Agoraphobia

Hi everyone,

i'm new to this forum, and just wanted to ask if anyone here is having to deal with agoraphobia + panic disorder and how they go about this. I am on lexapro at the moment, but although it does make me feel generally more happy than before, it doesn't have any effect on my panic outside the house, or minimal effect. It's weird because, I can't do things like put the bin bags or go to the shops alone, or anywhere alone I find difficult. However when I have to, like to go to work, ( although i'm not currently working), if I am in a routine, on a bus etc I can manage it, even though I feel bad. Things like going into a shopping centre alone terrify me though, so I am wondering what anyone think's I am suffering with? My doctor say's its panic disorder and that I am displaying symptoms of agoraphobia, whatever that means, but I would be really grateful to know what you think? The reason being that, my boyfriend is pressuring me to get a job, and I really need to overcome this, as it's hurting our relationship and my finances. I have tried councelling, tried alternative programs on the net, yoga, etc and nothing seems to work in terms of my anxiety outdoors. The thought of going out makes me want to throw up and I literally panic myself out of going out to take the bin bags out. It's just not on anymore, and my boyfriends mum is being very critical of me, even though I can't help this, and i'm finding myself getting depressed about the whole situation. Although saying this I am happy in myself, and have many indoor hobbies, like trying to setup in business, reading, yoga, listening to motivational cd's etc.. So it's not that i'm depressed, just anxious about going out. I also suffer with anxiety when I am faced with going to events, like party's etc, although if it's with my close freinds i'm fine. So i'm not sure.. Any help?

Thanks,
janey