could i be agorophobic?

I am a 53 year old woman who has led a "normal" life thus far.
I have never before been afraid of doing slightly "risky" things.
(e.g. For a while in my life I took up skydiving and enjoyed it.)

However just recently I have started to be frightened of lots of ordinary things. I have developed a fear of flying and even of driving on the freeway. It hasn't stopped me from doing these things (yet) but I dread them and try to avoid them. I am also scared that the people I love might get sick and die. I am afraid that I will get a terminal and painful disease. Every ache and pain I get - I think might be life threatening. So far I have not let these thoughts affect my lifestyle and nobody knows how scared I am. But my fears are getting stronger. I don't have a problem leaving the house - (as long as its not to drive on the freeway or fly)

Does anyone know how I feel?
Could this be a form of agorophobia or is it something else?
What do I do about it?

Hi Kate
I'm no expert but I don't think you're getting agorophobia. Agorophobia is not really a fear of going out it's a fear of feeling out of control or panicky in certain circumstances. A similar thing happened to me recently and it was brought about by stress. Have you gone through a stressful time lately? or have you changed your lifestyle or moved etc. Whether you can think of anything or not go straight to your doctor and explain before you get any worse. If you need to talk please feel free to e mail me.
CousinK8@aol.com

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