Agoraphobia

When I am feeling like I am glued to my chair at home..
I write a list of things I want to achieve for the day (easy tasks first) - I tick them off as I go, this boosts my confidence and I find myself thinking wow!
The next day I know I CAN do what's on the list and usually I find I do a little more and proudly write down my acheivements - some days are easier than others and I do have set backs..but hey...every little bit helps!

Good luck on your quest.
Maree

 Ken

       I was like you when i was in my twentys, I was housebound for a year or more ,it is a horrible thing to be agoraphobic. I dont really know how i recovered  i know i startwd going out a little [ baby stepsas your freinds are telling you .then one day i started out and just kept going , this was over 40 yrs ago .I still have it a sometimes a little ,i cant explain everything on the post , but you will be ok please keep trying ,there are books by claire weeks they are excellent and will help you a lot ,tyey have helped me . I still read them once in awhile when i need to. my family still dont know ,i hide my feelings well ,this is a good place to be in

    Please try and go out and try the meds at least until you  have more confidence GOOD LUCK YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS

I truly believe that others that have dealt with this and are beating it are able to give the best advice
Thanks chuckles
Some peeps do have to take meds other dont but I agree with you here
Luvs ya

Hey Strong, one of my huge fears is freeways too, haven't driven on one in a year. Unfortunately my fears keep growing...first is was just freeways, then anywhere more than 20 minutes away, now I can barely stop at red lights or make left turns. It certainly does grow the more and more you let it control you...

Love the name and the way it honors your family. I believe in positive visualization as a pathway to success. I chose my user ID not only as a reminder for myself but also to honor all of us that are walking the road to health every day.

Wazu - You wouldn't happen to be a Washington State Cougar would you? WSU or (Wazzu) is the affectionate name for a Washington State University student.

I believe in being honest and always hope that my words are not harsh or invasive. From what you have related here your world will continue to become smaller until you take back the power over this situation. The way that I beat freeways was by driving on them. I began to have the freeway fear when we lived in California and I was having other anxiety issues. The freeways are very, very fast and all the drivers (Yes, ALL the drivers) drive bumper to bumper at that speed. It was terrifying. Oddly enough, telling about this now makes me realize that this fear also came from my mother who is always afraid of freeways and I was having a great deal of trouble with her at the time as well. Anyway, 5 months after leaveing California for Colorado we moved back to Washington. Now we owned two vehicles and I would have to drive one from Colorado to Washington State. The first morning I talked to myself, out loud for the first two hours, assuring myself that I was fine and encouraging myself to relax and enjoy the scenery. It wasn't an easy trip but it was an empowering one. It took a few years (about 5) for me to become completely at ease driving anywhere again but it is so worth it.

I encourage you to not allow your world to get any smaller and take charge. You can do it with the support of those around you.

Has anyone heard from ken? Would it be wishfull thinking if I was hoping he managed to get out and is having a great time without us.

Hi Ken

I'm sorry you are going through such a rough time. Many years ago I was housebound for over five years, I didn't think I would ever leave my home again. I joined a support group for agoraphobics, but could'nt attend the meetings, so I got support over the phone. One of my biggest problems with the group support was, I really didn't believe what they where telling me, that I could be well again, I just thought they where okay because they didn't have agoraphobia as bad as I did. Really had trust issues back then.

We would set goals, my first goal was to open the front door and just look out, it took me a few days but I did it. I eventually was able to walk to my gate and back. Eventually I did go to the meetings, once I was out that door, I never looked back. Don't get me wrong this took a long time and was allot of hard work and courage. But the baby steps do work, even if it's just thinking about going out and not having a P/A. If not for the support of that group, I don't think I would have ever tried to venture out on my own.

I still have anxiety and was given an SSRI recently to help with my anxiety, but I was afraid to take an anti-d, which is what brought me to this site, as I knew I would get the support I need. I want you to know we are all here for you, to support you and to help find that switch. You will find it too.

Hugs Judy

Have you tried reading a book that may help you and regards to you trying exposure for 3 to 4 weeks you should try exposure for a maximum of 4 months thats the best way i dealt with it, avoiding the situation is like adding fuel to the fire.Write down the things you fear most and expose yourself to the one you fear least and build it from there.Good luck babe and remeber we are all here to help you keep us updated.

Ken I hope you are going to read this my friend many ppl here supporting you and giving input to try and help you out
Luvs ya friend
Lyn

Am bringing this up as we are seeing more agoraphobics on forum lately and thought this may help

Ken is still a member but not been on for awhile I am going to try to get to him thru Yahoo today or tomorrow and check in on him

Be well all

LYN

Spoke to the luv of my life my friend and great man Ken this am he is going to post on how he is doing'
THanks all for supporting him '
It means the world to ME
Luvs
LYN

Ken I saw your other thread and post but didnt see anything on here

Could you give us a bit of an update on how you are doing sweetie

Luvs ya tons

LYN

Hi Ken,
I know how hard this is. I was housebound for 3 years and then was doing great. It's a tough thing to deal with. You ask for the "switch"...my friend you and your strength are the "switch". You need to trust yourself and just try one thing day by day. I worked real hard on this and it worked. Sometimes I have those days and want to stay home, that's ok because it was my choice not the disorders choice. ((((ken)))) you can do this...you will do this. If I can be of any help...just let me know. Never give up, as I said in another post..our disorders are full-time jobs and we just have to keep fighting.
Take care my friend and know that each day is one more step you have taken.
eveie