sad and social/agoraphobia

I was wondering if anyone has suffered with agoraphobia, social anxiety or any unnessecary fears that are brought out acutely during the sad months? I have suffered with these conditions for 4 years and they can leave me housebound for 6months at a time, the winter seems to be the worst starting september and lifting march.
I had a really good summer this year then all of a sudden I crashed, the sad. Everytime I get to my door I panic, everything is to sharp and scary, I feel scared and experience horrible feelings. This has ruled my life strongly for a long time. But now that I know that its sad that causes the problem I feel Ive gained back a part of me and I can get control of this condition rather that sad telling me what I can and cant do and who I can see.
I just wanted to share it with anyone who suffers similar because its so hard at times and it can be so lonely. But you can gain control I promise. Hope I can continue to keep this attitude up!

I find social functions quite difficult at the best of times. I'm not the bright confident person that people perceive me to be at all. I never thought of myself as a good actress either! I find it especially hard where there are people that i don't know, or environments I'm unfamiliar with, I can usually deal with one of those, but new people and new environment together... very tricky.

Yo peeps.
I can relate to all that's been said.
I,ve just got back from a date; first in a while and it went ok but had to do it during the day because my energy levels but especially my social anxiety would rocket at night.
I definitely get social anxiety during this time of year brought on by sad no doubt about it.
I try to force myself to do dates and nights out to stop myself falling into the hibernation trap but I am sweaty and nervous and have been on the verge of panic attacks at times.
You're probably thinking that I don't suffer sad that bad if i can go out and socialize etc, but the whole time i was on that date i was yawning and spaced out with aching joints from head to foot but i like to confront sad as best i can to see if i'm stronger than it.
I was going to go to bed when i got in 18:00 but found myself on here, so now i,m charging up in front of my light box and then i'm off up the local to try and have a laugh and do some flirting. It will take huge effort to drag myself out and i will be nervous as hell but once i,m out and i,ve got a couple of drinks down me i'll settle down. I think people think social anxiety is down to a lack of confidence; maybe so in some cases but take myself, i'm 6'2", stocky, good looking so im told and people seem to like my company and think alot of me but it doesn't stop the social anxiety that develops at this time of year.
I guess my point that i'm poorly trying to make is this; a phobia is basically a fear that has been avoided- you have not let yourself get exposed to this fear and so your sub-conscious builds on this until it becomes all consuming.
In my opinion forcing yourself to face your fears is the only way to try and confront sad and Social Anxiety Disorder.
Remember the fear of a situation is nearly always worse than the reality,
unless you're a thompson gazelle in the African plains - then your fears are well founded.
Regards OBE

ooooh! 6'2" and good looking! that's what we like to hear.

You calm down girl..... keep your eye on that apple cake mmmmmmmm

Sounds good to me....

I have missed the chorus Christmas party twice now I think, because I couldn't face it. If my dh has had a works do, that's the worst.

I can feel an Ice cream break coming on CHOCOLATE of course !!!