michelle8
New member
Hello to everyone on the forum,
My name is Michelle and I am a recovering agoraphobic.
My agoraphobia came out of the blue one day in April 2009. I was in the car with my husband on the anniversary of my late brothers birthday who had suddenly died in 2008.
We were travelling to the local crematorium to place flowers on his interred ashes when sudden panic struck. The overwhelming feeling of panic, fear, wanting to be sick was followed by a light-headedness and the terrible sense of not wanting to be outside continued until I got home which was a great relief.
27 months later and I was still inside sadly watching and waving from the window of what I called my ‘cocoon‘. It was my safe, secure four walls which I had grown to hate. I would watch as my husband and teenage daughter went out shopping. Life went on around me as I was stuck inside.
Not only was I feeling sad I was also angry with myself for allowing this problem to rule my life. By not going out I had developed a sense of paranoia. I did not want anyone to see me, what if I had a panic attack in daylight? everyone would see.
Somehow I found the courage and strength to slowly venture outside. I managed this by doing small steps at a time.
I first overcame my fear of open spaces by going out at night where the street would be virtually empty. If I did take a panic attack no one would see me. I would also always have either my husband or daughter with me at all times. I would never recommend going out alone.
Things which I have discovered can help when going back out into the open world are:
1. Get an ice cold bottle of water that is freezing by putting it in the freezer for at least an hour. You will need this to go out with.
2. Have a facecloth soaked in water and lightly wrung and put in a waterproof bag. You will also need this to go out to cool down flushing if you experience this.
3. If panic is starting to creep in tap your thumb and pointy finger together gently. A friend or family member could also kindly get you a clicker that is used in dog training this will preoccupy your mind for your biggest step ever. When you step outside your door.
4. You must open the front door by yourself no one else can do this for you. You are now going to be in control.
5. If you do begin to take a panic attack outside (you must never ever turn back) you are beginning to take control of your life again
It has been a month since I started going out especially during daylight hours. Every time I do go out it is a challenge but I am determined to get the better of my fear of open spaces. The best advice would be to go to a large retail park instead of a shopping centre as they tend to be quieter.
I hope my advice will help some of you who are still struggling to beat this debilitating social phobia.
My name is Michelle and I am a recovering agoraphobic.
My agoraphobia came out of the blue one day in April 2009. I was in the car with my husband on the anniversary of my late brothers birthday who had suddenly died in 2008.
We were travelling to the local crematorium to place flowers on his interred ashes when sudden panic struck. The overwhelming feeling of panic, fear, wanting to be sick was followed by a light-headedness and the terrible sense of not wanting to be outside continued until I got home which was a great relief.
27 months later and I was still inside sadly watching and waving from the window of what I called my ‘cocoon‘. It was my safe, secure four walls which I had grown to hate. I would watch as my husband and teenage daughter went out shopping. Life went on around me as I was stuck inside.
Not only was I feeling sad I was also angry with myself for allowing this problem to rule my life. By not going out I had developed a sense of paranoia. I did not want anyone to see me, what if I had a panic attack in daylight? everyone would see.
Somehow I found the courage and strength to slowly venture outside. I managed this by doing small steps at a time.
I first overcame my fear of open spaces by going out at night where the street would be virtually empty. If I did take a panic attack no one would see me. I would also always have either my husband or daughter with me at all times. I would never recommend going out alone.
Things which I have discovered can help when going back out into the open world are:
1. Get an ice cold bottle of water that is freezing by putting it in the freezer for at least an hour. You will need this to go out with.
2. Have a facecloth soaked in water and lightly wrung and put in a waterproof bag. You will also need this to go out to cool down flushing if you experience this.
3. If panic is starting to creep in tap your thumb and pointy finger together gently. A friend or family member could also kindly get you a clicker that is used in dog training this will preoccupy your mind for your biggest step ever. When you step outside your door.
4. You must open the front door by yourself no one else can do this for you. You are now going to be in control.
5. If you do begin to take a panic attack outside (you must never ever turn back) you are beginning to take control of your life again
It has been a month since I started going out especially during daylight hours. Every time I do go out it is a challenge but I am determined to get the better of my fear of open spaces. The best advice would be to go to a large retail park instead of a shopping centre as they tend to be quieter.
I hope my advice will help some of you who are still struggling to beat this debilitating social phobia.
