HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Agoraphobia

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/22/2014 10:25 AM (GMT 0)
I have suffered with Agoraphobia for at least ten years. It has been well controlled. I have never been house bound. My thing was I could leave the house as long as my husband is with me. Well he was my boyfriend then. For about six months I would not leave the house without him. He had to go to work with me and stay my whole shift. We worked at the same place so then he had to stay for his shift. When I went to college he had to go and wait outside. That was in 2002ish. We figured out what was wrong. I got on meds and I have been mostly fine ever since.

Well I have always had problems with being given a little bit and then taking it too far. I had to take some time off work because of surgery. This surgery is a very emotional and life changing surgery. Also it is causing the release of extra hormones into my body. But since I haven't really left the house the old feelings are returning. Tomorrow I am supposed to go with my husband and my mom to her Drs. I am terrified. I used to be fine if my husband was there. A few weeks ago I had to go to follow up on my surgery. I am afraid if heights and it is on the tenth floor. I totally lost it. But I am wanting to try to go back to work soon and I don't know how I will react. I mean right now I am terrified about this dr thing tomorrow.

I have a therapist but I can't get in right away. I have an appt on the 3rd. She is trying to work me in next week but she is in training.

Thanks
Posted 1/22/2014 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi TL and welcome to the A/P.

I am sorry to hear of your recent increased anxiety.

It is very hard getting back into the routine of work after being away for an extended period of time! You are doing well to recognize and deal with these feelings ahead of time. This will help you to be prepared and have a successful re-entry into the work place.

Coping skills and positive imagery will help you to feel as relaxed and confident as possible upon your return.

In our A/P Resources here on the main page (1st post) we have a bunch of links that teach anxiety management exercises! Start learning/practicing them now, and it should help a lot when you need them.

Envisioning a good outcome to your first day back is also helpful. Imagine everything going well. You are glad to be back among your co-workers, and you are feeling confident.:)

Perhaps even just going in ahead of time to say hi, and just be around the environment again would be good preparation.

As far as tomorrow goes...is this your appointment, or your mom's? (I am a little confused since you said it was her doctor)

Is this appointment necessary for you to go to? If so, then again, using the above techniques could help.

Do you have a short acting anti-anxiety such as a benzodiazepine? If not, then maybe you could call in today, and get a prescription for one, to help you get through what you need to do...without panic.

Wishing you the best. Let us know how it goes...and post with us anytime!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 1/22/2014 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
It's moments like this where,--quite honestly,-- I find Kitt's "Smiling Game" to be incredibly effective.

Not only do you feel good making other people feel good, but you're distracted without it being obvious.

I wish you luck Sherrie. You'll do fine. You're a much stronger woman than you think you are!

(I remember your posts!)


((hugs))



M.
Posted 1/23/2014 6:48 AM (GMT 0)
It was my moms appt but my mom cannot drive. My husband took her though because I was so upset last night I forgot to take my sleep meds and I got no rest. Plus he knew I was worried. But to make sure I did not get too used to being at home he had me drive the three of us to a couple of stores later in the day. That way I made sure I practiced getting out of the house in a low stress way. I do have Ativan and I did use it today. Thank you for all the help. I remember you too Merrida. How are you?
Posted 1/23/2014 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Great job! It souds like you made some good choices...staying in when you felt you needed to...but going out and getting some driving practice as well.

Keep up the good work...and keep posting with us.

We will be here to cheer you on and help you get back into your work routine if you need us.:)

S.C.
Posted 1/23/2014 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Sherrie,

I'm doing as well as can be expected. Thank you for asking.

I was wondering where you wandered off to. I haven't been seeing you post in a while, and I remember you from way back when I first joined!

I want to ^^echo^^ what S.C. said in that I, too, am proud of how you handled the situation. You knew when to take it easy, and tend to yourself, but you also gently pushed those boundaries and got out for just a bit, just enough.

Those are really, really big steps! So I don't want you taking them lightly, okay? You really are doing great!

Good to see you! (Well, you know what I mean,...."see" you here on HW!) :P




M.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply