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Posted 3/22/2011 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

it was suggested that I introduce myself through a new thread, so that's what I'm doing. This is actually the first time I've actually signed up to any kind of forum. I've been going through a variety of self-help workbooks (again) and joining a support group was a suggestion. Unfortunately, I am currently battling agoraphobia and unless accompanied, I don't really leave the house, so I thought a forum was the next best thing.

Briefly, my history with panic/anxiety/agoraphobia started about 19 years ago (I also suffer with depression, but who wouldn't when living with anxiety for so long!). It took two years before being diagnosed with a panic disorder. I refused meds for 7 years for fear that I would become addicted or be on them for the rest of my life (I was right). Anyway, I finally caved because dealing with the constant panic was exhausting. It was great! I was on Paxil and after two very rough weeks, I could go out by myself, drive, everything! Then it stopped working two or three years ago. Now I'm on Effexor and Klonopin with a side of Ativan; not great, but they do take the edge off. Anyway, due to other health problems, I quit my job (I was no longer happy there anyway) and have since become so comfortable staying home this has precipitated the return of my agoraphobia with a vengeance.

Now I'm working on it.

Any other newbies out there? or agoraphobics? or both?
Posted 3/22/2011 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome SP and thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself. I know that many of the members here can relate to your story. I am sorry that you are finding yourself homebound, but joining us here is a great way to reach out and talk to others with similar concerns.

I am glad to hear that you are using self-help books. I also found these really helpful in my recovery! Also, if leaving the house to do therapy isn't a possibility right now, can I also suggest two, free, on-line sites that offer CBT therapy?  You can go at your own pace, and it is a work-book style format that is easy to navigate. Moodgym and E-couch are the names (http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome)

I hope that you find this is a place to get information, make connections, and find caring support. Post anytime!

Take care,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 3/22/2011 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
Skatterprank

A warm welcome to HealingWell. Pull up a chair and sit for awhile. Sounds like we have several things in common so never feel you are alone.

I appreciated your comment, " my history with panic/anxiety/agoraphobia started about 19 years ago (I also suffer with depression, but who wouldn't when living with anxiety for so long!).

I have been living with anxiety and depression for 29 years but I will admit that I have had many good years and yes I take medications. I have tried to go med free but always crash - I am very resistant to the meds so we have gone through a long list over the years. Finally I agreed to the Effexor and it has worked well for me. Give it plenty of time to get to it's therapeutic dose. I know it took me a good 8 weeks but I started to feel better before that.

Self help books tell me that you are trying to move ahead and now you have managed to get out in public until the Paxil pooped out. Many people will find the meds poop out on them and others will maintain on the same med for years.

Keep talking with us and know we are here to support you.

Kindly,
Kitt
Posted 3/23/2011 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your response!

It's nice to know that there are others out there that "get it". I have a wonderful family but when it comes to mental health they seem to think someone should be able to snap out of it.

SaredyCat, I actually found the two sites you mentioned while I was trolling around the web last night (yes, insomnia too!) I signed up to both. Being house-bound isn't so bad (which is part of the problem - I'm too comfortable). I can get books sent to me, cable, Internet and my 4 kitties...

Kitt, regarding Effexor, I've been on it for two years so it's probably as good as it's going to get. The switch from Paxil to Effexor did help me drop the almost 40lbs I gained when I first started on anti-depressants (and I really don't want to gain the weight back - along with all my other "issues", I'm vain too;))

Thank you both for your kind words, encouragement and information. I look forward to participating various forum topics.

Regards,

Skatterprank

Post Edited (Skatterprank) : 3/30/2011 7:48:56 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/23/2011 6:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Skatterprank and welcome to HW! I'm glad that you found this forum, the people here are amazing, and we all understand what it's like. It has helped me so much through the years to be able to come here and talk to others who really know what it is like and can encourage and reassure you when you need it. I hope that you will have the same experience!

I can really relate to what you said. I've had anxiety disorder and panic attacks for almost 22 years, and have been agoraphobic to the point of being completely homebound. At my worst, I didn't leave the house at all for almost 2 years. I also quit driving about 17 years ago after having a massive panic attack while driving alone, which landed me in the ER. Things are a lot different for me now, I've worked hard and come a long way. I go out quite a bit now, can go anywhere, do the shopping, run errands, even started staying away from home overnight the last few years, but still won't do any of it alone. I always have someone, usually my husband or daughter, with me. I'll even drive once in a while, but again, not alone. I have to have someone else who can drive with me in case I panic they can take over, and I have to be feeling really good. So even though things are much better, I do still have some issues to deal with.

I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know that you are not alone in this. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you!
Posted 3/23/2011 7:37 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Skatterprank.

I to am stuck at home. Have been homebound now for almost 6 years. I can't leave the house alone. I always have someone with me and my cell phone. And its short trips. Its harder now that my oldest daughter has moved out of the house and now lives over an hour away. So now I have to rely on my middle daughter or my youngest son. DD is only 15 and my son is only 11. So they are not to much help..lol
So hubby is stuck taking me around town and doing errands.

So you are for sure not alone in the world. I have had anxiety/panic attacks since I was very young. Almost 30 years of dealing with them. I've done the meds. But can't do them anymore as they have caused a huge fear of side effects. And I have a low med tolerance.

We are here to lean on and for support. Again welcome and make yourself at home!
Posted 3/23/2011 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum this is a great place. Good to meet you and keep posting and you will get the support you need.

Hibee
Posted 3/25/2011 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Scatterprank - Glad you found us. Im also relatively new to the forum world and in sharing about my personal life but have found it sooo helpful. Ive struggled with anxiety/panic/depression/ptsd for well over 10 yrs. The full blown panic attacks are better due to Buspar for me. I do take meds for all of these as Id lost almost any quality of life. Incl. the hiding in my house which has gotten worse ovr the last 3 yrs. I was actually a licensed counselor for 25 yrs until my list of physical ailments shut me down & cant work anymore. What you describe, we can all relate to. Alone is a nightmare. You will find kindness & support & good info here. I still have a lot of bad days, but Ill never stop working on it. My heart goes out 2 anyone dealing with these. This forum truly helps me & Im grateful 2 have found it. If I can help in any way, Im here. ENCOURAGING HUGGS
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