and response prevention. I have a program for people with health anxiety available now and I guide you in how to practice exposures in that course. I work with many people with agoraphobia that have panic symptoms and health anxiety.
Health anxiety quiz
www.paigepradko.com/healthanxietyquiz
Why Do I Feel That in my Body? Explanations of Bodily Symptoms Due to Anxiety, Stress and Panic
www.paigepradko.com/bodyanxiety
Do you offer virtual appointments for treatments?
Hi Anita.
Thank you, I feel honored that you asked. I do virtual consultations on occasion when I have openings in my schedule. Unfortunately, at the moment, my schedule is filled. Feel free to contact me at PaigePradko.com in the future if you are interested in working with me.
I been on ssri for the 12 years, it’s got worse in the last year and I have been house bound for 11 months, I have research about agoraphobia and treatment, I’m currently taking clomipramine, I don’t know what to do it’s killing me, I’m trying to do exposure therapy for the last 8 month but hasn’t got me much
I live in the uk north east
I am so sorry that you are suffering. Agoraphobia is a difficult condition, but, you can make progress. It involves retraining your brain through a series of exposures. If you can find a therapist to help support you, it may help you to continue to challenge yourself. Wishing you strength and determination in your challenges ahead.❤️
Paige Pradko LPC NCC
Thank you, how can I retrain my brain or is there a video about it ❤️
I got mine from being in a small town as the only brown person that makes me very recognised in a very rural backwards conservative area where I don’t feel very safe sorry to bring race into this but it plays a big role here.of course in this small town being a brown kid in the height of all this Middle Eastern Muslim tension made me an easy target just for that alone and if they were not upfront about it they still hated me subliminally for my race I could just sense it with the hostility and sarcasm.so they already hated me they just needed a catalayst for it to make it not look that way when in reality it was.so a view friends or ass holes started to dig through my social media to try and get dirt on me releasing some video of me dancing embarrassingly bask when I was a teen and just started to use that as an excuse and tried to make it go viral in the town so no one take me seriously it was done with intention to lower status and when you can lower a persons status through humility it becomes easier not to take them seriously dehumanise them and make it easier to hurt or kill them.and that with the race stuff I felt.yes trying to embarrass someone can lead to violence a bully always uses the point and laugh technique before punching you.of course being in that same small town still very racist and nit much opportunity I still see the same dicks to this day.they don’t say shit anymore but they still give off that narcassacist smirk of evil as if we’re still in freshman year so immature.like hey look how much of a success I’ve become and you’re a loser when in reality where all losers in this shit hole they just have it slightly better so if I git out of that place to a more progressive city with job opportunities going out the house won’t be a problem for me.sorry I used swear words I hope you just felt my frustration when ever I see the same bullies my blood just boils but I know they have the man power in friends even tho I now work out and can take them,I feel like I’m in an unstable ecology very harsh feels like prison you have to be on high alert plus there are several bars on my street as it’s in the main part of town.and of course if it’s not bumping into you’re corner bully in this small proximity of this geographical area you then get the random drunks shouting and screaming at you.and of course they say something racist now I know how woman feel like when they get cat called.so every time I go out the house I feel like I have to prepare for a fight I feel like I’m Afghanistan as irionic as it sounds becuse that’s a part of the world I’m from.tye curse just follows you.but yeah I feel like I have this life fast die young lifestyle I take heroin weed and alcohol to ease the pain also once again irionic as heroin grows a lot back home which causes the biokance and some western interference as to why were there as well as oil don’t want to get political here.but yeah my heart races I feel huge stress in my head it starts spinning fast the aderline is like cold fluid freezing my muscles not a nice feeling.im housebound I don’t get welfare no one employs me but I repaire some things in the garage for cash or two but now I have paranoia that I might get attacked in my house.becuse where having this huge race crisis right now once again sorry to bring race religion politics up but it’s a big part to my problem since I can’t camaflouge into society I’m seen but unheard.i want to get outta here befoure I get lynched.now I dot care if I die onky good that came of thus is I have lots of free time to self educate on the Internet.lucky my parents still pay the bills
I am sorry that you are in this situation and feel constant stress because of it. Racism and politics are all part of it, and no one should deny how it affects one’s security in their environment. My suggestion would be to concentrate on what you can control that would improve your sense of security and how you feel about yourself. How can you take better care of you and feel better about who you are in this world. We may not be able to change everything over night, but think of a few things that you can work on that are in line with your values. I wish you the best.
You know what Paige Pradko Madam, the side effects of SSRI that I have are slowly but surely coming down .. It has noticeably come down .. I am so happy .. It still needs to go a little bit it's much better now .. My Agarophobia is also almost gone ..
That is such wonderful news, Arjun. It is all moving in the right direction and you are healing. I feel happier already. ❤️
I ve been on Lexapro 10mg for over a year. Housebound for 8 months (Sept '21-May'22) and my progress has been huge. During wintertime i have some liiittle panic attacks that are completely manageable. Last summer i was super fine but this summer the weather here hit 45+ degrees and i suffered so much. I still feel as if i am not on meds and i have to go through this again and again. As if i have done zero work. I ve been at a group therapy for a year and i have done so much inner work along with the med. At the moment, my nerves seem broken, a simple sad thing hits me hard and i act as if i have to mourn. I had faced way worse issues and now i get so worked up by random sad things while i have done such a progress? Why doesn't it go away? Has it come to stay?
I wish it were easier. Sometimes our struggles have different layers of healing. One may make wonderful progress and then grieve over lost time. We have to allow and welcome all of our feelings and still encourage ourselves to continue our recovery journey.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy I know.. everyone's healing journey is different.. sometimes I just can't fully accept it. Thank you dearly!
I read that benzos cause agoraphobia......it was in a medical paper...I am taking 1 mg. of klonopin and I swear it is also making me depressed.....I also wonder if hormones like estrogen/progesterone would help...some women are taking bio-identical hormones into their 80's.....personally, I took PremPro for years and it was great.....but no doctors will give Prempro to a 77 year old woman.....It help me and I was taking it until age 65.....but it helped with anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia......I also think that cortisol being too high causes this same situation....I wish I could change my vagus nerve.......too......Paige, have you heard of NAC? It is supposed to help with anxiety.....
Hi Diane. Yes, I have read several studies of NAC being used to treat OCD. It seems like a safe alternative and has some effectiveness for OCD. I imagine it would have some impact on lowering anxiety, but, I have not looked into research relating specifically to anxiety. I have read about long term, chronic use of benzos causing agoraphobia too. I do not have any expertise in the area of hormone replacement therapy.
Thanks mam love from India
thank you so much mam now i know i have agoraphobia because 2x already had pannick attack in mall i feel so fear
I am so sorry, Amelia. I am proud of you for facing your fear and going to the mall even with panic. You are brave and this courage will help you to make progress and heal.
Hello i know this videos is 3 years old but i really need an answer on why no sweetener as someone with type 1 diabetes
I have a new video on diet and anxiety coming out in a few weeks. There has been research that shows that the higher the sugar or simple carb intake, the higher one’s anxiety level. Even artificial sweeteners are linked to anxiety. Do your best to stick to natural sweeteners like found in berries and other fruits.
I have always had anxiety but it's actually my ibs that has caused my agoraphobia.
You are not alone. Our gut is sometimes called our second brain. There is a connection between anxiety and our digestion/gut/intestines. They work hand in hand. If we fear an ibs attack and avoid going places because of it, we are training our brains to fear these sensations which makes an association between digestion and anxiety and leaving our safe place. We can slowly form new connections between leaving and safety through exposures. They do not even have to be perfect or good exposures to create improvement. I hope that you will keep working on your exposures daily to broaden your life.
Please make a video for claustrophobia...
That is a great idea. Thank you.
Hi doc , How long is the therapy for Agoraphobia and what are the average chances of successful treatment and does it come back after therapy? Thanks in advance for the reply .
Hi. Those are great questions. I wish I could give you definitive answers, but people are very different in their fear tolerance and their commitment, determination and motivation in recovery. Some people with agoraphobia have panic disorder, some have social anxiety, some have cardio phobia and health anxiety, some have family members and loved ones accommodating them to such an extent that it sabotages their recovery. Some people have driving anxiety as well. All of these conditions and more affect the length of treatment and recovery. I generally work with people with agoraphobia somewhere between 6 months to a year. But, the sessions are spread out further and further as they gain their independence and learn how to keep challenging themselves and expanding their safe zones. It is possible to be fully recovered…but it can creep back if someone stops all effort and basically gives up their gains. I teach people how to maintain their progress to sustain their recovery.
I am going to be providing online courses with direct help with exposures on zoom later this year. If you are interested in learning more about my treatment options please sign up for my newsletter here and I will keep you informed: www.paigepradko.com.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you. This cleared my Questions to some extent . My safe zone is expanding . I have failed many many times but it was worth it . At least i can go around and with someone's help i can even go places which is not my safe zone . Its a long way ahead. Do pray for me . Thank you and yeah will surely attend the zoom discussion . Regards
Yes…I will pray for you. Every exposure is a new opportunity for your brain to learn that you are safe. Even exposures that cause panic are still productive because they teach your brain that you can tolerate high anxiety and panic. Think of your brain as a toddler or a scared young animal and you are teaching it little by little that they are safe. Keep up the good work.🙏❤️
does tobacco include basic nicotine like vapes?
I believe tobacco products include nicotine. But, it might depend on the product itself.