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Agoraphobia is unhealthy

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Posted 7/28/2008 8:28 AM (GMT 0)
Through my own experience with being Housebound Agoraphobic,I have learned it is unhealthy to stay in all the time.

The past 5 + Years,I haven't gotten adequate fresh Air,Sunlight or physical activity.

After awhile staying indoors starts working on our Immune System and affects our Joints.I say this from personal experience.

I've noticed the tendency to have Chest Colds/Cough that quiet possibly turns into Bronchitis or even Walking Pneumonia.

Though SOB (Shortness of breath) and the feeling we're suffocating is a symptom of Anxiety/Panic,I have been really bad to suffer which in turn creates MORE Anxiety.

Staying in constantly we breathe in dust,dust mites,mold/mold spores etc even if we dust every other Day.

I most definitely can tell I haven't done enough walking because I become extremely sore when I do get out.

Just wanted to add my 2 Cents which may not be much

 

Posted 7/28/2008 11:10 AM (GMT 0)
Sydnee,

What a good thread.

If I remember my junior high health class correctly, our bodies need sunshine in order to create vitamin D. I've read that lack of it may be a factor in seasonal depression.

So even for folks who aren't able to challenge going outside the house, having a "safe" room where the curtains can be always open or buying a sunlamp might be a good idea. At least then, that particular aspect of physical health wouldn't be compounding the problem. By the way, I found a little sunlamp on sale for just $25 not long ago, so they can be affordable.

percycat
Posted 7/28/2008 12:32 PM (GMT 0)

Sydnee, I agree with you and even if you can only get outside on your porch or deck, or even just the back yard is a great help.

Also remember when the weather is nice open up the shades and windows and let the sunshine in.  Just change all the stale indoor air to nice fresh air.

Percy,

I have only heard good things so far about light therapy especially in the winter months or when it is dark and gloomy. Great thought.

Kitt

Posted 8/3/2008 5:44 AM (GMT 0)

Percy,

You learned correctly in your Junior High Health Class!Sunshine and Vitamin D go Hand in Hand.I am probably lacking BIG time in Vitamin D.

The front of my Apartment faces the East,so in the Morning time I get plenty of Sunshine through my Living Room and Bedroom Windows.

I tend to be a private Person and don't like People peeping in (nosy peeps 'round here),so always keep my blinds pulled.I do reverse the blinds as I heard it saves on energy.

Where did you find the Sunlamp for $25 if I may ask?

Posted 8/3/2008 5:47 AM (GMT 0)

Kitt,

TBH (to be honest),it is so humid,muggy and hot here,I only go outside late in the Evening,after the Sun goes down or in wee hours of Morning.The Evening time doesn't guarantee it won't be humid.I can't stand the humidity.If I get hot,I become Anxious.I don't have a big porch,deck or lawn chairs..


Posted 8/3/2008 7:24 AM (GMT 0)
Light therapy is a brilliant way to combat seasonal depression. A doctor can also prescribe a light box so it isn't so much out of pocket. You only have to sit in front of the lamp for half an hour in the morning and evening to feel the full effects. My mum uses one for her S.A.D. and now she s different person in winter - a much ahppier, more awake person. We're thinking of getting me a small one to take to uni with me.
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