I have a job and I go outside all the time. But I am so afraid of not being close to my car. I only ever make journeys where I’m in my car or somebody else’s and won’t be venturing too far from it. The fear of feeling stranded and unable to get into a car and go home is too much to bear.

I’ve struggled with agoraphobia and panic attacks on and off for my whole life, but the past 8 or so years I’ve been in a funk that I can’t seem to escape from. I can’t even go for a walk like normal people do because when I get too far from my house or my car, I start to have a panic attack. My legs are like jelly, I feel dizzy, and feel like I’m completely losing control of myself.

My friends, family, and work colleagues always go into the city on the bus or train for a few drinks & to socialise. But I never go because I’m afraid of being unable to escape. Buses and trains don’t help me because I can’t control where they’re going.

I’m so sick of being this way. I just wish I could do normal things and not feel so awful.