Agoraphobia Support Group

Hi, my name is Nick and I am 50 years old. I had my first panic attack in 1982 and have had anxiety and then full blown agoraphobia since the late 80's. I'm happy to find a place like this, so I can freely discuss my problems with people who understand.I fought it for a long time before I got help and finally went to a Psychologist who diagnosed me, and that was the start of taking meds.

That made life tolerable but far from perfect, I haven't driven for at least ten years now. I felt I was putting a huge risk on the lives of others.

I'm probably at my worst now, I was able to work for all those years because it was about a mile from home and I got rides to and from work from a very understanding boss. Early last year a developer came to him and gave him an offer he couldn't refuse and he sold the building for what will be demolished for new development.So I haven't worked since then, and in this job market it's been rough to say the least.

There is so much uncertainty in my world right now and as you know that creates more stain on any relationship.I feel that joining here is a good move and I look forward to being a part of this board.

Thanks

Hi Nick, Welcome to MDJunction and to the Agoraphobia Forum!! We are very happy that you found us and have joined. You should find that we are like family here who support and care for one another. It's great to be here because we do get to talk to others who understand what what we deal with on a daily basis. This is what makes this such a great forum!

All of us here understand what you are going through as we are either agoraphobic or are a family member of someone who is agoraphobic. We know that it's so difficult to live with and know how much it impacts our lives. I'm so sorry you have had to deal with this for so long, but I am happy to hear that you have sought help and are taking meds to help. Like you said, the meds don't make this perfect, but it does make it a little more bearable.

One thing you will see us talking about a lot here, is taking things in "baby steps". This just means taking things one very small step at a time to overcome a particular fear or phobia. This is the most recommended treatment for agoraphobia - just taking things a little bit at a time. Do you talk with a therapist?

I'll give you a quick run-down on the forum. Now that you have introduced yourself to us, we would love to have you join us in our daily thread in the Lounge. This thread is where we talk about anything and everying and it's a great place to get to know each other. We share our problems, our successes, vent, give or get advice, etc.

In the Medicine & Treatment area and in the Articles tab above are several articles that may be helpful to you.

Most topics of discussion will go in the General & Support area or in the Lounge. Feel free to browse throughout the forum and join in on any discussion or start ones of your own. Also, feel free to PM (Private Message) me any time.

Again, Welcome and we look forward to getting to know you better! Don't forget to join us in the Lounge in our daily thread - "What's Going on Today?...". Keep posting and we will do our best to help you however we can.

Thank you very much for the warm welcome!

I look forward to navigating my way around here and posting and getting to know everyone.

You asked about a therapist and no I'm not seeing anyone right now. But I have been to two of them in the past.For the last few years I've been getting my meds refilled with my regular Doctor.

Hi Nick,

You are most welcome and I hope you enjoy being here!! If you should need any help with navigating the forum just let me know and I'll be glad to help.

As far as a therapist is concerned, if you want to have a therapist but just can't get out to do it, you should try calling some therapists in your area to see if any would do phone and/or home sessions. Just explain to the people in the office that you are agoraphobic and can't get out. Some will home visits, but phone sessions are more likely to happen. If you can be brave enough to get out to see one, that would be even better. But that's just a thought for you.

I'm glad to hear that you are getting your meds through your doc as the meds are definitely important to have. I do the same thing, as I have no insurance and cannot afford to go see the psychiatrist ($100.00 a visit!). So I see a therapist every couple of weeks to talk and see my regular doc for the meds.

Talk to you soon and hope you've had a great day so far!

Welcome Nick everyone here is very supportive and understanding.

Hugs Dee

Welcome Nick!

This is a great group.. very supportive, understanding and encouraging. The what's going on today? post is probably my favorite. You can share daily accomplishments or vent about a bad day or give and receive support. Hope to see you in the forums soon,

Shrug

Hi Nick,

Just popping in to say hi and see how things are going for you. When you feel up to it, just give us a shout as to how you are doing. Feel free to join us in our daily thread in the Lounge.

Talk to you soon!!

Hi Nick, I'm just here again to see how you are doing. It's been awhile since we have heard from you and just want to know if there is anything we can do to help you. When you feel up to it, just let us know.

Hope you have a great day!

Hi Nick,

I just wanted to let you know that I understand. I see when you come online. It's ok to say 'Hi'...this is a safe place and we are all here for support.

Cheryl

Hi Nick!