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Agoraphobia ForumsGeneral & Supportfed up with family/friends
07/08/2012 12:25 PM
salishgirl
salishgirlPosts: 579
Member

I've gotten to a breaking point with my family and all of those around me. They are supportive in some ways-of me as a person-but not so much of me as an agoraphobic. I've had it for 10+ years now and it kills me that they still don't seem to know what it is or how to be supportive. Every movie, book, TV show I've asked them to watch to understand has not been watched/read.

On top of that when I'm having a rough night (like last night-major panic) I wake up and try to get support only to get frustrated. A family member told me I'm not doing anything to fix it because ,as she said, I haven't tried acupuncture. I'm sorry, but is daily exposure, going to school, working, having a relationship, and numerous health kicks not doing anything about it?? When will they get how difficult normal things are for us?

This is a rant, but also, maybe I'm hoping someone is in the same frustrating boat that I'm in and can tell me it gets better?

Reply

07/08/2012 12:58 PM  Top
MMollie
MMollie
 
Posts: 368
Member
I'm an Advocate

My family are not there for me at all. They have their own things to do and so I get forgotton about, as if I don't exsist. The only support I have is from my safe person (husband). And even with him, there are times I don't think he understands at all, even though he lives with me and sees what I go through. I think in some ways he resents the fact that his life has changed so drastically since being with me. Things he used to do, he no longer does because he's busy taking care of me half the time.

The other half the time, he sees glimpses of normality. I don't think he understands that, even though he sees it on a regular basis, that there are good and bad times. That I can't just get up and go. He doesn't understand, even though he has panic attacks, how hard it is for me to just let it go once the "threat" or whatever is over with.

On the other side, he's always been there for me. Doing his best to see that I'm taken care of like I need to be.

I wish sometimes, that I could see things from his point of view. See how hard and frustrating it is for him to be cooped up in the house, urging me off the bed, or away from the house. His "job" is very difficult.

At the same time, my job is very difficult. Trying to get past the nearly always constant anxiety and the panic attacks. At the same time, trying to help him as much as I'm able too (which is not as much as I so badly want) that's so frustrating!

I've told my kids and my father about what I have and they ignore it. They shrug it off as if it doesn't exsist. My father's favorite saying is "Get over it and move on" *Blink* ok, that's going to happen!

While there are numerous things I have "Gotton over and moved on", there are things that haunt me and those things suck. It hurts that my family is not interested in my well being and only think about themselves. If they thought about me at all, were interested in helping me, they would do what they could to find out what is wrong with me. Instead they talk be hind my back and call me every name in the book. From their view, you'd think I was the worste person that walked the earth. That really sucks!

I've learned that, while I can't change them, I can't force them to study. I'll only frustrate myself trying to change their ways when they don't want to change. I don't need that frustration. I don't need the extra anxiety of trying to educate people that are too resistant to learn. I try still, but I've also distanced myself from them. I've had to out of my own welbeing. Sure, it hurts, but nowhere near as bad as the reactions they give me.

Remember, it won't always feel this way.

Not everything that is faced can be changed,
but nothing can be changed until it's faced.
Author Unknown

Life is not always fair, but one thing I'm sure of that it goes on and on.
Shada AlDahash

The truth is, everyone's gonna hurt you. You just have to find the ones worth suffering for.

It's important to put a lot of years into your life, but equally important to put a lot of life into your years.
Fortune Cookie

Don't let the sadness of your past or the fear of your future ruin the happiness of your present. Author Unknown

If you don't want to tell me, that's fine, just don't lie to me.
Author Unknown

A person who truly loves you is someone who sees the pain in your eyes while everyone else still believes the smile on your face.

In order to be happy, you have to be real to yourself.
Author Unknown

There can be no courage unless you're scared.

I am not a doctor, nurse, or therapist. Any advice I give is purely my opinion and should be regarded as such, Thank You! :)

07/08/2012 01:14 PM  Top
mabri
mabri
 
Posts: 4710
VIP Member

Salishgirl and Mollie,

I'm sorry to hear that your family is not much/no help to you. It's very unfortunate that they aren't even willing to try to learn about agoraphobia. People have such a misconception on what it is, and if they would take the time to read about it, they prolly would be more understanding.

I do hate to say it, but as far as the extended family, you do have to distance yourself from them sometimes. I know it's hard, but if they are treating you poorly, (calling you names? Really??) then not only are they not supporters, but they are actually toxic to you. They are only making things worse, and making you feel worse. Pushing them away can actually be helpful to you cuz you don't have all that negativity around you. Maybe if you do this, they will want to come back and be more helpful. If not, then you haven't lost anything except poor treatment.

As far as immediate family, (hubbie, kids that live at home) it becomes a little tougher, cuz you usually can't just get away from them. Leave some literature in the bathroom. People are always looking for something to read in there. Maybe put a movie on, and watch it with him on a night you know he has no other plans. It's not per say a fix, but it may get the ball rolling on how you feel. You may also want to have a long talk with him, and just tell how you feel.

I hope things get better, we are here for you, and am always here for a rant! Glad you are a part of this group, where at least you can get some understanding. HUGS

Please do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor.

**Becky**

07/08/2012 01:56 PM  Top
Lca31
 
Posts: 71
Member

I suffer from extreme anxiety/panic disorder and at first I got some support from my family, but after a while they just got sick of it and they don't help me AT ALL. I have to do this all by myself (well I do have a therapist and doctor.) but from my family I get nothing. I get so depressed sometimes because of my constant anxiety and panic and I'll just start crying and no one seems to care. They just don't get it. They can't relate. That's why I came to this site- hopefully trying to get some support.

07/08/2012 02:30 PM  Top
MMollie
MMollie
 
Posts: 368
Member
I'm an Advocate

My kids are the ones calling me names. They don't live with me because of my disabilities.

My hubby says that all the time. They are actually toxic to me. My therapist and pdoc agree in the fact that I needed to step away from them. Truthfully, my life in some ways has become easier without the constant drama and rude and hurtful comments.

It seems so sad that people can be that way. I wish I had a family like my hubby's. Yeah, they have their problems, but they stick together and back one another. My hubby says that I've gained a family. While his family has accepted me, it's just not the same as the people that have been around for so long.

You see, because of what I have, I could not see their treatment of me until I got away from them. I couldn't see just how very toxic they were to me and so just accepted it as normal. After all, it's what I know. *shrugs*

When my hubby came along and he saw how I was treated, he got really REALLY pissed. He couldn't understand how any family could be like that. For a while, he forbade me to go around them. He wanted me to see how I was supposed to be treated. At first, it was so weird to me. Now, I've gotton comfortable with it and wouldn't give it up for anything in this world.

Remember, it won't always feel this way.

Not everything that is faced can be changed,
but nothing can be changed until it's faced.
Author Unknown

Life is not always fair, but one thing I'm sure of that it goes on and on.
Shada AlDahash

The truth is, everyone's gonna hurt you. You just have to find the ones worth suffering for.

It's important to put a lot of years into your life, but equally important to put a lot of life into your years.
Fortune Cookie

Don't let the sadness of your past or the fear of your future ruin the happiness of your present. Author Unknown

If you don't want to tell me, that's fine, just don't lie to me.
Author Unknown

A person who truly loves you is someone who sees the pain in your eyes while everyone else still believes the smile on your face.

In order to be happy, you have to be real to yourself.
Author Unknown

There can be no courage unless you're scared.

I am not a doctor, nurse, or therapist. Any advice I give is purely my opinion and should be regarded as such, Thank You! :)

07/08/2012 02:38 PM  Top
mabri
mabri
 
Posts: 4710
VIP Member

LCA,

We're glad you found us. Yes, we are here for support and help. Please jump in anytime, and ask questions, cry or even laugh here, as we try to find laughter to keep us sane. I'm sorry that your family is what it is. It is sad, but there are a lot of families that are that way. You are now part of the agor family, and I'm sure you will find a lot more understanding here. HUGS

Please do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor.

**Becky**

07/08/2012 02:53 PM  Top
Zahc
Zahc
 
Posts: 618
Senior Member

Dear 'Mollie', and 'salishgirl',

I second friend 'mabri's advice, and could not have said it better !

I must add that--in my estimation--the majority of the public ( including, family members and friends ) have accepting, or even, tolerating conditions such as panic/anxiety attacks/agoraphobia as (while these are legitimate diagnoses)although it is often absolute hell for the person suffering from them, these conditions do not particularly 'make' a person look ill, as would--say--were you to be missing a leg.

And they may want to try to attribute them to the product of an over-stimulated emotion ( and, yes, hypersensitivity is large contributor ), or, the product of your imagination,( kind of like the kid who wants to stay in bed, rather than go to school.)

Since you have NO gaping wounds, nor missing limbs, nor other conditions, such as diabetes, that is commonly accepted.

And yes...I, too, have been told to just 'snap out of it'. Even though--should you have, for example to view my profile, all my 'conditions' have been established as fact by some evidentiary lab work, X-rays, scans, etc. by my Primary physician. And my Pain Doctor.

We who labor under these deadful conditions really do need all the support from friends, and family that we can get. Because it is so completely life-altering frm anything we ever knew before. And also, sometimes some people become resentful if they think you are dodging school, work, home responsibilities, driving, shopping, and more.

You did not mention whether or not you been diagnosed, or had lab work done, or are seeing a therapist, pain manager, or psychiatrist.

If you have not as yet done, I suggest that you do so, first to put your conditions 'on the map'; second, to begin seeking professional help that may involve counselling,or medication. If you are concurrently in extrememe pain, or cannot sleep, your functionng level will of course be very low.

And, I must tell you, that on many an occasion, even with ome very, very strong medications, I still have many 'bad' days during which I can do nothing.

Perhaps having a family member attend a therapy sesion with you might help them to understand your conditions.

But, I do agree with my firend 'mabri', should their lack of understanding, which has already become verbal, becomes abusive or toxic, you will need to relocate to a quieter, 'safer' place, with either more caring relatives, or with friends. Because you need validation, support, help, committment, assistance, and this means a major change of midset among those you live with.

Though I live alone, I would not recommend doing so, unless you can afford it, and want to, for I find myself feeling unutterably ill, with no one for understanding or assistance.

And, to the extent that you can, forgive yourself first, then them. You did not ask for these illnesses, nor, did you deserve them. Be kinder to yourself. If they are 'running' and you can't keep up, sit down. Find those areas of things that you can still do.

For 'family time', seek 'together time'. Try to relax. Fix up some kibble and sodas and have 'movie night'.

If you have small children, they really won't be able to understand, but on your 'good' or 'better' days, get down on the floor, at their level, their perspective and have 'play time'. Genuine laughter does help so much.

For a tired, and husband who may not be able to understand, or who may even resent his now increased responsibility, or you somehow being 'different' than you were.

As a man, I can tell you that there's a LOT that confuses us, but, we still respond well to praise and acknowledgemet. You've got to let them know how important they are to you; paper the private bathroom with dozens of little, heart-shaped post-it notes, and write upon them: 'I love you 'XYZ', or, 'Thanks', or, 'I could not make it without you !'

Give him a neck massage. Something that will bring you closer together.

And, although you may have horrible days, this is brusque, but vitally important, so please, I mean no offense.

For the sake of harmony in the family, be the first one to say 'I sorry', and mean it.

While you muight not feel like even getting out of bed,do not let your hygeine go; wear comfortable, but clean clothes; pay attention to your hair, and nails. Don't allow yourself to get sloppy. And while explanations of how you are feeling are certainly O.K., DON'T get shrill or whiney. Be approachable. Remember that panic/pain/anxiety can make you angry...quite natural, but, for Heaven's sake don't become a witch, or friends and family members will go off focus, and go into 'avoidance mode'. This you do not want.

For example, I can get away with this as I live alone but, even so, if I should miss a shower, or stay in the same pajamas for three days running, of course it makes me feel and act like a slob; and really does nothing to help me with my self-esteem issues. I 'look' sick, therfore, I 'must be' sick, and even on those horrible, horrible days AND nights, a refreshing shower, clean shorts and tee and socks, and clean bed linen and towels go a long way to help me feel better. Funny, but, so does a tidy house. I my case, there's so much I can no longer do, that I pay a C.N.A private duty for showers twice a week, a general tidying up to the house, and have my laundry done.

If you can afford it in any way, hire the help you need; maybe someone at church to come out for a few bucks, or even a neighbor, or a friend; it doesn't have to cost a fortune, and you will still be able to contribute, by assuming part of the family work-load.

Look deep within, and try to find a talent that with your computer at home to do some work part time. Or, crafts. Sewing. Anything locally marketable. Caligraphy. Drawing.

Your spouse and family will begin to respect you more if you but try. The bringing in of some money into the house is more important--these days--than you know. Just be aware of your limits, and boundaries. Clearly estabish them for the family to become familiar with. Learn--also--how to express yourself. If there is something of things you absolutely cannot do, or, places you cannot go, you know them; put it on the table early, and try if you can try, but don't find yoursef in a position of promised, but failed 'tries'. It will just make you look weak, uncertain, and will undermine those demonsterable symtoms of your illness(es). You'll lose your believability. Also your reliability. In my case, for instance, there are a LOT of 'no's', some 'yeses', but few 'maybe's'. That way, although some of my neighbors and friends still have NO clue regarding my conditions, still, they do know what I can and cannot do. Will, or will not do. You also have to pleasantly 'standup' for yourself. Don't let anyone make you cry. And never apologise for being ill; you did not ask for it. You did not want it.

For although you may have a number of illnesses, they are NOT you. YOU are not them; basically, you're the same, wonderful person you've always been, but now with some duct tape ! Smile

Anyway, please stop in anytime you need to rant or complain; we all do. Here is where we get a lot of our support.

Please feel free to 'PM' either 'mabri' or me to let us know how you are doing.

Please feel better. Take care. And be happy ! 'Zahc'


07/08/2012 03:31 PM  Top
banaberry22
banaberry22
 
Posts: 385
Member

It is so hard for those who don't have panic and agoraphobia to understand what we are going through. They all feel as if popping a pill will cure you. Honestly, everyone I know feels this way. They feel as if a pill is a miracle cure...I don't usually generalize but this is what I have noticed.

It is kind of sad because they would not turn their back on you if you had a physical disability or cancer or something of that nature. Right now i have support from my mom and brothers but not my husband and its painful isn't it? It adds to our stress and anxiety.


07/08/2012 06:58 PM  Top
salishgirl
salishgirlPosts: 579
Member

thank you for all the sweet replies-it makes me feel a bit better today. I totally understand what you guys are saying about the visible illness vs. invisible illness. I feel that way a lot-especially since no one ever has seen my panic attacks-I always go hide somewhere. I hold a lot in and so I feel like I partially don't convey how serious it is, but at the same time they don't ask either. It would be so refreshing for someone I care about to sit down and say "tell me what that is like." and just listen.

07/08/2012 07:14 PM  Top
silverguy
silverguyPosts: 5218
VIP Member
I'm an Advocate

Try the reverse and see what happens. For instance, I don't want you in my life until you make some effort to understand my condition. I'm just fine on my own and it's your loss, not mine. Don't be afraid to get mad at these people, screw 'em. Do I need a bandage before I get your sacred sympathy and attention? I hate it when I hear agoraphobics kissing ass because nobody gets it. I could care less who gets and who doesn't. If you want me in your life, get it, or keep on movin along. RAWR!!

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