Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
universepocketSenior Contributor
Please share your experience with agoraphobia below. I have COS (childhood onset schizophrenia) and bipolar but as you can imagine I find it incredibly painful to leave the house. I think my issues stem from my other conditions but I'd love to hear your expereince with it. I'm feeling kind of alone. There's not many people so scared they can only leave the house with their mother on certain days.
In response to: agoraphobia
Unknown userMember
Hello @universepocket
I really feel for you as I know the suffering that such chronic anxiety can evoke. Please know and take comfort that you are not as alone as you may think (I use to feel the same way).
I am a tad older than you at 55 yrs of age. But suffered horrific childhood abuse that resulted in myself having a psychotic episode when approx 7 yrs old. I went through this (hallucinating and hearing voices) without telling anyone or receiving any support. Amazingly the psychosis passed eventually but I have struggled with particularly anxiety and depression ever since (but now much better than before - improving all the time).
Fastforwarding from childhood/youth - when I turned 50 I had a major breakdown for many reasons. I did not leave the house for 3 yrs without my husband (suffered separation anxiety as well) - and then I would still have anxiety attacks if I lost sight of him (e.g. In shopping centre Toilets etc). I did not venture out on my own. I was totally dependant on him for about 5 yrs and loathed it becoming determined to heal and be a caring partner for him. And I achieved that goal. That's where I am at now.
I believe there is a forum here for those that suffer similar mental issues as yourself. I am only new here myself and am still getting to know my way around this site. Others will pop on here and guide you better than I can. I am confident you will find your experience here helpful as there are many kind and supportive people on this site. Welcome to Sane 🙂
In response to: Re: agoraphobia
universepocketSenior Contributor
Thank you so much for replying! And thank your for the support. It's so incredibly comforting to know that I'm not alone in this. I've heard of people who have trouble leaving the house by themselves but I really didn't know if there would be someone like me who has had issues even leaving the house with out a trusted companion. I can very much relate to your story....thank you for sharing. I'm so ashamed of not being able to leave the house, it's taken me a long time to be able to talk about it, let alone reach out for support. Thanks.
In response to: agoraphobia
Unknown userMember
In response to: Re: agoraphobia
universepocketSenior Contributor
Woah, thank you so much for your support. @Former-Member Congratulations on leaving the house. I know how tough that is. Especially all on your own. That's where I'd like to be one day. ^-^ I have a cat and a dog. But I'm in a tough spot with friends right now. I just came out of a psychosis and realised my best friend, who I idolised and adored.....is an abusive, manipulative asshole. But I can't really be mad, she never was anything but that. She was basically a delusion. I can't blame her. I'll work up to having friends. I'm kinda still doing me. I feel positive about it though. I'm only young.
In response to: Re: agoraphobia
jamesle2015Senior Contributor
I work in retail..
I am agoraphobic and have DPD
Today I had a customer who mentioned that I 'mucked it up last time' -
when 'last time' was a long time ago - it wasn't in the last couple of weeks - and why did she have to mention it.
I asked her to wait for the manager and then she said it.
The other thing is it's my fault as the 'last time' the manager didn't explain properly
and that was the first time I had done that transaction ....
the problem was solved last time so why does she have to bring it up?
In response to: agoraphobia
MozomanSenior Contributor
In response to: agoraphobia
utopiaSenior Contributor
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
