Any advice for my current problems welcomed

[Jon119]

Hi All,

I was in a bad state nearly a year ago - But managed to get through this somehow. Never really recovered, but was able to fight on. At preesent I have been diagnosed with depression and my Doctor seems to think that this is what is causing the agoraphobia and social phobia, plus lack of motivation. Basically, I find it very difficult to start my day, at work in high anxiety and feel I am being judged / watched. To stop for petrol in the garage usually means be being accompanied by my partner. And Shopping, well - frget it - Again, I go with my partner to tesco's, but it takes alot of energy to get out of the door to do this. so basically, for me to go anywhere where there are people (people I know or strangers) is a major problem. To re-cap, I believe my issues are:

Depression, Social Phobia, Generalised anxiety disorder, and lack of motivation / concentration

I really want to be comfortable to go outside on my own, yet find that I have a continuous dialogue of negative comments and thoughts that I am being watched - It seems this is a classic symptom of Social phobia and agoraphobia, just really want to stop all of this. I am currently on Fluoxetine 20 mg and have been now in week 8, not sure the impact this is having... Have had three counselling sessions and have even tried hypnotherapy with no success. Everyone keeps telling me I just have to go out there and do it - Yeah right, if it were that easy I'd done it already. I cannot afford to take time off work as at present I am the only income provider as my partner is off with depression (now into week 5) - so finances are real tight as you can imagine. If I could ask all what has helped? I am in a real dark place - I feel I am stuck in a groove and can't seem to get past to move on...

I am seeing a psychologist on 10th March and hope that somethign good will come out of this. I look forward to hearing
from you - any sugesstions woudl be so welcomed. Thanks Jon119

[thumper]

Hi Jon119

I also have Agoraphobia Social phobia Severe depression along with other things. Agoraphobia and social phobia for most people come hand in hand if you
have one chances are you have the other. Lack of motivation and concentration are things that come with depression along with other symptoms.
I read you have tried counciling have you tried C.B.T ?. I.m not sure of where you are from or if you have medical insurance that would cover this but
if you don't there is one on line google it and it should come up for you. My partner also suffers from depression etc so i know how hard it can be trying
to keep your head above water so hugh hugs to you. There is also the chat room here if you havn't been its a great support and the people are friendly
and getting a few people's opinions and suggestions may give you some more options. I can only speak for myself but C B T did wonders for me and i would
recommend it. I hope this is a wee bit helpful to you. Hugs

Thumper xx

[Jon119]

Hi Thumper, and thanks for your reply...

I just really want to get over this - I have spend a large amount of money (that we do not have) on the online 'cures' that do not really help.

I have tried to get motivated - just does not happen, sadly. I have been upped to 40 mg Fluoxetine and now on day 4 of this.

I really need to get over this sooner rather than later, or we will be in a real sticky position - more so than we are in now.
For work, another day off sick on friday, and still thinking about going back tomorrow is gonna be difficult I know. Spent all of Friday in bed which was not good I know. Did go and see my cousellor on Saturday morning (my only 'trip out' since Thursday last week) - Scarred me alot saying that if I do not chnage things then I will be in a position of loosing my job and that would be real bad for sure...

A scre tactic that has hit home, just do not know how to resolve it...

x

[thumper]

Hi Jon119
Firstly i don't take meds never have. I have med phobia and i guess i have my own views on meds. Can you talk to your boss
about your problems with depression anxiety? Maybe if you had the option of being able to go outside for a few minutes
when you feel too anxious it might help or at least you wouldn't feel so trapped. It is very hard with depression to motivate
yourself i know this i struggle every day but it gets better in time. I'm afraid there are no quick fixes and as for on line items
to be honest in my opinion its a money scam sad as that is if there where items available that would make everything better
than there wouldn't be so many of us in this situation. The fact that you are getting up and doing things to help yourself is
great and be proud of yourself for trying it would be so easy to give in to all this. Again i suggest C B T i have done it twice
and found it great and i have come a long way because of it. Music also helps me a lot so when i have to go out i download
my favourite music and listen to that on full volume as its so loud there is no room for negative thoughts and the music
distracts me. If you are working full time would it be possible to go part-time instead i know maybe for financial reasons
you may prefer full-time but if it was temporary and helped you to recover faster it may be something to think about or at
least it may be an option for you. Sorry i can't be of more help, Hugs

Thumper xx