Hello All,

I wanted to share my latest experience with all of you. I have experienced anxiety and panic most of my life and in January had a panic attack which turned into agoraphobia. I became homebound and very depressed because I am so outgoing and love being around people. I had to quit my job and my husband has to drive me everywhere for fear of having an attack while being by myself. I have been working hard on my recovery and today my son, who is 10, and I drove to his old daycare to visit some friends and then to Subway for lunch. NO anxiety or fears. I just called my husband and told him the news and he is proud of me as I am of myself. I know that there are lots of you out there who may feel that you will not get better but you will. I felt that my life was over in January but with Lucinda's program and the support of my family, friends, and those of you here on the forum, I am finally on the road to recovery. Thank you all for your posts and responses. It is definitely nice to know that we are not alone.

Cherie

Cherie,

Way to go!!! You took control of it before it became an ingrained habit, and that's the key.

I think you are one of the people who replied to my post back in May when I was concerned about the summer off with my daughter who is 7. I also struggle with agoraphobia and I was worried about not getting out with her and allowing her to experience the fun things about summer. I have pushed myself to do little things like taking her to the library for the summer reading program, and I have taken her to a park and we play together. It has been such a rewarding experience to take her out and not only to spend the time with her, but to push myself to do things I would avoid otherwise. I want to keep at it because it feels so good to be able to do "normal mom" things. I actually had very little if any anxiety while doing these things.

Anyway, I am thrilled for you. Keep building on what you have achieved, and I am going to also. I would love to keep in touch with you, and we could encourage each other. Take care!

Kat

Hi Kat,

Thank you first of all for recognizing my accomplishment.

Good for you -- getting out and enjoying being a mom. It is so important for our children to feel safe and secure with us. I noticed that my son started feeding off of my anxiety and I wanted to stop that immediately. Doesn't it feel good to do things that are so normal and nothing bad happen to us?? You are doing a great job in getting out as well and not becoming housebound. I had a panic attack last week while my husband and son were home with me. The ironic thing is that I always thought that as long as they are with me, I wouldn't have an attack. Well, that isn't true and it made me realize that I am the only one who can beat this disorder. They can't do it for me, they can only support me!!! From that moment on, I made a promise to myself to move forward and stop looking back on how my life used to be and start living in the moment and enjoy each and every second of my life. I have noticed that I am happier and so is my family.

My husband, son and I went to the grocery store last weekend and I noticed that I was walking with my head high and actually talking to strangers. No big conversations but I wasn't feeling insecure anymore about myself. These people don't know anything about me so I felt good in my own skin, for the first time in a LONG time.

I would like to keep in touch with you too. You can either send me a private message or my email address is CHERIELSMITH@COMCAST.NET.

Congratulations to you too!!!

Keep in touch.

Cherie

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That's wonderful news, the both of you!

Keep these positive experiences coming, kids. Some of the
biggest fears agoraphobics have is having a panic attack while
out somewhere and seeing others stare in horror at us
like we have bright shirts on that say STAY AWAY! I'M CONTAGIOUS!
in huge letters!

They make us feel as though our fears/phobias are VERY rare!
And so it is somewhat reassuring to know that many NORMAL ppl
have the same problems we have, and even worse than ours! And also
that many others have overcome these fears.

The interesting thing about being afraid of what others think
is that they might have it, too. You just never know
who else in traffic or on your bus, or even in your place of
employment has fears and are taking meds.

Remember folks, they don't pay your bills. Everyone has
their own problems, so just deal with yours. And help others
with theirs. The more ppl you help, the more likely they will
help you someday.

And just your helping them alone can make you feel so much
better. Amen?