Especially if there are any people who became afraid of noise and then managed to adjust back to functioning again. So I want to know how tinnitus sufferers deal with living in society. I don't know if I can battle this tinnitus beast that has been punishing me for years. I want to adopt an attitude of 'live or die trying' but I don't know if I have the strength to do this. Ok not in the immediate future, but that would be the path. I either manage to live a semblance of a normal life or end up homeless. Not doing so is not really an option for me. How do you succeed of moving through this loud world with your tinnitus? Do you always use hearing protection? Then how do you communicate with people if you can't hear them properly - Do you just nod your head and hope that works and move on? Ideally I would like to just go outside via cars to wherever I need and spend time indoors in places like shops, malls, restaurants, etc. The inability of going outside more often is interfering with my life and I want to know if anyone had this reluctance of going outside and managed to get past it. I don't feel pain from sounds per say, but my tinnitus has increased from sounds steadily with time. I think I am one of the bad cases of tinnitus, or at least a bad case of phonophobia. In severe cases of agoraphobia, medication can be used in combination with other types of treatment, such as CBT and relaxation therapy.I am afraid of going outside, or more precisely, of the loud expected and unexpected noises that await outside.

You'll usually be prescribed a course of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are also used to treat anxiety and depression. Medication may be recommended if self-help techniques and lifestyle changes aren't effective in controlling your symptoms.

Read more about talking therapies on the NHS You can also refer yourself directly for talking therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), without seeing your GP. If your agoraphobia fails to respond to these treatment methods, see your GP. Self-help techniques that can help during a panic attack include staying where you are, focusing on something that's non-threatening and visible, and slow, deep breathing. Lifestyle changes may help, including taking regular exercise, eating more healthily, and avoiding alcohol, drugs and drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola. Your GP needs to know as much as possible about your symptoms to make the correct diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment. It can sometimes be difficult to talk about your feelings, emotions, and personal life, but try not to feel anxious or embarrassed. Do you have any avoidance strategies to help you cope with your symptoms, such as relying on others to shop for you?.Are there certain places or situations you have to avoid?.Do you find leaving the house stressful?.Your GP may ask you the following questions: It's very important you tell them how you've been feeling and how your symptoms are affecting you. Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations. It should be possible to arrange a telephone consultation if you don't feel ready to visit your GP in person. Speak to your GP if you think you may be affected by agoraphobia. Read more about the possible causes of agoraphobia. In these cases, their fear may be related to issues like a fear of crime, terrorism, illness or being in an accident. Not all people with agoraphobia have a history of panic attacks. It can arise by associating panic attacks with the places or situations where they occurred and then avoiding them. What causes agoraphobia?Īgoraphobia can develop as a complication of panic disorder, an anxiety disorder involving panic attacks and moments of intense fear. Read more about the symptoms of agoraphobia. This change in behaviour is known as avoidance.

They'll order groceries online rather than going to the supermarket. They'll avoid situations that cause anxiety and may only leave the house with a friend or partner. If someone with agoraphobia finds themselves in a stressful situation, they'll usually experience the symptoms of a panic attack, such as: Someone with agoraphobia may be scared of: Many people assume agoraphobia is simply a fear of open spaces, but it's actually a more complex condition. Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong.

Fear of going outside