What does one do when they are a caregiver and they themselves are also in need of care? I have been very sick lately..I struggle with agoraphobia..I , myself am on disability and my mom is a heavy load to deal with. She is affecting me greatly and I'm having a breakdown. My physical health is declining and I feel like I can't go on like this anymore...
I don't know how deep in depression you are. I know some people say just to pull yourself up by your bootstraps, but that can be hard when you can't even find your boots. The right medication can help you find them.
The best way I know to battle agoraphobia is to get out of the house and make yourself walk a bit further, then make yourself drive a bit further. As you get more comfortable being out, the agoraphobia will start to fade. You may have good days and bad days, but the progress will show. Find a good therapist to work through it with you. He/she will help teach you methods that may work for you.
Depression and agoraphobia feel terrible, but they can normally be treated successfully and fairly quickly with the right medicines and activity. When you get back on your feet, you can get off the medicine. Some people try getting through things without medicine. It is an individual decision. The last research I read stated that a combination of medication and therapy was the best way to go. Getting out and active is part of the therapy. It is necessary to break the downward spiral.
Hope this helps some.