tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post2878663024683397312..comments2024-03-14T03:43:02.583-04:00Comments on EPBOT: A Is For AgoraphobiaJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-12258655405681241112017-07-20T11:33:18.992-04:002017-07-20T11:33:18.992-04:00I honestly could cry sitting here reading your pos...I honestly could cry sitting here reading your post. Someone referred me to your blog, because my family is going to Disney in a couple months and staying at the Polynesian and I am on an "avoid the monorail" mission. I don't know that my situation is as extreme as yours, but it sounds SO similar! I have let myself get to the point that I honestly cannot walk onto an elevator. I will walk 6 floors and feel like I'm dying when I take my daughter to her cardiologist, while my mom or husband take her up the elevator. I won't ride most Disney rides, because I'm afraid they'll stop and I will panic because I can't get out. I have had anxiety waiting on Mickey's Philharmagic to start in the past and I have had anxiety just sitting in the waiting area of a restaurant once. The other night the power went out in my house and I woke up and couldn't see (we live in the country and it's dark out there). I instantly began to panic and was honestly contemplating how to get out of my house (the garage door won't open without power unless you pull the string) without my husband figuring out what I was doing, because I just needed to get away from the dark. I managed to light a candle and sit in my kitchen floor while charging my phone on my laptop to make sure I had access to something to keep me distracted and stayed awake from 1:30-3:30 am until the power came back on and I could go to bed because my night light was working again. I've only been to Disney/Magic Kingdom one day six years ago, so this is the first stay on-site, do it all for 5 days Disney trip for me and here I am staying at a monorail resort trying to figure out how not to ride the monorail when I have a pre-park opening dining reservation at Magic Kingdom. I don't fly, I am leering of locking doors in public bathrooms if they look like they aren't brand new and well-maintained, and I wouldn't get in the front passenger seat with a friend once because it was dark and I felt like I would panic, so I drove myself. I pretty much panic when I don't have control over something completely, although honestly I can even just be sitting on the couch watching tv and start to panic for no good reason at all. I don't know if you'll see this comment since this blog is a few years old, but maybe you have helped me to put a word to my fears.Staceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04531733906573464356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-22556906807267502882014-12-26T02:23:13.590-05:002014-12-26T02:23:13.590-05:00I understand the power of a name. I was crippled b...I understand the power of a name. I was crippled by panic attacks and self-doubt before I was finally diagnosed with PTSD resulting from a near-fatal car accident. I was stunned because I thought that was just associated with war injuries and veterans. However, having that name gave me courage and I have nearly completely regained my life from those dark days. Good luck Jen - it CAN be done! Jilly Coppercornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17953728219193543600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-83492418971679917672014-12-14T04:39:12.952-05:002014-12-14T04:39:12.952-05:00That's awesome! I'm so happy for you! It t...That's awesome! I'm so happy for you! It takes real courage to not only face your phobia and learn how to control/ease your way through a panic attack, but to admit them openly on the internet. Do you know what set your phobia off? Was there a specific event that triggered your phobia? I'm curious but if it makes you feel nervous feel free to not want to answer :)<br /> I have nyctophobia- a phobia of the dark. I had my first major panic attack last weekend. It is a phobia where exposure therapy does the opposite for me- it makes my panic attacks WORSE. It doesn't help that I'm a night owl (since childhood! My mom would find me reading at 1am when I was supposed to be sleeping for school) and work a lot of night shifts. I get terrified to even answer the phone unless I back up to it because the feeling of turning my back on the "dark" is so strong I almost puke. Apparently what set this phobia off was something that happened to me in my mother's womb (don't ask, it's a long story, but side note I'm adopted) and when I was around 5 or 6 I was watching a black and white Disney movie where Mickey Mouse was being chased by this bull- and the only color was it's eyes- they were glowing red. Sometime later, I went into my mom's room to do something, it was dark and the only color/light was her digital clock....which you guessed it, had glowing red numbers. I had my very first and very scary (to me and my family) panic attack. Ever since I've had this phobia. I struggle everyday to make sense of it and I can't. I'm very nervous to see a professional because what if there are locked memories that surface or I remember the event that started all this before I was even born? It's very nerve racking for me.<br /> I'm very happy for you, and I hope that you'll continue your progress and that you will (of course!) meet your goals. God bless!Fynnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-50169430166669235492014-12-09T14:07:58.812-05:002014-12-09T14:07:58.812-05:00HOLY S$@& - GO JEN!!!!!
I have a teenager daug...HOLY S$@& - GO JEN!!!!!<br />I have a teenager daughter that deals with anxiety and have always chalked it up to some of her poor life choices, but this post has made me realize that I should pay more attention to it and learn a bit more about what she might be going through.<br />Thank you for always sharing - from amazing crafty project to real life, you are amazing and I hope everytime you look in the mirror your reflection is shouting that back to you. From the Hogsmead rooftops : )Amy Cnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-57114834180341570902014-12-08T13:29:32.244-05:002014-12-08T13:29:32.244-05:00Holy dust storm. Your story is amazing-so happy fo...Holy dust storm. Your story is amazing-so happy for you, and hoping your sharing helps others too!Marisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00694364991203396481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-36036023620744985282014-11-28T23:16:32.322-05:002014-11-28T23:16:32.322-05:00As a psychologist, I would like to note that "...As a psychologist, I would like to note that "healing the root of the problem" is not typically the most useful or recommended approach to overcoming panic; exposure therapy has by far the most empirical support as an effective way to regain control over your life. As Ali pointed out, for some people whose panic is tied to traumatic experiences, additional kinds of help can be useful, but for most people exposure therapy is both necessary and sufficient. As far as "consulting someone whose job it is to treat those specific problems," a therapist can offer two main things: information/guidance and support. Jen, it sounds as if you have done a wonderful job seeking out useful information, and it is clear you have excellent support. So, there doesn't seem to be any compelling need to seek out a therapist unless you just want to, or unless you run into unexpected "stuck" places. For people who are looking for useful information, I often recommend checking out http://www.anxietycoach.com/panicdisorder.html (I have no connection with this therapist or website; I just like the way he explains things). Jen, I really enjoy Epbot and often recommend it to others - thank you for sharing your gifts!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-73503932331588988032014-11-28T18:23:33.852-05:002014-11-28T18:23:33.852-05:00I am so glad to read this Jen! I am an ER Nurse an...I am so glad to read this Jen! I am an ER Nurse and I have so many patients (yes, mostly female, but some male) who I can now refer to this post!!! I have cared for one patient over the past few years who I see several times a week so I've always BELIEVED that anxiety and panic attacks are REAL - vs. some in the medical field who see these patients as attention seeking or dramatic. <br /><br />I'm now a travel nurse and I'm seeing a broader range of people who suffer greatly and are desperately searching for a medical solution to their problems. The doctors clear them medically and send them home with no answers, so I try to gently tell them that *I* believe they have a panic/anxiety disorder, and steer them in that direction with their search for help, but it is very hard and often met with great disbelief or resistance - especially from family members who think the patient just needs to "buck up". <br /><br />This is just one more reason to steer people to Epbot ... I've been a loyal reader since you started and I send people here at least weekly ... now I'm carrying a link to this page in my work pocket too. Thank you so much for sharing yourself!!! I look forward to someday shaking your hand, and if allowed, giving you a hug!!!<br /><br />Hugs, Good thoughts, and Blessings to you and John,<br />- AmyAmyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15849806750807924621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-32767236823129541212014-11-28T14:12:44.165-05:002014-11-28T14:12:44.165-05:00I totally just squealed like a little girl. And po...I totally just squealed like a little girl. And possibly jumped up and down like one... And maybe my husband might have stared at me like I was out of my mind. OHMIGOSH JEN REPLIED TO ME! JEN! THE Jen! SHE REPLIED TO ME!!!!!!!!!!! TO ME PERSONALLY! *ahem* *pats hair down* I'm perfectly alright, no need to stare. ;)<br /><br />Thank you both for your responses! They mean the world to me, truly. It's amazing and mind-blowing to know that people who never even knew I existed until I posted this comment actually care what is going on with a name behind a screen.<br /><br />I love that you understand what I meant by the profanity. I tried to explain to my husband that it's like someone just slapped me across the face unexpectedly, exactly as you describe it. Also, I'm terrified of any sort of conflict at all--I even get overly stressed out if I see a confrontation in a kiddy movie and have to calm down in a quiet place later on.<br /><br />I agree that the shop idea was way too ambitious--I had managed to order something by myself in a restaurant the day before and was on a bit of a high when I thought to do it... But going through with it definitely proved to be too much of a jump. My husband helps by pushing me (Like John did with the eggs at the store) by letting me handle transactions while he's there next to me, or letting me order our food when we're out at restaurants, which is starting to get a little easier. Baby steps. :)<br /><br />The walking outside alone is also a major trigger for me, because just seeing a male walking close to me or nearby is enough to panic me, so another thing I've been attempting is to wander away from my husband in places like the supermarket, but that hasn't gone too well so far--I tend to start panicking after a minute or so. So I guess I'm working at it from both ends. :)<br /><br />Thank you SO MUCH for your response! You totally just made my day! :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16512058988474305677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-25018647105611068022014-11-23T15:48:23.073-05:002014-11-23T15:48:23.073-05:00Jen, I am so proud of you, and I love you for post...Jen, I am so proud of you, and I love you for posting about your anxiety issues and sharing how you deal with these. Because, this gives so much encouragement to those who are suffering from the same, or similar problems. They get to see they are not alone, that it's not "just them", that they are not oversensitive, childish, and whiny. I have been called all of this. I have always been extremely shy and anxious, and this has, over time, lead to depression, and alcoholism as a means to cope with all this and keep functioning. It took a nervous breakdown to finally go see a doctor. I had my last glass of wine that day, and as of now, I am 10 months sober, and able to sleep peacefully without the help of meds. Alas, things didn't improve over night, which was a very frustrating experience to go through. It's a two steps forward, three steps back, one step forward, is this going forward at all? kind of progress. I keep having to remind myself that, a year ago, the phone or the door bell ringing would terrify me, that I was too scared to open the mail, that I hadn't had a good night's sleep for at least half a year, because I would wake up every other hour, terrified, with my heart racing.<br /><br />So, your posts, all these comments, they are encouraging and comforting, that I am not alone in this. I have ordered the Hope And Help For Your Nerves book you mentioned, and am already half way through. And I just ordered the Phobia Workbook you mentioned and also this one because the reviews were very promising. http://www.amazon.de/dp/0380810336<br /><br />Also, guided meditation vids on youtube, while not working for everyone, have helped me a lot.<br /><br />Love, peace and calm to all of you, <br />SandraSandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06187467742028712865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-32045550141788275252014-11-23T14:54:39.219-05:002014-11-23T14:54:39.219-05:00You go, Jen! I am excited about your progress. G...You go, Jen! I am excited about your progress. God bless!Chriswifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06033408310678691808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-69147243220396560392014-11-23T10:59:06.354-05:002014-11-23T10:59:06.354-05:00*hugs tightly* I can so relate, and I sincerely ho...*hugs tightly* I can so relate, and I sincerely hope things will get better for you, and you will get the help you need. But you have to take the first step, however terrifying it may seem. For me, for over 10 years the only way I was able to cope with my anxiety and depression, was alcohol. This, and being in a constant state close to sheer panic, seriously impacted my performance at work, and I got hell for it. It took a nervous breakdown early this year to finally realize I needed help. By that time I was terrified of answering the phone or opening the mail, I would sneak out of the house only when I was sure none of the neighbors were in the hallway. I withdrew so much that a month before my sister had to come by to see if maybe something had happened to me, because I had even the doorbell switched off. I hadn't gotten a full night's sleep for almost a year. I was a complete wreck. I saw my doctor the very next day after the breakdown, who, fortunately for me, was incredibly patient and caring. And that day, I had my last glass of wine so far. As of today I am 10 months sober. And, last week, I have finally started writing again.<br /><br />Things wont get better from one day to the other. It is a gradual, slow progress, but there IS progress. That was a very frustrating experience for me, and only now I'm starting to slowly come to terms with it.<br /><br />Unfortunately I live in Germany, so I can't really give you advice on where to seek help, but certainly there must be helplines in the US? I have the number of my local one programmed into my cell, and just knowing that I can call them anytime, and talk, and cry, and they'll patiently listen, helps me so much. They might also be able to help you looking for a different doctor or where to go to for counseling. I've found it's MUCH easier for me to talk and cry to a complete stranger.<br /><br />Wishing you love and calm and peace of mind, and very much the strength to do that important first step. You can do it, I believe in you.Sandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06187467742028712865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-76805062900014288882014-11-23T10:41:46.233-05:002014-11-23T10:41:46.233-05:00Wow. I had no idea, but I am very grateful for the...Wow. I had no idea, but I am very grateful for the lesson. There is a saying my girlfriends and I use to keep each other motivated: progress, not perfection. Keep at it, Jenn. You are amazing!Fidgetymhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02417193160784505591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-89560051386065047322014-11-23T09:37:15.284-05:002014-11-23T09:37:15.284-05:00Jen, I am so proud of you for making such progress...Jen, I am so proud of you for making such progress! I've let anxiety rule my life for decades. Thanks for the book recs. Keep up the good work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-20670773041135271602014-11-22T15:39:21.673-05:002014-11-22T15:39:21.673-05:00Sending you the biggest virtual hug right now, Saw...Sending you the biggest virtual hug right now, Sawsan! I can actually understand the fear of profanity; even casual cursing can sometimes sound so combative, it's like a physical blow. I think it must be tied to our aversion of conflict.<br /><br />It sounds like you tried too much all at once; you don't have to push yourself QUITE that hard. Take smaller steps! The workbook I'm in suggests pushing yourself up to a 6 on the 1-10 anxiety scale, but no further than that. You don't want to cause more damage by making yourself miserable! And it's not an all-or-nothing thing, so next time, maybe try just walking to the store and then back again, without going inside. Do that a few times until it's boring, and then step inside for a few minutes, and so on. Little by little, we can do this!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-30195146460416111262014-11-22T15:13:05.349-05:002014-11-22T15:13:05.349-05:00It's ok, Marian, take a little time to breath ...It's ok, Marian, take a little time to breath and process first. Recognizing the issue really is the biggest first step! From there, collecting information and realizing there IS help - and help that isn't all that hard to get! - will go a long way towards making this wall surmountable. <br /><br />If you feel capable of seeing a professional, then absolutely look up a local specialist. If not, then you might start with some books like I did. If nothing else, they'll help educate you on what's going on, how to treat it, and some exercises you can start right now at home. It's never too late, you're not too far gone, and you're never alone. And please feel free to check in here from time to time; I'd love to hear you're doing!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-34217701659236578452014-11-21T19:59:30.071-05:002014-11-21T19:59:30.071-05:00Thank you for sharing such a personal side of your...Thank you for sharing such a personal side of yourself. It means a lot that you would do that. I know somewhat how you feel. For the past year I've noticed that my anxiety is getting progressively worse too. I still go out and do what I need to do because mine is more like mental torture. It's not so much situational but more worry I guess? Every day it's always about money, whether or not I'll still have a job in a few months, etc... Sometimes you feel like you're going crazy and it's just too much handle. (at least that's how I feel) I can't remember that last time I had a full day without anxiety eating away at me. Right now, I'm trying to figure out ways to cope without having to go to a doctor. It's really hard. Sorry for venting myself but I just felt I needed to tell someone. I don't really have a lot of support right now. Just know that I feel for you and am proud of the steps you've taken. You're doing it ! Yay! *massive hugs*Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-7365716159776887772014-11-21T11:37:18.701-05:002014-11-21T11:37:18.701-05:00Hi Jen, This was such a great post and it was very...Hi Jen, This was such a great post and it was very brave of you to write it and push "publish." I totally get where you are coming from. For a long time I could not stand in line at the grocery store, go to movies (live theater was absolutely out too), or go to restaurants. What really helped me was professional treatment. I went out and bought all the books that existed at the time and read them, but it was talking to a professional and doing group therapy (scary but amazing) that really brought me out of my phobias and panic cycle. Just a suggestion, I wasn't able to go it alone. Meds helped a lot, but that's a very personal preference, I think. Big virtual hugs. Annenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-88251457019255455752014-11-19T09:54:16.962-05:002014-11-19T09:54:16.962-05:00You should know that even as someone who doesn'...You should know that even as someone who doesn't struggle with agoraphobia I'm so very appreciative of you for sharing this. It helps me know what you, and anyone else struggling with anxiety, are going through and be understanding and sympathetic in a way that I couldn't be otherwise. It also makes me happy seeing someone struggling, persevering, and WINNING in the face of whatever life throws at them.Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05479657679664314889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-34041803200818119272014-11-18T22:04:38.378-05:002014-11-18T22:04:38.378-05:00Thank you for sharing. If you had to see a movie B...Thank you for sharing. If you had to see a movie Big Hero 6 is a great one to celebrate with. I'll add one more thing (as it's so rarely diagnosed correctly that I'll take any opportunity to share): P.A.N.D.A.S. stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. It's a reaction of the body to step infections (or other common infections) and it affects the neuro system much like Rheumatic Fever affects the heart after a strep infection. Symptoms often start overnight. Individuals experience OCD and extreme anxiety (often not wanting to leave their homes or even their bedrooms). It is getting more publicity, but many health professionals are not aware of it. You may learn more at: http://pandasnetwork.org. Our youngest daughter had it. It was such a long journey to find answers. She's a different child after treatment. Take care!Heather Christiansenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01144385528815607673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-14906221946282540352014-11-18T10:37:26.531-05:002014-11-18T10:37:26.531-05:00Congratulations AND high-five for donating blood! ...Congratulations AND high-five for donating blood! Jordanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08232031591217621110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-73251613048008289012014-11-18T10:30:13.734-05:002014-11-18T10:30:13.734-05:00I don't have anxiety, but I really understand ...I don't have anxiety, but I really understand about it being hard to make new friends. In the past few months I have made some new friends in my adoptive new city through meetup.com. There are a bunch of different groups (sports, crafts, book clubs, dining out, etc.). I have played tabletop games, ultimate frisbee, gone camping (which is weird for me), and even learned rock climbing thanks to that site! I have to drive a little ways since I live in the boondocks, but it's a nice option if you want to check it out. I feel more comfortable going into a situation knowing I already have something in common with whoever else comes based on the group or event.Jordanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08232031591217621110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-26266810427481903932014-11-18T09:58:38.812-05:002014-11-18T09:58:38.812-05:00It's also amazing that you're sharing your...It's also amazing that you're sharing your story, Nancy. I'm pulling for you too! Jordanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08232031591217621110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-3730514449761782722014-11-18T09:04:24.464-05:002014-11-18T09:04:24.464-05:00Congratulations on all that, Clare! That is amazin...Congratulations on all that, Clare! That is amazing! Jordanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08232031591217621110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-41401140265626900832014-11-18T08:53:44.504-05:002014-11-18T08:53:44.504-05:00Jen, I am SO happy for you! It's awesome that ...Jen, I am SO happy for you! It's awesome that you're doing this and even more awesome that you're sharing your story in case it helps someone else. And Guardians is totally worth your time if it's still in any of your theaters! :) Jordanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08232031591217621110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-31923783268368873932014-11-18T03:56:01.103-05:002014-11-18T03:56:01.103-05:00Marian, you can start by doing a search of your lo...Marian, you can start by doing a search of your local area with the terms "psychologist" or "therapist" (or a specification like PhD or LCSW) and "agoraphobia." Many mental health professionals list on their websites what their specialties are (i.e. which disorders they are most qualified to treat). Medication may also be helpful, and in that case, you would turn to a psychiatrist. Personally, and speaking from experience, I *DO NOT* recommend receiving psychiatric medications from your primary care physician (however, a referral is fine); a psychiatrist is far more qualified to make a proper assessment, render diagnosis, and begin treatment. When seeking relief for any mental illnesses or disorders, it is highly recommended that you combine both therapy with medication, as studies have shown time and again that a blending of the two produces the best results.<br /><br />A great resource is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI at nami.org), which covers just about anything you'd want to know on mental illness and mental health. You can find information on different types of therapies as well as locators for professionals in your region.Lady Macbethnoreply@blogger.com