hello all im new

Hi all just wanted to say hello to everyone as im new to the forum, ive suffered agoraphobia for 11 months, suffer depression and am a recovering alcoholic. I have recently made some great progress, in spending 2 1/2 hours outside.. (the longest time in a while). And also wanted to let everyone know im here to help if anyone would like to talk im here. Thanks to all the moderators for a very helpful and supportive site.

Hi and welcome.

I'm glad that you found this site, the people are amazing and the support here is like no other.  I hope that you will continue to make progress, keep posting and keep us updated!  I have agoraphobia too, so I know what your dealing with there and being outside for over 2 hours is HUGE!  Keep it up!

Hi liquid, welcome.

I joined HW be cause my boyfriend has Crohn's.  However, I have suffered my entire life with anxiety and panic disorders, and depression.  I just turned 52, and I am managing well now on Effexor and practicing 12 steps, as I am also an addict in recovery.  You see, I thought I could manage my depression with drugs and alcohol.  I believe it is very important that people with mental health issues be acutely aware of the high co-morbidity rate we have for addiction.

I had my very first debilitating panic attack on the Santa Monica FWY at age 19 and leaving the house for the next two years was horrifying.  Finally, I admitted my dirty little secret to my fiance.  I just wanted to die.  But there was a flicker of hope when I read an article in Cosmo about agouraphobia.  There was a name for what I had!  However, I continued to drink heavily to medicate myself....I have a very long story about drugs and alcohol used to manage my symptoms. 

2 1/2 hours outside after acute symptoms is huge!  contact me anytime...I see a therapist every other week (for the past 2 years) and I am illegal drug and alcohol free for 3 years.

Life is hard enough, and panic and anxiety is crippling, effects an already low self esteem.  You are not crazy....but it is a long process back to feeling okay again.  I know you can do it.  Stay in touch.

Thanks for all the warm welcomes guys, much appreciated, i live in Australia, and thankfully we dont get anywhere near -55 here in winter, lol.. And 3 years alcohol and drug free is awsome Binot, well done keep up the great work.. I do have a case worker that i talk to once a month by phone, but i think being in this group will help me immensley.. (hope i spelt that right..lol)..I am here for anyone if they wish to chat or need some advice, Thanks again for the warm welcomes, its really good to know that there are people who understand exactly what im going through as i understand what you are going through. A little about me, i live in Australia, im a chef by trade, i have 4 great children, my partner is really supportive, and ive put her through alot in the past year, and she has been a great help. im 34, and hope to be able to go outside normally soon, i have noticed that since my Effexor has been increased, i feel that i actually want to go outside, which is a great thing, thanks again guys, and if anyone needs anything at all im here for you all... cheers..