Just Wondering...

Hi everyone!

I have been diagnosed with Panic Disorder WITHOUT Agoraphobia. I can leave my house just fine and can go to social gatherings without too much anxiety. The only weird thing I've noticed is I'm afraid to sleep upstairs. Only in my house. I have a bed room and loft (kinda like the upstairs is mine completely) and I just avoid it all together. I am always downstairs and I had to have a friend spend the night just so I can sleep upstairs. Everytime I try to sleep upstairs alone, I have a panic attack. Is this some kind of mild form of agoraphobia? I'm just confused because big open spaces do not scare me (although obviously when I'm having a panic attack I run to somewhere closed off and condensed) but... I don't know! It's very strange. And very irrational. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Hi no I don't think that is agoraphobia but it is anxiety and it's probably severe if you are avoiding this.

What do you think will happen when you're up there?
What are your automatic thoughts?

Butterfly Faerie,

Thanks for responding! I don't think it's agoraphobia either but it's just very strange. I guess I just start to feel anxious because I am upstairs and away from everyone. So, if something bad were to happen then I would be stranded. Also, in order to get to them, I would have to go downstairs (obviously, ha ha) and sometimes I feel like if I run downstairs I'll have a heart attack... which makes no sense because I love running. I guess my automatic thoughts are: I have to get out of here.
Sometimes I feel like the room itself is evil, but then I have to talk myself down from it.

are you or have you gotten any types of therapy ?

Yes ma'am! I am currently seeing a counselor who specializes in Panic but am changing to a counselor who specializes in mood disorders- which I am really unhappy about, actually! haha. They've put me on lamictal and klonopin and I was able to sleep upstairs two nights in a row so I guess maybe I'm better now? I have no idea what's going on- haha, but thank you so much for your reply once again!