All About Agoraphobia // ANXIETYMAMMA

[@lulovely2016]

Good work for getting so far in beating agoraphobia. It's so hard. Your video is inspiring me to keep pushing 💪

[@LaurenRose.]

Thank you so much!

[@destineebader9845]

Thank you so much for making this video, I really needed to hear this today. I can relate to everything you've said. I'm really struggling right now with my agoraphobia, but I'm trying to practice driving every day. I'm just at a point where I feel very depressed about how bad my anxiety has gotten. I'm disappointed in myself for letting it get this bad. I just feel very alone and like I don't have many support systems.

[@caseymielke8682]

Destinee Bader you and me both!

[@LaurenRose.]

I completely understand, but you need to not be so hard on yourself. Panic and agoraphobia is emotionally and physiologically terrifying, so it's not surprising that you've gotten to this point. Anybody would. It's very hard to do something that literally goes against what your body and brain is telling you. Hard to reason with the illogical, the irrational. You will get there, and it might be slower than you expect, but you WILL get there. Forgive yourself for getting to where you are, and just take it slowly - but know that what you really need right now is for YOU to be on YOUR side.

[@glorialopez9031]

So sad to hear that cause that's how I feel sometimes but i stop that thinking and turn it around..am like "your not alone your going to get thru it your strong and you love your self and this is not your fault ..if she's doing it that means we can to😍😊😉😁cheer up and pray to God to give you the strenght to keep on going..God bless you

[@CoffeeWithFarabi]

I feel alone with this as well. I understand you.

[@shastaholly991]

I wish this topic was more talked about. I’m 18 and I wasn’t always afraid to leave my house but by the age of 17 I started panicking and honestly I don’t leave my house for weeks. I’m terrified to live on my own, I quit driving, I won’t see my friends unless they come over. I hate myself so much. I just wish I wasn’t terrified of every tiny thing and could just learn to stay calm. I feel extremely alone because no one in my life understands why I have such a fear of being out in public. I too don’t even understand it sometimes.

[@LaurenRose.]

I totally get where you're coming from. I am working with the idea lately though, that this part of me that is terrified and unsure and scared to move forward, is actually the most precious and beautiful part of me. I don't think there's anything 'wrong' with people that have this condition, rather I think that we are just incredibly sensitive people with a particular way at looking at the world. And once we can learn to honour this part of ourselves instead of fearing it, we can finally let go of the unworthiness and realise that we are INCREDIBLY capable. When you find your way through this, and you will, you are going to come out the other side with such a great sense of yourself. I think what we're really running from is ourselves, not the outside world.

[@CoffeeWithFarabi]

I am the same only much older.

[@Z3AL]

like you, I have stomach problems on top of agoraphobia so the panic atracks make my stomach hurt. I've been able to get out of the house a little for the past 4 days but I would leave when I got the panic attack. I will definitely try the stay in the situation, thank you so much for making thesr vids. they help out a whole lot!

[@LaurenRose.]

FelineSine 28665 oh thank you! That's so nice 😊 I totally understand, staying in the situation feels completely impossible but it does get easier with time. ❤️❤️

[@browngirl5905]

FelineSine 28665 try your best to stay because it will retrain your brain, to know there is no danger.

[@TheOnlyHonor]

Hi there, I have just found your videos, I have suffered with Agoraphobia for just over 12 years now , I have been housebound all this time. Honestly I have kinda given up thinking I could get out and be normal, but you have done amazing with everything you have done. Thank you so much for all your videos.

[@LaurenRose.]

Honor thank you so much for your lovely comment! Please don’t give up. I know I felt that way many times, but it IS possible for you to get through this and find a new normal. I have been exploring the idea that a lot of anxiety and agoraphobia ends up being a habitual state and the good thing about that is that habits can be changed. I really recommend reading the book ‘breaking the habit of being yourself’ by joe dispenza. It’s not a book about anxiety but it explained to me more than any thing else ever has about my condition and why it seemed so hard to break out of the panic cycle. And I’m always here if you need someone to talk to. Sending big love your way. ❤️

[@TheOnlyHonor]

Thank you, you are so sweet! I will check that book out ,thank you for the recommendation :)

[@lisaarroyo30]

thank you for this video . its great to hear other peoples experiences who have actually overcame the difficult part, and showing yeah its always going to be with you but practice regardless and dont be harsh on yourself. you truly are an inspiration to me and many others who suffer from agoraphobia.

[@LaurenRose.]

Thank you so much for such a lovely comment!!! I'm glad that's the message you got from this video - that's totally it. Sending you much love

[@lucywardle5108]

Thank you so much for putting yourself out there like this. I've just found your blog/channel today and you're so inspiring! I've had agoraphobia for maybe two years now (housebound for the past year) and I'm from Melbourne too! I know exactly what you've been through/going through and this has given me extra hope that things aren't going to be like this forever!

[@browngirl5905]

Lucy Wardle I would also suggest getting Claire Weekes books and audiobooks. They're very good and have helped many people recover.

[@browngirl5905]

Great video!

[@LaurenRose.]

Ohhh hey fellow melbourne-agoraphobe! :P Thank YOU for the lovely comment. Things will not be like this forever!!! (PS excellent profile pic, I feel a kindred spirit, haha)

[@kamap4477]

Thank you for sharing this story. You helped me SOOO much!

[@LaurenRose.]

Thank you! I'm so glad!

[@janinecunningham2]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am so amazed to see so many people like us sharing our stories, the more we do it and stand together the less it will be stigmatised. I look forward to more videos!

[@EllyseJae]

Thank you for sharing. I’m afraid I would get to this point if I don’t continue to be proactive. I struggle with depression and anxiety. I dealt with depression through all four of my pregnancies as well as postpartum. Right now I’m almost two years postpartum still dealing with depression. In a different city, my husband works more than he ever has in our relationship. And I’m in the house all day because I have so much anxiety about leaving the house with my children by myself. I didn’t used to be like this. Even with depression and anxiety I would still take my kids places. But the past six months being here in the New city I’m struggling. My therapist keeps trying to recommend I go for a walk with the kids. I want to because I know it’s right. But I then think, I have to get the stroller down the stairs get the kids down the stairs (without tripping and falling due to whatever scenario is plaguing my mind) and keep them calm what if it’s not safe how Can I do it by myself? This is just a small situation I deal with. I am able to leave the house if my husband is with me and the kids or if I’m by myself for a few minutes. But I’m feeling stuck and lost. I am making progress in other areas but I’m struggling with the aspects of motherhood. I hope some of this made sense. Maybe you can give me some insight.

[@LaurenRose.]

Ellyse, I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I understand what you mean. And you know what? Motherhood is stressful enough before adding depression and anxiety into the mix. The thing that stuck out at me the most though in your comment was that I think you aren't getting enough quality time with yourself. It's nearly impossible to feel calm and capable with your kids when you haven't had any time to look after yourself first. Going for a walk with them sounds great, but I wonder if there's maybe some way you can get some alone time, maybe to do some yoga, or a walk by yourself, or just something that comes under the category of self care?? It sounds as if you have zero faith or trust in your own abilities right now, and I'm just wondering if maybe achieving a personal goal or having some time every week where you can really connect with yourself and show your body and mind some love will help to strengthen your view of yourself. You sound like an incredibly strong and amazing woman.

[@EllyseJae]

AnxietyMamma wow!! I’m completely in awe right now. I let me just start with, thank you for even responding back 😊. It says I wrote this 3 weeks ago and I’m literally at a loss for words on how much my life has improved just since then!!! I had been seeing a therapist for a while now and just like what you said she was telling me I needed to have time to myself and I needed to find ways for true self care. Around the time I commented I really just gave my all to myself and started taking a bath every night. Lol it sounds silly but I’m a shower person so I can quickly do what I need to do and get back to everything. It’s so amazing how much of a difference that little change has made in my life. And then last week I started a new KZbin channel just doing my makeup but just that makes me feel like I’m an actual woman/human again... some how I’ve been finding the energy and drive to work on it daily. Seeing your comment just gave me sooooooo much confirmation that I’m doing the right thing and taking the right steps to better the quality of my mental health and life. So thank you sooo much!!! I still have a lot of improvements to make but just seeing this right now shows me that I have so much to be grateful for and my progress has been amazing... again thank you for responding or I never would have took the time to reflect on that today.

[@LaurenRose.]

Ellyse Jae that’s so so so wonderful!!!!! I am so happy to read this! Amen to taking time - it’s so hard as a mum not to try and rush everything since there’s always a never ending list of things to do, but slowing down to enjoy a bath or whatever it may be is SO GOOD to show yourself some love. Go you for being so proactive. I’d love to watch your videos if you want to share your new channel! Beauty vid junkie over here 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@EllyseJae]

AnxietyMamma thank you so much!! And you’re so kind! I will comment from my beauty channel so you can just click it

[@manifestedpassion1102]

AnxietyMamma hello 👋🏽 this is my New channel. It absolutely means the world to me that you not only showed interest in my mental health but also my channel. I hope it’s something you can enjoy 😊 thank you again. Hope to keep in touch.

[@couponmommilife]

You are such an inspiration i was housebound for almost 2 years too after the birth of my son.hes 3 now and i can go out but struggling with going/driving places alone..im hoping i can get better like u did

[@LaurenRose.]

you can and you will!! For me it was all a matter of consistency and habit. And don't forget to focus on how far you've already come. You've got this mama!

[@kyliemarie1300]

Thank you so much for making this video! It's so important for us who are homebound to see others trying and not giving up! I'm ready to get my life back, and considered making a KZbin to help others along with me. That's what lead me to your channel!

[@LaurenRose.]

Kylie you absolutely should do that!!! It's great for other people to follow your journey, but also it really helps you along the way. It's helped me so much knowing that others out there are going through the same thing, and I swear half the reason i went and did a city exposure session (in one of my other vids) was because I really wanted that to be my next video! Being on youtube has helped me to push out my comfort zone a LOT. Go for it I say!!!

[@angie2647]

I haven't learned to stay when having a panic attack, I start to cry when I leave the house because I have alot of trains over here so I have so much panick when I have to wait for the train to pass. I haven't been out of the house in awhile. I'm happy that your better!

[@browngirl5905]

Angelica Alvarado I can relate with the train situation.

[@LaurenRose.]

I can understand that. It's so hard to stay because literally every fibre of your being is telling you to escape. Especially with something as loud and jolting as a train! It will honestly just be a matter of practice. Have you tried noise cancelling headphones? Maybe they would help to take a tiny bit of the loudness away which may help you to stay?

[@angie2647]

AnxietyMamma sorry for the late response! its not the noise it like the fact that i have to wait to get home, like no escape. but my therapist said to count them and it kind of helps. but now i just panick with unfamiliar places

[@Ирина-б6и9л]

Hi, my name is Iryna. I have been with agoraphobia for about 5 years. I find your video very inspiring. 👏🙏Thank you. I’m trying to do the same but facing difficulties with staying in the moment. How did you manage to make yourself stay in the moment of panic attack and not to run away? Please share where did you get the strength or motivation?

[@belindamorriss]

Hi Lauren, I just signed up to the 21 day programme and I'm looking forward to it helping. Thank you for your videos. They help so much. Belinda.

[@LaurenRose.]

Hi Belinda - Great choice, it was such an amazing program! Andrew is a fantastic guy. Enjoy!!

[@CoffeeWithFarabi]

Thank you for this LaurenRose I’ve been struggling with agoraphobia all of my life. I stopped driving for years now and I can’t walk past my mailbox alone.

[@lindsayb1414]

Your videos make me feel hopeful, thank you for posting about your experience and giving us advice. I really appreciate them!

[@LaurenRose.]

Thank you for the lovely comment!

[@waynethomson84uk]

8yrs on with agoraphobia and I'm still house bound

[@LaurenRose.]

Sending you love Wayne, I know how rough it can be!

[@CoffeeWithFarabi]

I have been agoraphobic all my life and now I’m in my 50’s.

[@Sam-bx5fv]

thank you so much for this i recently started going through this and am going to start working on getting better.

[@j23-x6u]

Thank you for your tips I've had this condition for a few months now and I'm desperately trying to get back to how I was before. One thing I'm struggling with is that I'm afraid to talk to my friends, I'm a guy in my twenties but I'm afraid my friends wouldn't understand if I told them. I know I have good friends but I can't bring myself to explain that i just simply stugglle going outside now. I went from being a very social person, going out most weekends to quitting my job and staying locked in my house whilst my savings disappear and the bills climb higher. I'm hoping that I can overcome this problem as soon as possible and maybe I can trick my brain into remembering all the times I use to go out and there was never any danger. Thanks again for you tips on how you combatted this illness, sorry for the long rant.

[@Jodilabo]

j 23 you aren’t alone. I am the same way. I don’t even know what I’m afraid of. We’ll overcome it.

[@makeupmars]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and story, it honestly is so very helpful to know to you're not alone in this. I have a question did you ever have leg pain along with your panic attacks/ anxiety attacks? Or has anybody else experienced this? Like painful cramping leg pain? Thank you very much 💕

[@LaurenRose.]

makeup mars not that I can recall, but I can tell you exactly why this happens! During a panic attack, blood flow is directed towards the centre of the body, away from the limbs. This can make your limbs feel numb or painful. This is just the fight or flight response, which also causes your muscles to become instantly active and strong (to get you to 'safety' quickly). If you're having panic attacks on a frequent enough basis, your legs may ache from this muscle tension. Or they may just ache during the panic attack. It's uncomfortable for sure, but a completely normal physiological response! ❤️

[@makeupmars]

Thank you so much for responding so quickly!! Your videos have seriously helped me so much in just knowing that there is someone else out there that has gone through what I'm going through, so thank you💕

[@cookingatcurrahee]

Ahh! So exited for this video and that you're better 💕 this inspires me that it WILL be over and I'll make it through this

[@LaurenRose.]

Thank you so much Katie! :) You absolutely will make it through.It's just part of the journey, not the destination

[@mercuryxyz7222]

You need to learn more about this hereditary disorder. An agoraphobic Is not developed. An agoraphobic is born with it. An agoraphobic attack comes on like a seizure. The sufferer looks for escape. This “ escape “ can be most serious. Maybe you have a psychological anxiety disorder. If you have agoraphobia , then you would have had these panic attacks when you were at an age when you were too young to identify it. It doesn’t have to come from immediate family. It can come from wider genetic history

[@gracel6218]

I have agoraphobia about walking outside if it’s even remotely dark :( I’m scared I’ll get attacked by someone on the way to the bus/tram

[@tinayhattingh7333]

Hi there.. loved your video.. said alot of things that makes sence.. my agoraphobia is also from sudden oanick attacks.. i just have one question though.. my agoraphobia is from panick attacks but my panick attacks arnt easy to get rid of because of constant anxiety from reall life situations not just thoughts in my head.. i broke up with my sons dad 5 months ago.. now im forced to move on my own and with no money so i got a new job but its 12 hour shifts and little pay and im a waitron so alot of stress at work making sure others are okay.. and thats why im battling im finding it hard to cope and believe i can do this when i know i cant.. because i really cant not having the finances and a home etc.. especially being a single mom to a 2 year old boy can imagine the pressure and responsibility on my shoulders.. i need to overcome my agoraphobia in less then 2 weeks so i can get back to work to afford to live.. how do you think one could achieve that when your situations causing the stress anxiety and housebound depression are just not fixable in sucha short time

[@lisb6655]

I've had agoraphobia for 7 years four years ago it got better but it got worst again

[@glorialopez9031]

Omg am going thru all those fears,,o tried to stay but I get lightheaded feel like am going to faint, my heart seems like is going to explode,it scare the heck out of me..but trying to ride the panic as much as I can.

[@CoffeeWithFarabi]

It’s terrifying isn’t it? I have literally passed out 😵 in the store.

[@kindrajohnson6918]

Great video..very encouraging 😊 Question.. Have you ever taken meds for your anxiety? Ive been prescribed a prescription but would like to deal with it naturally...just wanted your opinion on anxiety medication

[@JORDANDAVIES30]

If you feel anxious, ask your self in your mind... Is it a opinion that you are in danger,,, or is it a fact that you are in danger?? If you keep asking your self this question in your mind. You will never have panic attacks or anxiety ever again! 🙂

[@couponmommilife]

Do you ever experience adrenaline rush then your stomach hurts..any advice on this..😔

[@LaurenRose.]

Yep, I often take buscopan to ease stomach cramps, I get them from IBS which is directly related to my anxiety! Otherwise practising proper breathing techniques helps as well.

[@beesilva9085]

I prob have every type of anxiety since I could remember I have agoraphobia that gives me anxiety attack & depersonalization / health anxiety. The worst is physical symptoms like bloating etc that causes more anxiety. It’s a vicious cycle! As an adult it just gets harder bc of life stress.

[@nadasaad1298]

Thank you so much for that. Actually I have Agoraphobia and I'm taking baby steps in this. I'm going out like 5 or 6 minutes away from my house and stuff, but the problem that I always get the feeling that someone is gonna abuse me or say stupid thing to me and I'm terribly sensitive. I lose control and maybe cry all the way home when I'm in the city or away from home. I still can't get out like away from my house or have fun when I'm actually out! I don't know what to do.

[@LaurenRose.]

Keep going!!!! It takes a little time but you will get there.

[@prakashrangnekar3365]

Really appreciate the video,

[@kayleighfreemantle7579]

Found this video very helpful x

[@LaurenRose.]

I'm so glad!

[@crlymia]

Can you do a video about books you recommend reading that help with anxiety....

[@browngirl5905]

Mia Nycole Claire Weekes books and audiobooks!

[@LaurenRose.]

Sure! Great idea :)

[@brucevecranges6438]

When going for walks how long did you walk for. Did you stick to the same routine or did you change it around thank you

[@LaurenRose.]

I changed it up! Sometimes I'd only walk for five minutes. Sometimes half an hour. And I'd usually change up the route to make it interesting!

[@Z3AL]

do you have any tips on how to reduce nausea triggered from anxiety?

[@LaurenRose.]

FelineSine 28665 I don't tend to suffer nausea from anxiety, I get more digestive upset. But I know some friends who get pretty severe nausea during panic and they swear by ginger lollies. I think that and learning some deep breathing techniques may be helpful.

[@Z3AL]

AnxietyMamma ok, thanks!

[@eveexplains1884]

You're so beautiful and your honesty is so inspiring

[@LaurenRose.]

Thank you :) Wonderful vid - so informative!