symptom question

[fear not]

Hello Everyone!First of all I want to start out with the progress that I've made.A year ago I was a complete agoraphobic.I could not even leave my yard.Well through the blessings that God has given me I'm now able to leave my yard but also go grocery shopping and to other stores.I'm very thankful because I really thought that I'd never be able to leave mt home again.I just turned 38 and have 4 kids so that was extremely depressing.I did it!I took that first I might add scary step and kept moving forward.My problem is self doubt.I get this I believe because almost everyone in my family judges me and they are also verbally abusive.Especially my husband and my 2 daughters.I know that they'll never understand what I've really been through but to tell you the truth I don't really thank they care.I'm not just thinking this,It's true.They tell me this alot.When I'm out pushing through my agoraphobia I'm getting yelled out in the car and humiliated in the stores.I stand strong and keep pushing forward.I do believe that my breakthrough is just around the corner.I'm having some symptoms rear up on me this week.I feel weak.My anxiety has been a little higher.It is that week before the time of the month.Ladies can any of you relate?I'm trying not to let it push me back.This does happen every month.I get that off-balanced feeling too.I know it's anxiety but it's hard to deal with during the week before.I'm just needing a little support please.I want to get better more than anything.I've had this disorder for 13 years.God bless all of you!

[Guest]

fear not -

You should be so proud of yourself!!! Don't let what others say get you down. They just don't understand. If they did, they would never say these things to you.

I get that way too before my period. It sucks, but we have to stay strong. We will get to where we want to be - it just takes baby steps.

I am so proud of you!!! Keep working the program and doing well!!!

bj

[Terrym79]

Thank you!I am proud because I didn't let myself stay idle any longer.It's just hard when you have so much negativity around you.I'm not giving up.I really do believe that this disorder makes us stronger.Take care.

[Guest]

I completely understand what you are saying. I was terribly agoraphobic a year ago, and didn't leave my house for weeks. I am also now able to go to stores, with some discomfort, but I force myself. And yes our family members don't understand and are not always supportive. I still had to do all the grocery shopping during this difficult time,except for 2 weeks when I refused. I am feeling better, but am facing going back to work after the summer off and I am so tired, as I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and this brings on more anxiety. I also get this unbalanced feeling, my worst symptom, along with the fear of fainting. I have read about alot of people that have these same symptoms. Jelly legs is also a big one for me. But as you said we have to stay strong and do what we can because the alternative is not an option. Be proud of what you have accomplished and keep moving forward.

[Guest]

WAY TO GO FEAR NOT!!! That is a huge accomplishment. I was house bound at one point for a good while. (Not as long as you, but a good while as I said.) Perhaps these people are uncomfortable with you changing. Is there someone else you could practice with, and talk to about this with? Keep on keeping on!
When you get to be really assertive perhaps you could tell them all, "I know you don't understand it, and that is okay. However, if you don't have anything positive to say, keep it to yourself, or you guys can all say it behind my back. Just do me a favor and leave me out of it! "
I am proud of you. I know what it takes to do what you are doing...especially after being housebound so long. That is amazing!
Last note: I totally recovered and you can too. I am dealing with a growth spurt. (It's been 8 years since I dealt with what you are.) I have faith in this program, it got me out before, and it will get you out of this too!

[Guest]

fear not,
sorry to hear your family is not supportive,my husband wasn't and did not understand when I first got so bad almost totally housebound the one thing I was afraid of because I knew it could happen.I live in numbness for several years then taking the anti depressant that helped but never pushed the rest of the way to be totally fear if you leave just a little it will come back and bite you.I am area bound I don't like the intestate and some towns you need to run it to get there.oh and my husband now has ocd and quit his job now I am working and have been for 8 yrs my daughter was a little girl when I was at my worst now she is haveing anxiety over migarines that are making her life miserable it hurts to have to go thru it over and over again her migarines have increased to one a week it upsets her because her eyes always mess up as she calls it and thats what scares her and then she worries when she will have another one I was hoping she would not have anxiety too.

I am proud of you for trying to get better for pushing yourself because with out support it would be hard but also what if we had no family that is one thing I wish I could do is go out and pratice myself.keep up the good work we will get there it just might take awhile but will get there the same I am trying to get the courage to hit the parkway wish me luck

[baby_g]

Congrats on working on your agorphobia. I too suffer from the discomfort of leaving my home. I have never had it this long before. It's been two months and I have been having trouble traveling. Just know that you are not alone and you can get great support here. I'm sorry you have a less supportive family. They obviously don't understand this condition. If they did, they wouldn't be giving you such a hard time. Once you beat this, you will come out stronger than ever! Keep working on it and don't let others negativaty bring you down! Good luck.