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September 5, 2005, 3:56 pm PDT
09/05 Phobias
Quote From: mollygirlI have suffered from Agoraphobia and understand the pain, shame and isolation you feel! I did not leave my house for over a year when I was 14 years old and then through medication and therapy was able to start getting out. However, when I did go out, I had to have a plan. I had to know exactly where i was going, how I would get there, how long I'd be there, and that I could leave if and when I needed to. I lost many jobs and friends over this condition. I also lost my self esteem and my first husband due to this condition. I had another "relapse" when I was 25 and married to my second husband and did not leave my home for over 9 months. Then my wonderful husband bought me tapes from the Midwest Center for Anxiety and Depression and put me in therapy. The therapy didn't work but the program from the Midwest Center did.
I am now employed and have been with the same company for 2 years.... which is a milestone for me! I am also expecting my first baby and get out of the house a lot! I still have panicky feeling at times when I go out, but I use the coping skills I learned from the tapes my husband bought me and I get through it!
Good luck to Monica and everyone else suffering through this!!!! I have read Lucinda Basset's program and have done extensive research on how to treat my agoraphobia. It seems my biggest hurdle is being alone. I can go for long walks etc. with someone but when I'm alone the "body symptoms" kick in. Have you any suggestions as to handling things while alone? Being home alone is ok but I'm currently unemployed because of this condition and find I have too much time on my hands which gives me loads of time to think of my condition. What I wouldn't give to just get up and go shopping or for a walk alone. I want my independent life back!!! Also, I'm doing this without medication - just good ol' fashioned exercise, elimination of stimulants and positive thinking.
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