am i agorophobic?

[boomtown]

i have depression, and a young son. since my son has been born, i find it increasingly difficult to go out - the stress of coping with him away from home really bothers me. today i need to go out, post some ebay purchases, and go shopping, but am getting myself in a right tizz just even thinking about it....


are these symptoms of agorophobia, or is it just something that all new mums go through? especially those with depression!?

thanks

[frostyspice]

I don't know whether you've got agoraphobia or not, but having had depression, and subsequently two babies born close together, I do know how you feel. If this continues, then I'd discuss it with your GP or health visitor (or psychiatrist if you've got one), but in the mean time, aim low. Take your son out and just do one thing - eg, go to the post office to post your ebay things, and then go home.

I made the mistake of trying to fit too much in to one trip with my kids over and over again, and then wondered why I was constantly hassled, late back to do their lunch and in a state with myself.

Just do one thing, resist the temptation to go on and do another, and then feel pleased that you have got that one thing done.

When I had my first baby I thought everything would take a few more minutes to do - I was wrong - expect everything to take twice as long and then you'll be more relaxed. When No. 2 came along everything took 4 times as long!

Good luck and keep going out when you can, or you'll feel worse. Your baby will probably behave better for having had a change of scene too, and that will make your life easier.

[abbecer]

I have had severe PND twice after each of my sons. I didn't suffer agrophobia as such just became really frightened to go out. It was like panic attacks, not hyperventilating or anything, just a real fear of going out and my heart would be racing. I stayed in for days at a time. It was only when my PND was addressed that the panic attacks stopped. I needed to go on high strength medication which did eventually work. I know this isn't for everyone.

I also joined pnd.org (think that's the name). It made me realise i wasn't on my own with the feelings and was a great support just to read other peoples stories. I think you need an emergency appointment with your GP to explain how you feel and then try to move forward from there.

Things will get better.

Sending you lots of hugs

Rebecca x :rotfl:

[CCStar]

The hormone changes in a woman is dramatic after giving birth. The caring for a new baby and losing sleep all contributes to major tiredness, which can upset the mind for a time. Women can also feel very alone, on top of feeling tired, too which can induce panicky feelings. Can you get anyone to help you?

Once you get better sleep, the hormones balancing out and getting a manageable routine, it should ease.

If the you have PND and it is severe, then a trip to the doctor is needed to address it, as it is more than tiredness.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

From Netdoctor
Symptoms of depression (http://community.netdoktor.com/ccs/uk/depression/facts/ami/article.jsp?articleIdent=uk.depression.facts.ami.u k_depression_article_2140)


Test yourself (http://community.netdoktor.com/ccs/uk/depression/facts/ami/article.jsp?articleIdent=uk.depression.facts.ami.u k_depression_article_1792)

[Gem_]

Thanks for finding that test Ted - do watch it if you do it. I got a 'maybe' and am not in the slightest bit depressed or down at the moment. The wording of the questions is so negative that it is quite hard to come out not depressed.

I do hope you manage to get out there and totally agree with frostyspice about just doing one job at a time.

Good Luck

G

[Tiff]

I don't know what you may or may not have angel. Depression, agoraphobia, stress are all nasties that can hit at any time. You gave yourself quite a list of things to do and I'm learning that's never a good idea when you're feeling low, for whatever reason. Being kind to yourself takes the pressure off and professional help is always important; ask before it goes any further. Be completely honest or the advice and help you're given won't work. And you are NOT the only one in this position. Good luck!