pre-agoraphobia, social anxiety, what's the deal?

I was curious how people's agoraphobia started? I've been treated for bipolar disorder for about a year now. I have always had some anxiety about interacting with people. My anxiety about being around people is getting worse and worse. I lucky have a very flexible job that allows me to work anytime and I try to work when I know no one will be there. Even walking through the crowds of people on the street on the way freaks me out. I can't wait to get somewhere where I'm alone and safe. Lately I spend almost all of my time at home to avoid people as much as possible. I don't have panic attacks, I just get really anxious. My question is: have any of you ever had this sort of thing? Could it be the start of agoraphobia or is it more like social anxiety? When I see my doctor next month I will tell her, however, in the mean time I was hoping to get an outside opinion.

Thanks!

Jen

Hi,
I don't know if this helps, but I have both agoraphobia and social anxiety. I can tell you from personal experience that it's very hard to put the right "label" when it comes to any type of anxiety. For example, now my fear to go outside and my fear of social interactions feel like pretty much the same thing. But, although I was never entirely comfortable in social situations, for me everything started with the fear of going in new places. I noticed that since I was little, I was having a hard time sleeping away from home or going in school trips.
I don't know for sure, but in my mind, agoraphobia is mostly related to places (open street, supermarket etc) and social anxiety to people (talking to them, being watched etc).

I tried to ignore everything for years and everything became very bad, so I think it's important that you decided to go and see a doctor. I hope everything went or will go well and that you will find the answers you are looking for.

Nana