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September 5, 2005, 3:26 pm PDT

Agoraphobia

I was elated to see Dr. Phil has finally done a show on phobias, specifically the one I suffer from - Agoraphobia, however I will be even happier when I see the woman who was profiled come on the show for her update. Although I have a "mild" case of this phobia, it has completly altered my life. I handle the limitations with daily exercise and avoidance of stimulants such as caffeine and sugar and take a Vitamin B complex vitamin daily. I am able to now go shopping and walk for long periods but only in the company of someone else. My former way of life was one of total independence whereas now it's dependence on family and friends. After watching today's show I am making tommorow my first day into my journey of taking it alone. The thoughts we have as agoraphobics dictate how our body feels so I now know with repetition of relaxation and positive thinking this phobia can be eliminated from my life. Anxiety/panic attacks are uncomfortable and pretty scary at times but soothing to know that this condition can be a temporary one.

Tammy,

Canada

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tamlnad

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September 5, 2005, 3:56 pm PDT

09/05 Phobias

Quote From: mollygirl

I 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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tamlnad

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September 5, 2005, 4:03 pm PDT

09/05 Phobias

Quote From: drbobbi

I am absolutely disgusted to hear that that lady is on disability and welfare because of this phobia of not being able to go outside. It is absolutely ridiculous. If she was living in another country where other people wouldnt baby her, and support this stupid reason for attention.

I think the rest of these people have phobias because they can. They have nothing better to do. If they were busy with something else, they wouldnt have time to make up these ridiculous phobias.

What part of Dr. Phil were you listening to? Firstly, the word ridiculous was one that Dr. Phil said to remove from her vocabulary! I am also Agoraphobic and I can tell you this - I would give anything not to have this phobia! Do you really think she would choose a life like that??? Trust me, I know a freeloader when I see one and this lady isn't one of those people. Try to be more open minded - did you know that Kim Basinger, the famouse actress, had suffered from this phobia for years and couldn't even go near her front door to open it let alone leave her house? Do you think she's a freeloader? Honestly, I'm offended by your ignorance!

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tamlnad

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September 6, 2005, 7:14 am PDT

I knew I wasn't alone...

After posting my thoughts about Agoraphobia yesterday I got up this morning to see what others had to say. It's encouraging to know that I'm not alone and my "normal" life can soon return to me. I had my first panic attack 5 months ago after some bumps in life. In a short period of time I had lost my job, had minor surgery and lost a loved one. With the help of the internet I was able to diagnose myself as having generalized anxiety disorder. I went to my Dr. and had everything checked out (blood, heart etc) and then was given a sample of an anti-anxiety med. to try out. I only took one pill and it made everything worse! That's when I decided to go "au natural" and changed some things with my diet, started relaxation and breathing exercises and did physical exercise and yoga daily. The obstacle I have now are my thoughts. Anxiety is with me as soon as I wake and right at the end of the day when I sleep. I try to replace my negative thinking with positive and drink a cup of chamomille tea before going to bed. This helps but I have now decided that professional help might work better. The woman who wrote about her son wants to start a support group and she has supplied her email address. I encourage all to participate - I could use all the support people are willing to offer!

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tamlnad

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September 9, 2005, 4:10 pm PDT

someone wants to help

Quote From: evamarion

I am 60 years old and have had agaraphobia for the last i years. I panic everytime I get dressed to go anywhere. I will make a million excused why I can wait and do it another day until my back is against the wall and I have no choice. I have anxiety so bad that I run from it by telling myself, I don't need things but I know thats just a lie. I was very active before this, and it makes me so angry because I'm a people person and I've shut out the world trying to cope with this on my own. I went to therapy for years but it didn't seem to help much. I would love to be able to share with someone about how I can get my life back. I didn't get to be this old to deserve nothing more than just stay in and not live. It' like I'm just existing and I would love to be able to be with people and laugh and dance the way I used to before this anxiety and panic struck me.

I read your posting and wanted to let you know that there is someone here who wrote about their son's generalized anxiety disorder and wants to start a support group. I have emailed him to participate myself (a fellow agorophobic) and can't wait for the group to get to 10 people so we can get things rolling. the email address is rowdens@shaw.ca - give it a try and let's all hope that life can get back to the way it was.

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Messages By: tamlnad

Agoraphobia

09/05 Phobias

09/05 Phobias

I knew I wasn't alone...

someone wants to help