Struggling

Shelly9 · Post by **Shelly9** » Wed May 07, 2008 2:21 pm

Okay i live in a small town that only has a few stores near by. Everything else like hospitals, therapist, psycologist, malls, and all the good stuff is about 30 to 45 minutes away. Ever since the end of March i became Agoraphobic and could only handle going 3 minutes away from home. I just recently received a notice from my doctor refering me to a dermatologist, and i want to go so i can get eczema checked out but then its 28 minutes away from home. This is all new to me so i cant really handle it. To me 5 minutes away from home is torture already. Could n e one relate or have n e thing to say about this.

thanxs

Shelly

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 07, 2008 4:08 pm

I live 45 minutes from civilization- lol. I found the best way to make it to town was to put in one of the session Cd's and listen to it. Before I knew it, I was there if I concentrated on what was being said. I also have some compiled music cd's that last the entire trip for when I feel like singing my head off. There is also a gas station halfway there where I stop to get a coke. It breaks the trip up for me to better manage it. Hope that helps!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 07, 2008 5:02 pm

Maybe a friend or family member could drive you - and wait with you.

Try focusing on the goal of getting help for your eczema - think of how great it would be to get some treatment for it - and repeat to yourself whenever you feel scared "I Can't WAIT to get this issue addressed. I can't wait until I have the medication I need! I am so happy there is a doctor who can help me! I hope he/she is cute!" LOL Focus on anything but the leaving the house aspect. Maybe make a security kit full of things that make you feel good and are good distractions. Bring lots of activities for the car/wait, and your favourite snacks and maybe a picture that makes you happy, or some of your favourite quotes written on nice paper.
Bring blank paper so you can make lists of fun things or comforting things you can do once you get back home.
Sometimes when travelling I bring enough things with me that I could probably survive for a week even if I am coming back the same day. I never even get the chance to enjoy all the neat things I had planned because before I know it, the trip out is over and I'm home again!

Good luck

Heather

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 07, 2008 6:17 pm

If you can get someone to drive you, investing in a portable DVD player will take the focus off where you are going and onto the movie (assuming it's a good one). If you have to go it alone, make sure the cell phone is handy and you can call a friend to pass the time. One thing that really helped me was to thank God for everything that came to mind as fast as I could get the words out. My brain couldn't focus on scary thoughts while I was feeding it gratitude thoughts.
Remember that success feeds on itself, so ever few minutes farther you can go is a big accomplishment. Just keep building on your success.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 07, 2008 6:53 pm

Thank you all for you comments, I am really trying my hardest, i still havent gotten the chance to get myself worken on this program but i know it will help me. I have heard so many successful storys and sooner or later i'll be one of those people writting one.

N e way I dont drive so my hubby is the one who usualy takes me around, like a said earlier its just hard getting out but i know baby steps will help and thats what i am gonna do.

Thank you thank you all for your love and support and reassuring me that i am not a lone.

Shelly

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 07, 2008 6:59 pm

Shelly,
Driving is a doozie for me as well, especially the freeway. I have yet to drive more than 40 min or so on the freeway, but what has helped was someones advice from this site: Audio Books.
They have taken my attention away from most of my road anxiety and allow me to "read" more.
Try getting a couple on ebay if you are interested as they can get kinda spendy.
Good luck
Tony

New Found Hope · Post by **New Found Hope** » Thu May 08, 2008 1:17 am

Hello!Yes I can totally relate!I was housebound for almost two years.I just started going out a few months ago.I'm not going to lie.Every time that I walk out that door I feel the struggle.The thing is you have to say to yourself am I going to let this fear rule me?I've decided that I'm not and I'm sure that you feel the same way.Keep your focus on that you want to go to the dermatologist office to get help for your eczema.Keep your thoughts focused on the positive no matter if they keep pulling toward the scary negative way.You can do this!I really do know how hard it can be but you have to convince yourself that you are going to be just fine.I'm still struggling with all this but I can tell you that every time you don't go somewhere because of the fear it only makes it worse.I also don't drive yet.That's something else I'm going to have to work on after I get myself more comfortable with the outside world.One step at a time.I believe that as long as you keep moving forward it all eventually comes together.And the most important thing is put all your trust in God.He will never leave you nor forsake you.That in it's self is an awesome feeling!Take care!God Bless!

derfy · Post by **derfy** » Thu May 08, 2008 2:47 am

shelly
we are the same i'm 44 been like that for 20 years but i use to drink so i didnt know i was afraid of EVERYTHING once i became sober (crap)
evrything came out.. hopefully this will help the funny thing is all the worrying i do about thinking of driveing 30 mins in a car nothing ever happens ever....... just a little disconfort thats all and if you keep at it it will go away hey im still working at it good luck kid just believe