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I feel extremely sick whenever I leave my house, what can I do?

163 Answers
Last Updated: 05/13/2022 at 5:11am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Top Rated Answers
PacifierAngelofHearts
October 4th, 2019 1:59pm
I too had developed agoraphobia so I can well relate to this. It was after I returned home from another city leaving my internship. Even the thought of leaving my house would make me feel nauseous. So I stopped going out but that was only worsening things because then there were so many things I wanted to do but couldn't because this phobia was a huge hurdle. At that point of time, I was also struggling with social anxiety. And I'm also the person who doesn't want anything to restrain me. And the best way to overcome fear is to face it. Yes, I know it seems trite but this is fact. So I decided to face it. I was scared I'd feel sick, might even throw up but for how long? Twice or thrice or maybe more? Well, I had to go beyond my comfort zone to do things I wanted to do, so I started to go out. And I always kept medicines with me. Sometimes I'd even get anxiety attacks which were very difficult for me and also quite embarrassing. You don't wanna be seen weak and trembling and sweating and short of breath when outside. But I realized it's okay. I don't need to worry about what others might think because this life is not about them, it's about me and becoming a better me. And those who can't understand cannot help me become a better me so why to even think about them in the first place? I realized it's not necessary to take a huge leap. Just deciding to face your fear is a huge leap in itself. Then all you need to do is take tiny steps. A 5-minute walk daily or on alternate days would be fine. If you have a pet, great! Take him/her along. When you feel at ease when you feel that you can increase the duration of your walk, increase it by 5 again. So a 10-minute walk daily. By starting with 5 minutes, you can convince yourself that if you feel unwell, you are not far away from home. Or instead of walking you can have a family member or friend drive you to some nearby place and breathe the open air. Take a huge leap and you might fall. But consistent small steps don't only lead you to where you wanna be but also builds confidence. If I can overcome it, you can too. I know you will. You got this. You are braver than you think!
Anonymous
August 28th, 2016 4:14pm
Take a slow deep breath. Think of three things that make you happy. Let out that breath. Take another slow, deep breath. Think of three good things that could happen to you, or that you will do today. Let it out. Tell yourself today will be a good day, and smile.
TheBuddy
February 16th, 2017 7:07am
Take baby steps. Go somewhere very close by and PRAISE yourself for the smallest accomplishments. If you make it to the car that's awesome. If you drive 500 feet, even better! If you drive 5 minutes to the grocery store, throw a party! Blow it out of proportion and give yourself credit for what might seem like a small accomplishment. It's truly a HUGE accomplishment and you should be proud of yourself for even trying!
Anonymous
July 16th, 2016 9:36am
Take deep breaths. I have agoraphobia too and I panic whether I leave the house. Think about something/someone that makes you happy. Take slow, small steps and keep your head held high. :)
DIBL
June 30th, 2017 8:21pm
When you wake up, don't think about the things that you don't want to do or don't like. Think about the things you're going to do today! Think about something fun to do, something you can accomplish! If you love climbing, set a goal for climbing! If you couldn't hit your goal, don't let yourself down! Get right back at it, or take a break, and motivate yourself to completing that goal the next time you try! Moral of the story; Don't give up! As an example: I love drawing, so whenever I think of something new to draw, I jump right at the idea, and set a goal for myself to make it look awesome. Although I might hit some bumps, although I might doubt myself at times, I'll think to myself that nothing can stop me from completing my goal, if I don't stop trying. So don't stop trying, get back up, and accomplish your goal! When you accomplish that goal, you're going to feel like you're on the top of the world, and nothing beats that. That way, when you leave your house, you know that you are going to work towards something amazing. YOU are accomplishing that goal, YOU are accomplishing it, nobody else, and regardless of what might get in your way. This will help you build up confidence, and brush away the bad thoughts and feelings. If you ever feel like you can't get back up, when you feel down, and when you feel like trying again won't help, talk to a listener! We'll grab you by the arm and help you lead yourself to the goal that you want to reach.
Balls
July 21st, 2016 10:38am
If you can't think of a reason why you're feeling sick then concentrate on that. Know that you are getting the sick feeling over nothing and hopefully that will calm you down a bit. Otherwise if that doesn't work, try taking something with you to occupy your mind, like music from your phone or and new app to play around with. It doesn't have to be something electronic, even a book or something similar will hopefully occupy you enough to lessen the sickness.
Anonymous
August 19th, 2016 3:09pm
There are two things involved here. It's either you're meant to go out more often to reduce the sickness phase or just stay indoors and have friends come over. And your mindset, it's probably you telling yourself that you'll fall sick when you leave your house, and when you actually do, it happens. Your Mindset.
Baker16
July 27th, 2017 5:38pm
Identifying the cause of your sickness could be helpful. I struggled with severe morning sickness recently and I discovered that staying well hydrated and eating smaller and frequent meals was helpful. Perhaps if your sickness is caused from anxiety seeking out a listener could be helpful and of course it is important to see your GP to get to the bottom of this and ensure you are not suffering from any illnesses that need care and attention. I hope you're feeling better soon.
SweetFace12
April 30th, 2017 4:03pm
You can change your perception of the environment. Think positively about the things you do and go to, and look at the beauty of everything. You can also try to have someone with you and try to distract yourself with communication or other activities.
safeshoulder2CryOn
August 1st, 2020 10:03am
Social anxiety or Agoraphobia can be embarrassing and limit one's happiness. Very often, people think that it is a sudden sickness that pop up randomly. However, this is a misconception and is actually a progressive phobia, that could worsen over time.The fear of leaving the house manifests as a panic attack, rather than an anxiety. Learning more about the cause of the fear will place the sufferer in a better position to overcome it. Hence, try not to avoid this feared situation.You can gain more knowledge about this by joining support groups, calming yourself by visualising a positive outcome in your mind prior to leaving your home and keep invoking pleasurable thoughts. you make try snacking a favourite fruit, snack or drink as you are leaving your house to change anxieties to pleasurable sensations.Tell yourself that any panic attacks lasts only 5 to 35mins so if you can overcome these panic attacks, you would have conquered it😃🌧☁️🌥⛅️🌤🌞Know that these pain will come and go like waves.... And prepare for the occasions when it hits you, you always visualise calming images such as sea, waterfalls or birds chirping. If you keep practising this, the sickness will diminish.
Kayaondra02
May 2nd, 2018 10:20pm
It sounds like you have anxiety. Try going out with someone your comfortable, or safe with. Usually when you are with someone you trust, you have better control over it. It lets you feel safe and secure.
Harry53
November 18th, 2017 12:25am
If you feel extremely sick whenever you leave your house it's possible that there is something in the environment that is causing you to feel this way. For example, you may be allergic to the pollen in the air. It would be a good idea for you to see your doctor for a medical check-up. If nothing medically is wrong it's possible there are psychological factors causing you to feel this way. In that case, seeing a mental health professional should be considered.
DrumDude
November 16th, 2016 7:13am
Can you stop and sit with your experience for a moment? If it's not too scary, ask yourself what is happening when you leave the house. "Where does it hurt?" as the doctor would say, hah. Is there physical pain or discomfort? What is the nature of the pain? Is there mental or emotional pain? When we observe our own experience it can sometimes feel less threatening than when it's a big, scary monster we can't look at.
Anonymous
October 9th, 2016 2:51am
I'm sorry you're feel sick when you leave your house. Often our anxieties can manifest physically (Although there is a slim possibility you are allergic to something outside your house.) Do you feel sick everywhere outside of your house? How often do you leave your house? What kinds of things do you enjoy doing outside of your house? When did this reaction start happening? How strongly do you feel sick when it happens? These are all good starting points to ask yourself. The better you understand the anxiety around this challenge, the easier it will be for you to overcome it. If you are afraid of a responsibility or judgement outside of the house - examine why and what you can do to feel better about that. If you are developing agoraphobia, an untrained suggestion might be to take baby steps; ie: stand in your doorway for five seconds, then stand outside in front of the door next time; go outside specifically for something rewarding; ask a friend to bring you an ice cream 3 feet away from the door;. Listen to your body and try to remain calm and objective. Reach out to a professional therapist or doctor if you are still struggling after trying these things and it is interfering with your daily life.
Survivor108
January 2nd, 2019 9:24pm
When preparing to leave the house, try and focus on where you are going and why you are leaving. Then think about the fact you are ok and nothing bad is going to happen. You could use distraction techniques, which can range from listening to music to chewing gum, playing with an anxiety or fiddle toy (even blue tac is easy to get and keeps your hands busy). Continually remind yourself that you are ok and nothing bad is going to happen. If you’re going to a place where you know you will feel more uneasy, take a friend or family member. I used to be quite anxious to go to the shops so I’d always take my dog with me. Breathing techniques can also help with not only panic attack’s but anxiety. Square breathing helped me, and it’s very subtle so nobody will even know you are doing it.
aListeningEarReady2Hear
April 7th, 2018 2:07am
Work your way up to going to places....might just try taking small walks first,then try going to the library....then small stores.... Work your way up to going where it's crowded . 💛
bdeslaur
March 23rd, 2017 12:48pm
If you're sick with fear of the unknown, the best thing to do is do it one step at a time. Maybe walk around the block first. Then maybe go a bit farther. Then you can keep going further and further until you get used to it.
Peyton1212
July 9th, 2016 1:49am
Experiencing social anxiety is common for a lot of people! You're not alone. If you feel this way try and focus on how much fun you've had before. If you're going out with friends, strike up a conversation to distract yourself. You can always visit 7 cups to talk to someone before you go out and receive some assurance!
endearingLove14
July 16th, 2016 6:34am
Try playing Pokémon Go, it's proven to be beneficial to people who get anxious when they are outside their house. Hopefully the game will distract you enough to believe you're in a movie and not outside the house.
Anonymous
July 26th, 2018 9:13am
To be anxious of leaving the house is a you reality and my feeling would be maybe to get someone who who walk with you. In taking small steps on at a time you maybe can get the confidence to go further. I think maybe a support group would be helpful too. This is a nightmare as home becomes a prison.
Missingperiodsandcommas
June 27th, 2018 8:39pm
Talk to a doctor. If it's anxiety there's good medicines out there to help control the feeling of being watched, hot flushes and nausea. Also ease into it. Don't force yourself to go out for long periods of time but instead try 5 mins and gradually lengthen it. Go out with friends if it helps to have another person with you. Or block the world out (safely) with headphones. Baby steps.
Angel1011208
February 16th, 2018 1:01pm
well, you have to know what the root of the problem is first, this could be an allergic reaction or social anxiety, either way, going to see a doctor never hurts!
Anonymous
November 20th, 2019 3:09pm
First, I would recommend seeing a doctor. However, that requires you to leave the house. Is there a way to bring a doctor into the home? Since you said extremely sick, I'm wondering if a relative could call emergency services to give you immediate care? If calling a doctor or emergency services to your home is not feasible: Baby steps. First try to stay outside for a few mins only, then gradually bring the few minutes into several minutes. Several minutes becomes one hour. Continue across the weeks until you have built enough immunity to go outside long enough to see the closest doctor. I feel like there are lot of unknown variables in this situation. Is the air quality in your environment bad? Do you have an immune system issue? If it's an immune system thing, bundle up appropriately and try to see a doctor (whether you go to them or them to you). They can get you an inhaler and other medications to assist. If this is a social anxiety related ailment that has escalated into agoraphobia, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed. The world can be quite scary but not everyone is this way. In this case, please call a therapist. They can employ a customized and individualized plan to accommodate your needs and gradually you will be able to leave the home again.
uniqueApricot19
January 9th, 2020 12:10pm
This is an increasingly common public ailment in the developing & western world's. As like loneliness similar with isolation. Physical symptoms of leaving or when leaving the home occur. If you feel verging on a full "Agoraphobia" which is rare and affects women more here are some of the symptoms to observe. The GP is the 1st point of call With agoraphobia, you won’t go to places that scare you. If you end up in one, you can become very anxious. Symptoms may include: Fast, pounding heart Sweating, trembling, shaking Breathing problems Feeling hot or cold Nausea or diarrhea Chest pain Problems swallowing Dizziness or feeling faint If it is not quiet this extreme but have irregular occurring & slight experiences; I would consider meditate after getting ready to set out for 15mins Find appropriate relevant visualisations Obtain a luck charm ( for excursions ) Call a friend before you open the doors to exit. Through your regular GP UK nhs or private medical care......You could try cognitive therapy. It can teach you new ways to think about or face situations that cause panic. These new ways will help you be less afraid. You may also learn relaxation and breathing exercises. Sometimes your therapist may suggest exposure therapy, in which you try to slowly do some of the things that make you anxious. In this case like leaving the home comfortably Medication s vary
GivingstonTreegull
August 17th, 2017 10:08pm
Well you can start by asking yourself why? Anxiety is a tricky thing but it can almost always be helped! Try to figure out what exactly it is that scares you about leaving the house. Then determine if it is a real threat or just a fear of a threat. Chances are you are just working yourself up. Try turning leaving the house into a positive experience little by little and perhaps soon it won't bother you at all!
rachtale
July 24th, 2016 11:40am
Take a moment to breathe, take a water bottle with you and you can listen to your music whilst outside, take it all one step at a time.
SquishyRaspberries
July 28th, 2016 4:38am
If you feel ill when leaving your house, you likely have a psychological condition that would be helped by a medical professional. There are several different therapies to treat agoraphobia and similar conditions and they have been very effective.
Anonymous
September 8th, 2016 7:57am
Sometimes it helps to breathe deeply and take notice of your surroundings, smells and sounds. Listening to music with headphones can make the situation worse, as it is an avoidance tactic and will make you more anxious of leaving the house in the future.
Anonymous
July 28th, 2016 8:22am
If you feel extremely sick whenever you leave your house, it sounds like you have social anxiety. You can try exercises to help with that and take it slow.
sereneKitty29
July 15th, 2016 5:38pm
I drink some fruit juices and listening to some soothing music helps.Also I make sure i am comfortable with surroundings.