Overcoming Agoraphobia | Mental Health Webinar

Have you struggled with agoraphobia, the fear of doing things that might bring on a panic attack? Dr. Karen Cassiday provides the steps to learn the latest tips and information about overcoming agoraphobia and reclaiming your life.
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[@juliewaid860]

I am struggling with agoraphobia and just wanted to add a note here: Some people have a fear of experiencing fear or other strong emotions because they were abused or punished for expressing strong feelings in childhood or when they were younger. If this is you it is OK. Having agoraphobia or any other mental health challenge does not mean that you were "spoiled" or that your family of origin made everything "easy" for you.

[@juliewaid860]

@Reeba Khan I am doing a bit better:) I am taking the bus for short trips and taking the train. I still have bad days but I am making very slow progress:)

[@juliewaid860]

@Reeba Khan I have been going to therapy and it has really helped. Also I have been doing some exposure and taking small trips at a time. Before I would think about going to a destination and have a panic attack and never make it. Now my strategy is just to get on the bus or get in a car and if I have a problem I can stop. A lot of the time I would wind up not having a problem and making it much further than I would have expected. I also try to just feel and accept the anxiety now instead of trying to fight against it which would make everything worse. I hope that helped:) And I hope you start to have a better time soon:)

[@booksohmany1698]

Bless you

[@figgusriggs6462]

Amen. I'm autistic and was severely punished for being triggered by sensory issues. I'm constantly panicking that my partner is going to leave me because I'm emotional. Honestly thanks for this comment because this makes a lot more sense.

[@renatarzeznikiewicz3893]

Is there a second part made of this talk ?

[@ryanbellegrave9777]

I can say FOR SURE that you need to push your limits to get out of this. A few years ago, I couldn’t leave my couch. Today, I’m watching this because I couldn’t complete a 300-mile trip through the desert on my own. I’m still learning to push back and get better, but you’ve gotta have that fight in your heart. Aren’t you sick of this? Don’t you want to be your own person again? We’ve gotta be there for one another and not let these little nightmares control us. There’s nothing physically wrong. It’s how we interpret things. God, I’m so angry that I still have that limit.

[@444_gd]

Well said

[@lindseystratton8794]

I developed agoraphobia due to past trauma, but lockdowns from the pandemic and having to attend classes online allowed me to create my bubble I don’t have the strength to break out of. I did manage to go out with my husband and his work friends for an event two weeks ago- but the whole time I felt like I was 2 seconds from passing out or throwing up… fun stuff. Thank you for this post

[@mercuryxyz7222]

You have a psychological anxiety disorder

[@RyanKWilliamson]

Hi Lindsay. I can relate to this. My mom died during lockdown (she’s all I ever had), so my lockdown habits combined with my safety net being permanently gone just wrecked me. I eventually didn’t want to go anywhere. Groceries? I’ll do delivery. Gotta drive somewhere? I’ll take the side roads. Going to an event? It better be outdoors! Sooo, while I’m not at all out of this, I’m way better than I was last year. Full disclosure I’m not taking medication. I was prescribed an SSRI, but I simply never took it. The ONLY thing that works for me is the thing you already know. We have to be brave. We have to KEEP putting in the repetitions in. If we don’t force ourselves to be in these situations, we’ll always live a life in fear of the most simplistic things, like grocery shopping or driving. The overall quality of life absolutely plummets. So I wish you strength, friend. Keep at it. Even if you have a tiny, tiny win, such as making it past a stoplight before turning around and going home--celebrate it. Every single day of your life, EVERY DAY, put yourself in a usually anxiety inducing scenario. I promise you it will get better if you do this. Finally, be kind to yourself. Celebrate small wins, don’t mentally insult yourself for not being quite ready all the time-just don’t give up.

[@josiekoch7589]

completely true! the lockdown has made things soooooo much harder even though it’s been over for a while.

[@mercuryxyz7222]

@@RyanKWilliamson learn the Claire weekes method. Health and hope for your nerves “

[@anxietyexpertwahida]

Trauma makes your brain spike fear responses like that if you treat the trauma the agoraphobia will go 😊

[@belindacullen-reid4595]

My severe anxiety does not pass in seconds or minutes. I stay at a high level of anxiety for days. This does not work for everyone. Not everyone’s severe anxiety passes if they wait it out

[@WithBailey]

That's what I go through too and it's called Panic Disorder, not just anxiety. Of course I'm not trying to diagnose you or anything, I'm no professional, just figured I'd mention it

[@belindacullen-reid4595]

I agree. It is not correct to say you can wait it out. For some people you can remain in a high state of anxiety for a long time. It is exhausting and depressing to experience

[@anxietyexpertwahida]

I agree a lot of misinformation on this. Exposure therapy is not the best way and you can’t just wait it out you will need proper treatment that deals with the cause

[@ChocoliciousChik]

Thank you for this video! This is exactly what I am going through, such a difficult battle when now I'm afraid of the symptoms I get from trying to push through my anxiety. It's affecting my work, sitting at stop lights, going to the store but I am trying to push through the fear but it is hard.

[@badnewsfairy1]

Omg stop lights! I thought I was crazy!

[@RyanKWilliamson]

Same here. Stop lights, freeways, large stores with no quick exits :)

[@coinhoarder432]

I’m 60, I have had anxiety attacks for years. It has slowly turned into agoraphobia. I combat it with marginal success. I have held a couple of elected positions over the last 10 years where tense and lengthy meetings in a public setting can trigger an attack. The worst phase came after a heart episode with a heart rate over 320 BPM. That changed everything. I am now slowly working my way back to trust that it won’t happen again which is another level of anxiety of its own. I pray for my fellow sufferers. Stay the course, we can all overcome this.

[@AnaLuizaHella]

🙏🙏♥️🙏🙏

[@anxietyexpertwahida]

It is possible to get better ❤️‍🩹

[@snowstormwishxoxo5459]

Aww I'm so sorry that happened to you that's so sad I feel so bad 🥺 I hope your doing better now. Agoraphobia along with its symptoms causes so much damage. I have it so bad that my brain truly believes you definitely can't do this or that because the fear that you have is not just agoraphobia it's true it's not all in your head. I feel like my brain is so warped I've only recovered in certain areas of my life. I prayed to Saint Jude for help and I did not know or understand that I immediately was being put through exposure therapy until watching videos like this one. This sweet and patient patron saint had helped me be able to carryon with just simple routines in life but I still have more to work on. Please pray to him for help he tries his best to do what he can for you and if you believe his prays will not fail you.

[@successfulOn3]

I started dealing with this 2009.... got so bad to where I can't get acrylic nails, braids, sewin extensions, polish, salons, elevators, dentist, closed in spaces....well anything that doesn't let me feel free....i have a great fear of driving and riding passenger, especially fear of being stuck in traffic.....the moment I feel confined I panic....I started avoiding any and everything that would cause a panic attack. I've tried to get help, but people do not take mental health serious and think you just want pills...

[@sevenwitherspoon5611]

This is all the things I go threw I can’t believe other people suffer from this thank you for sharing wow

[@successfulOn3]

@@sevenwitherspoon5611 thank you! I've been thinking of starting a KZbin/ podcast about it.....I just started taking ashwagandha and its helping and its all natural...

[@queenchiomaofficial]

Have you tried to get to the root of what caused all of this. As this might help. Sounds like it’s something to do with being smothered. Or maybe you experienced something that made you feel claustrophobic, if you reframe the experience you’ll possibly find it easier to go to these places again.

[@successfulOn3]

I have watched 100's of videos....she's the first to actually understand what I'm going through

[@mercuryxyz7222]

Read Claire weekes

[@successfulOn3]

@@Lvliflivw I didn't ask for your opinion..... IT WAS GOOD FOR ME! rude to undermine what helps someone else....

[@bearlogg7974]

Having agoraphobia is like being a deep sea diver within a ocean of fear with a verry fragile saftey line/oxygen tube stored on your back used to pull you up/keep you alive. Any failure can lead to you being shatterd under 10,000 ft of preasure under a expidition. You know for every step walking on that seabed looking forward theres another step where the chord just might snap behind you, and its enough to drive you completley insane. Worst part being that the equipment degrades after not being exposed to preasure wich means you need to harden it by going just a little deeper next time, or else.

[@Joesfosterdogs]

For me, it started w a panic attack teaching a class. Then, I felt if I drive I will shut down inside my car. Now, I just have great difficulty going outside mainly because I am all alone and there is no place to go.I used to try to take walks, but it is being alone for me that causes shut down. All of this started when my mom died while I was overseas working and rejected by my sister and dad when I returned at the request of my dad to move in. All hell broke loose then.

[@pinkpandamiranda]

I can tolerate being uncertain and uncomfortable.

[@shawna_mills8414]

I'm going through this due to work place bullying and bad looks from strangers.

[@amesailor]

Big shout out to Neal for shutting everything down just when it was starting to get helpful.

[@WitchyE]

This video arrived at the perfect time. Thank you.

[@nonamegonzalez5711]

Thank you for posting this.

[@snowstormwishxoxo5459]

This video was great and provided so much clarity and more understanding of this mental illness for me. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain what agoraphobia really is!

[@tyolds88]

I suffer from this and it sucks because I get that fight or flight feeling as soon as I step out the house or go in to the store even though In my mind I know there are no threats it’s to the point where I feel so uncomfortable and just wanna retreat back to the safety of my room. I also wasn’t always like this and don’t even know how it got to this point besides the fact I stayed in doors for like a week and then two and then I guess that played some role but I just wanna overcome and be able to enjoy time with those that I love even though they don’t always understand my problems.

[@mercuryxyz7222]

Learn the Claire weekes method

[@michaeldunn7572]

I feel you bro. I used to be fine but now tnr thought of going outside makes me want to vomit

[@annekawoodhead8045]

I'm just the same. Had an amazing life before. I travelled everywhere no problem. Now I can't leave the house without having a panic attack. It's like living in a real life nightmare.

[@SmithBrookHollow]

Thanks so much for webinar!! It would be so helpful if you put the links here to the website and to list of therapists

[@MtRogers-uz6ry]

I have suffered with this for 10 years. Well past hope for fixing. This was a hard lecture to sit through. Really hit some major points. This is great for someone new to the situation to guide through not getting too far into it. When there is still time to fix yourself.

[@444_gd]

There’s always time to fix yourself. Start pushing and doing exposure the right way. You can do exposure but never accept. You have to learn to accept the anxiety and retrain your brain that there’s NOTHING to be afraid of.

[@markgreet3543]

I have these issues.thanks for this.

[@makennabowman9292]

I have suspected that I have been struggling with minor agoraphobia, and this video gave me so much hope that I can get better and overcome it early on before it gets worse. I struggle to drive long distances, or be in any situation where I'm going faster than 25 miles an hour. I believe it's the fear of adrenaline, or not being in control. The feeling terrifies me and sends me into consistent panic attacks, and it's been difficult to accept because I used to love adrenaline rushes. I loved rollercoasters, going for drives and racing in my car (as a younger stupid kid lol,) and plane rides, etc. Now I find it hard to travel anywhere outside my normal schedule or longer than 20 to 30 minutes, and riding on planes give me extreme panic attacks. I started to think there is no hope for my future if I am going to live like this, but now I know recovering from it isn't so impossible.

[@whatsuplocs2813]

Same. You're not alone.

[@kyleighlong]

I am the same. I would love to connect with anyone who experiences this! I just learned two days ago I had this.

[@natashavanderheever5327]

This was amazing. Dr. Cassiday is really insightful thank you!! ❤

[@vintagehawk1613]

Ive had this a lot didn’t know what was happing to me thank you for this video it helped me

[@rel256]

17:16 "Lactated Ringer Solution" induces panic attack? I had no idea....but i couldn't stop shaking after they hooked me to this IV drip...wow

[@figgusriggs6462]

I'm a woman with agoraphobia and I would say it's likely a result of culture for me. I can't leave my house without being harassed by strange men. The last time I walked by myself outside of the house (which took a lot of hard work), I was followed down the street within 3 minutes of exiting my car by some guy. He yelled at me for half an hour. I can see men having an easier time leaving because they aren't as often afraid of getting killed or assaulted. My old roommate would leave the house all of the time and hardly anyone spoke to him. I've been mugged, jumped, and assaulted multiple times, but the majority of my male friends don't deal with that.

[@deniseherud]

i totally agree with you. my fear is from past traumas, and makes itself known when i'm in a public place where there can be men. a lot of my fears would seem weird to people who don't have agoraphobia, but they make sense to me--like, mowing the front lawn (by the street where cars drive by), or having to walk alone on a sidewalk. i was in the drive thru waiting to place my coffee order, when i saw the gas meter guy checking something right by the road--and i was immediately in a panic mode wondering if he knew how dangerous it was, that someone could abduct him or something--and then i wondered how he could do that job being right on the edge of a street, and not be completely terrified and feeling vulnerable. That's when i realized my fear i was projecting on him was bc as a woman, my chance of being harassed, etc in a public place is a bazillion times more likely than a man being victimized. So i just wanted to let you know that i totally get what you're going through and totally relate.

[@nandobaby87]

It never really goes away. A person will this issue can do something 100 times until it feels comfortable, not do it for a year, and be back at square one.

[@annekawoodhead8045]

That's your experience and not helpful for a sufferer to hear 😢

[@444_gd]

Not square one at all. It’s called a setback and it happens. You have to get right back up and keep going. There can be various things that bring on panic. Do you remember your first panic attack? Was it justified at all? Most of the time they aren’t (at least the initial one). So to your point, there may be other things that bring on an attack after “doing something 100 times”.. could have drank too much coffee, had a lack of sleep, etc. All that said, it’s how you react to the sensation that determines the outcome.

[@tektitetv]

Hi I'm bla bla bla bla bla and I already tuned out, great.

[@justchristine7374]

I went from a confusing alcoholic home to DV relationships. Went for help. Got put on a ton of debilitating meds. That was used against me. Sucks. I just want to be well enough to not become homeless soon.

[@victoriaruiz6695]

It is fear to fear itself....for me it started in the womb ( i stayed there 10 month) and cane out only by cesarean...i avoid a lot but i don t have panic attaks.

[@MrGavinmccolgan]

If you’re reading this, hang in there, you are stronger than this thing. It will get better ❤️‍🩹

[@topteam22]

I can’t travel more than 4 hours because of this. Because what if I feel a panic attack over there and not be near home 🤦🏻‍♂️ but can drive 3 no problem

[@chad2687]

kinda gives me hope. Im already struggling with 1 hour

[@topteam22]

@@chad2687 we have to do it in steps. Feeling uncomfortable is a part of life. We must Adapt.

[@chad2687]

@@topteam22 you're right!

[@sylaineressel8162]

Ever since Covid I haven't left the house. Every time I was invited out I complained and now I don't go out and I have fear of going to the shops. I'm on antidepressants but now I just don't ever leave the house and I don't want to.

[@dannyreynolds3425]

I don’t leave the house at all either x

[@sylaineressel8162]

(((Hugs)))

[@raybellows9851]

Does Dr. Cassiday have a book? I'd love to read more about the techniques she's talking about.

[@mercuryxyz7222]

Read Claire weekes

[@keithleeuwen877]

Please I need help. On ssdi and on verge of losing everything :(

[@hopedealerflores316]

I have been having agoraphobia for a number of years .had lots therapys . Ican go years with out agorphobia / anxiety then it returns . and in the last three years its come back and it really bad . it causes my to feel like im going to fast or dizzy.

[@juanz7908]

Was there a part 2?

[@TheMunchkin66]

I haven't left my house more than a couple of times in the last 4 years.....does this get better? Will I be okay?

[@world_still_spins]

How about a panic event lasting 23 hours a day, every day, for years?

[@Gamer-dude247]

My agoraphobia can never be 'cured', i like people, i liked talking to strangers in public (in the shopping line, bus stop and so on), i am a likeable person, people gravitate towards me for some reason? HOWEVER,..since contracting HPV (Human papillomavirus) and lack of dental care (Gum Disease) with nearly all my teeth gone and no finances to get them fixed, i now completely shy away from any contact with other humans, there is no cure for HPV and there is no cure for lost teeth which has damaged me more than words can describe, i am 53 yars old and waiting patiently for death. (You cannot have a close relationship with HPV because it is a skin virus and can lead to passing on cancer to a female and nobody wants to kiss a toothless person), death is my only savior, but until then i will enjoy my own company with exceptance, i do not fear loneliness and i do not fear death.(If there becomes a cure for HPV and science finds a way to regrow fallen out teeth then sure i will be extroverted again, but thats never going to happen)

[@rubbishpurplelollies]

Do these techniques work for people who don't have panic attacks?

[@solideroftheapocalypse4955]

Yes they go hand on hand

[@thegarbagefly]

Im a guy with agoraphobia, im surprised it happens more to women.

[@kristinn3367]

Agoraphobia does not always go hand in hand with panic attacks.

[@markgreet3543]

Both are awful.

[@xoshelbz]

I don’t think it’s safe to encourage people to go for walks or places without their cell phone, not in this day and age, or without their medicine. But maybe that’s just the agoraphobia speaking. 🙈 Super informative video though!!

[@arunejasiulionyte7951]

what do you do if you feel nauseous? how to practice that?

[@lestudio76]

Ginger

[@NouvelIVague]

Dremamine has been my emergency medication. I recommend these things Peppermint tea Ginger chews Sea bands Mint gum A cold pack for your chest Always bring cold water with you Chew on some saltine crackers or something Ant acids And then maybe talk to your doc about anti nausea medicine if regular anxiety meds are not working

[@adjjal]

I heard from a doc (but have never tried it yet) that if you inhale nasally and smell medical alchohol wipes made with isopropyl alchohol it helps instantly with nausea

[@Caribe78]

Victim mentalities make you activate fight or flight

[@369maar]

afraid of being afraid. ok

[@thegarbagefly]

Actually getting angry really helps with my anxiety

[@444_gd]

Same. Get mad at it. “Bring it on”

[@belindacullen-reid4595]

Agoraphobia is not just caused by panic attacks. This is one reason but not the only reason. Some people have agoraphobia because of high levels of anxiety which are sustained but don’t necessarily result in panic. Others have extreme exhaustion, depression and feelings of overwhelm. Agoraphobia is about not trusting yourself to cope in the situation for various reasons. This video just covers one aspect so will not help everyone with agoraphobia. There needs to be a lot more thorough understanding than what is offered here which is simplistic and out of date

[@littleunknownfacts]

It’s not hereditary. It comes from our experiences in our life. Be it abuse, illness, loss of a loved one, failure etc. babies don’t have it because they haven’t been conditioned by society yet. She is very limited in what she knows. And btw it’s not gender specific either. It’s a horrible decease just like any illness. The cortisol levels in the body increases and becomes the new baseline. The more cortisol the higher the anxiety and fear. I have dealt with this for many many years and talked to many doctors who have no idea what they are talking about. They only know what they read and study. Just like CBT. It doesn’t work. And if someone tells you it worked for them their symptoms were mild to begin with. Ask yourself one question? How did you feel before you had it? Probably normal. Then what happened? Something got triggered causing it over time. Just my 2cents.

[@SunnyBoyy448]

Agoraphobia is definitely genetic. You obviously have an anxiety disorder that has never been resolved due to uninformed , incorrect information. Self knowledge is self peace.

[@SunnyBoyy448]

Learn the Claire Weekes method

[@SunnyBoyy448]

It’s genetic

[@kef103]

Sorry but I think her view is very narrow to her own experiences and she does not understand This at all . She can’t even pronounce agoraphobia correctly.

[@AnnaFB85]

I’ve been a mental health therapist for over 25 years. You have given a very helpful presentation, but please check your pronunciation of the word “agoraphobia.”

[@mercuryxyz7222]

Stop being a know all.

[@elizabethbryan8593]

I don’t think you should consider this helpful. Most of the information isn’t accurate and is closed minded, not person centered and painfully simplistic. She isn’t even touching on the huge numbers of people with agoraphobia that deal with not being able to sort panic from a medical emergency, those who have the common comorbidities that cause intrusive thoughts, or those that also have legitimate panic disorder. Add in those with genuine health conditions that also have health anxiety, because they were misses as well. If I tired these methods it would scramble my brain like an egg. If everyone or even most people with agoraphobia only had fear of panic attacks and could tell they were only having a panic attack that would be one thing. On a side note most people don’t have short panic attacks and the comedown is brutal. 😢

[@Joesfosterdogs]

Is she even pronouncing this correctly? A-gora-phobia, not, Agra-phobia

[@natenowicki1426]

She's saying it correctly it's actually agra-phobia.. but people say A-gora-phobia too.

[@nsaxton]

@@natenowicki1426 Agraphobia is the fear of sexual abuse.

[@mercuryxyz7222]

Anxiety disorder might be more prevalent in women. Agoraphobia is NOT. Agoraphobia is NOT gender biased. End the copy cat erroneous study of it.

[@o13sweetboy]

Exactly.

[@o13sweetboy]

I disagree that Agoraphobia effects women more than men do, I've suffered from Panic Attacks and Agoraphobia and I'm a man and still have effects from it this day, so lets not gender specify everything its ridiculous. Men are less likely to show there raw emotions and open up about that their mental health due to the society bias towards women and their health care which doesn't mean men aren't suffering.

[@mercuryxyz7222]

Let’s set the record straight about agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is a genetic disorder. It is NOT a psychological anxiety disorder. It has many characteristics similar to psychological anxiety disorders,so it is often confused with psychological anxiety disorders. You cannot develop agoraphobia. You are BORN with it. Neither is it gender biased. That’s a fable. Again, agoraphobia is being confused with psychological anxiety disorders. Only the Claire weekes method controls it. Learn the Claire weekes method. It is essential. An agoraphobic attack comes on like a seizure. The sufferer looks for escape. This “escape “ can be most dangerous. The Claire weekes method is the bible of the agoraphobic. It is essential to learn it

[@jordanfarmer8973]

I developed it when I was 29

[@mercuryxyz7222]

@@jordanfarmer8973 you developed a psychological anxiety disorder. Agoraphobia is a genetic disorder. An agoraphobic is born with it. Stop giving misleading information. An agoraphobic must learn the Claire weekes method.

[@Nonob7716]

I just bought her book for me (former panic disorder - now 30 days recovered from it) and my 12 year old little girl whom has agoraphobia and anxiety. I’m excited to read it to her - I hear she is the go to for this disorder.

[@mercuryxyz7222]

@@user-zk8ck3my3l false. Agoraphobia is 100/- genetic. Either you have a psychological anxiety disorder or your earlier agoraphobia wasn’t diagnosed as such. Agoraphobia and schizophrenia are dangerous genetic disorders. And only the Claire weekes method controls agoraphobia

[@mercuryxyz7222]

@@user-zk8ck3my3l also not all agoraphobics are confined to the house

[@SC-li6pf]

This was an amazing explanation!! It really helped me so much !! And I also have a terrible fear of the dentist chair 💺. I know this information will help