Agoraphobia Part 2

[Bookoffee]

I can get a panic attack if the dog looks at me wrong. This past year has been very interesting for me. I got married, was disowned by the family again, had to fire my therapist of 8 years and had to move. That is alot for one with agoraphobia.

I didnt think the move would bother me, but it does. I have anxiety going from one room to the next. When I take my dog out for a walk I fear that everyone is watching me. That last time my brother attacked me, it is a block away. Not to mention other terrifying memories. I thought that since it has been 20 years, I could live here.

I am slowly trying to get over my fears. The first one I had to overcome was parking my car on the street. I have mastered that and I actually do better then my wife now. This is how much I actually like my apartment, even though it can be hard to walk through for me. Maybe that part will get better once all the boxes are unpacked.

I want to walk around the block without the fear of being followed.

 

[RussH]

I hope you can accomplish your goal of walking around the block before the weather turns cold.

I suffer from a mild form of agoraphobia; mine is being in crowded spaces. I am uncomfortable going anywhere you have to stand in large crowded areas. When that happens I have to find a way to the perimeter so I am not surrounded.

I think my fear comes from being unexpectedly attacked in school hallways (not physically). I would be attacked verbally, and emotionally.

 

[RussH]

I went to an outlet mall today to get a pair of shoes. I went into one of the shoe stores, and it was quite busy.

There were a few times when I was in one of the aisles, and there would be a number of people in the aisle. I would suddenly become uncomfortable and start looking for a clearing.

I almost left the store without getting shoes, but I knew I needed the shoes so I toughed it out, found some shoes, then got out of there.

 

[Bookoffee]

Good for you!

My wife wants me to go out and do something on my own. I haven't decided what it will be yet. I think I am going to try to go to the beach at low tide to ease my way into being alone with people. Then the next trip go food shopping with a small list. Now I need to pick a date or just be brave.

 

[RussH]

@Bookoffee when you do then go to successes and accomplishments and shout it from the rooftops, but be sure to tag me in it so I can make sure I read it.

By the way, it's nice having you as a friend.

 

[Bookoffee]

Thank you so much! I will

 

[RussH]

I will

I look forward to it. maybe we can have a contest. I will go find a really crowded room to stand in, and you go outside and stand, and we will time ourselves to see who could stand the longest:) just kidding.