My agoraphobia started a year or two before the pandemic. It was frustrating but my therapist helped on the journey. It started with intrusive thoughts that people were chasing me in their car and planning to hurt me by driving me off the road. These thoughts lasted for a long time. These are not dreams, they came during the day.
It’s possible the trigger was set off by me driving to a doctor I had seen for 15 years and getting lost. I had left my cell phone at home, so it was very stressful because I didn’t know the area well and had problems getting back to the freeway. Is this connected? I don’t know.
Then dreams started that were centered around my car. I couldn’t find the right key, I rented a car and when I looked for it I didn’t know how to find the car. I was carrying a huge keychain full of keys and I couldn’t find the right key and different dreams continued. The dreams came often in the beginning. The latest thought is someone is following me after going to the bank.
I thought it might be Agoraphobia but I thought it was someone who could not leave the house. When I started reading about Agoraphobia, I was shocked by the different types. I found my symptoms listed and now have an answer.
One treatment option is EMDR Sessions. It works for many people but some doctors do not recommend it for people with Bipolar Disorder. I’ve chosen not to have the treatments.
For now, I only drive within a 3-4-mile radius of the house, making me less independent. I don’t focus on Agoraphobia, it’s when I make plans to leave the house that the feelings kick in and dictate what I do next.
Melinda
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lookingforthelight.blog 
Thank you for sharing.
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So glad you stopped by.
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like you, I had no idea about different types of agoraphobia. I think so many of us are so changed since the pandemic. I find I don’t really like travel anymore. Also, I don’t enjoy much company.
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Company has never been my thing except when I was much younger and having an outside party. I don’t want anyone snooping through my things.
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Thank you for sharing about this disorder which I now realize I do not know much about. The older I get, the more I dislike crowds and the more anxiety I have about driving far from home. It doesn’t help that I drove into a picnic table at a rest area a few years ago – pedal confusion is what it’s called – four hours into the 6-hour drive. My concentration for driving goes downhill after two or three hours. Since our move, I can drive the two hours to see my son and granddaughter, but I don’t like to do it alone. I practice, reminding myself “The break is in the middle.” I now have my husband drive me to the city for doctor appointments. I’m glad you can drive three or four miles. Sometimes those seemingly small trips are big accomplishments!
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It can truly get in the way.
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I didn’t know there were differnt types… it must be quite limiting.
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It’s extemely limiting. I can’t remember if there are 3 or 4 types. All very specific. My cognative impairment makes it worse because I can get lost at any time even within my short driving rage. If it’s a doctor’s appt or out of my range David drives me. Is the a journal or book that spells out the moment of the Constilation? I’m at the beginning of wanting to learn more about the movement of the plants, comets and other wonders of the sky. Thanks.
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I hope that something can be done to ease your limitations.
I will have a look and see what I can find of the movements of planets and stars etc… It’s been a while since I learned it so I need to find the material again. If not I’ll write something :-)
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Don’t put yourself out, I can find something online. :)
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It’s not a bother… I did my first post with a link that might be hepful. I fancy doing some posts on this though :-)
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Great, I look forward to reading.
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:-)
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I know of several people who developed differing anxieties since the pandemic. I hope you are feeling well, Melinda.
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Why I thought two hand surgeries in the same month was a good idea, doesn’t make sense. The reason was we were paid up on our insurance so if I did the right hand in December it wouldn’t cost us. Not sure that’s always the best reason to use.
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I’m sorry you are experiencing this. Whilst I don’t have agoraphobia as such I only ever drive the 10km into town. And once a week I have to travel to the next town over for therapy. But I’m in my home, by myself 90% of the time. I think you are very brave to blog about this. Sharing our experiences and our deepest fears with others helps people to know they are not alone. I thank you for that.
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No, we are not alone. :)
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Anything we focus on becomes so much bigger doesn’t it.
I think you are doing well to drive even if it is not a great distance.
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Thank you.
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Melinda, I’m really sorry you’re going through this, but it’s great that you’ve found clarity in recognizing your symptoms. It sounds like the stressful experience of getting lost might have triggered some of these feelings. I admire how you’ve been working with your therapist and being thoughtful about your treatment choices. Even small steps are progress—you’re doing your best, and that’s enough. Stay strong!
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Thank you for the kind words. Just riding out the storm like any other.
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