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Posts created by Addie33

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 9

Hello!

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to take a few minutes to introduce myself, as I am new to this site. My name is Adelaide, I am 33 and live in Eastern Canada. I have been living with panic disorder since 1999. There have been many ups and downs over these last 11 years. In 2007/2008 I started experiencing mild agoraphobia. At the time I was able to do the things I HAD to do, I managed a full time job, but life had very limited enjoyment. I eventually moved to a part-time job, then no employment. Over the last 6 months the agoraphobia and panic has been so bad, that I'm avoiding leaving the house altogether. At the start of 2011, I decided I've had enough. I do not want to continue living this way.

So I started a self-help CBT program on my own. The program has been good and I'm seeing some slight improvement. But there's been a loneliness associated with the program that has been making me feel isolated and depressed. It's just my husband and I, and since I never leave the house, keeping and maintaining friendships has been nearly impossible. My husband is very supportive and does what he can to help me along. However, since he is the only one currently working, it's hard for him to find the time and energy to take on the CBT program with me. So I found myself withdrawing from him in order to complete my daily homework, leaving me feeling alone in this battle.

I decided to go online to see if there were any sort of support groups, people who could relate and help motivate me and keep me from being discouraged when things do not progress as fast I want them to. Fortunately, I found this site!! And already I am feeling less depressed, less trapped in a cycle of gloom. I've read the first section of the workbook, and although it is very similar to the program I've already started, it is organized better and with this Support Group, I feel this approach would be more effective for me.

Anyway, I didn't mean to ramble. I'm normally a very shy person and hate talking about myself or opening up to anyone, but my New Year's Resolution was to change myself and let go of the panic and fear. So here I am. I'm going to take the next few days to read other's posts and getting to know the site a bit better. I have a great feeling about this, and I haven't had a great feeling about anything in a very long time. Thank you!!

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 9

Hello!

Thank you so much Ashley, Davit and Juanita! This support group is definitely the missing piece of the puzzle for me. Reading through some of the previous posts really makes you feel less alone. I will certainly read more in the days ahead, and I will read about setbacks too, Davit. I know and expect setbacks. It's been happening for a decade now. But through this program I'm sure I'll put the setbacks into perspective and not dwell on them.

I have already made progress today! I actually drove my car around the block and checked my mailbox. That is something that I have been trying to do for a week now. I tried this morning, only to sit in my car in my driveway for 20 mins, ultimately giving up. After joining this group, I made the commitment to try again in the same day. And I did it!! It felt so good!! And I feel relieved! I've been adding stress by worrying that I hadn't accomplished my first goal.

To most people this would seem like such an insignificant thing, but I know many here will understand how much this little trip meant to me! Thanks for the words of encourage, and for the hope that it can get better! I want to become an active member of this group, so I will try to write often and contribute to other threads.

Thanks again,

Addie

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 9

Hello!

Thanks Debit, ~m and loves trees!

It's nice to meet you all! And thank you for the words of encouragement and support! I am excited to be part of such a great group of people.

loves trees - I read about your success last night! Congratulations!! That is awesome, such an accomplishment! Thank you for sharing it with us, it really is inspirational for new people such as myself. It gives the strength to carry on when times are difficult.

~m - Happy (belated) Birthday and congratulations as well! I know all about the negative thinking and how it effects how you think about yourself. You give me hope that I can build my self confidence and appreciate myself. Keep it up!

Debit - I know exactly what you mean about no fun! It took so much energy out of me to go to work and get groceries that I wouldn't want to do anything fun, it just meant battling anxiety and I needed my strength for the necessities in life. Congrats on starting the exposure work! You have one more person sitting on your shoulder supporting you! Go Debit! :-)

Your new friend,

Addie

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 9

Hello: an introduction.

Hi Jenniferlee,

I just wanted to say 'hi'! I am new to this site as well and think it is such a great community! You said you have a hard time describing the dizziness and feelings of detachment to others, well I know exactly what you mean. The sense of detachment and feeling light-headed was how my panic attacks first started. The detached feeling really was the dominant symptom for me in the early days. And it is really hard to describe to people who have never experienced it. So I just wanted to say, I understand completely!

Hope all is well,

Addie

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 9

Whats your list of plessant activities?

Oddball - I find shoveling snow is mentally relaxing. When you're not in a hurry, but can take your time to clean the driveway. And de-cluttering is big for me too! My husband loves me for my love of shoveling, not so much for hating clutter! Hehe... He's a bit of a pack rat and I'm always throwing stuff out or giving it away to charity.

Not so odd - Spending the afternoon at Chapters, browsing for books. I'm an avid reader! And of course, practicing any sort of relaxation exercise, ie on tape or CD.

-Addie

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 9

Hi... my name is Delia and I have Panic Disorder... :)

Hi Ocean!

Welcome! I am a new member too, and just wanted to say hi! I've been having panic attacks for just a little longer than you and know how you feel. The biggest thing I've found from this site, after less than a week being here, is that it gives you hope. It also has given me motivation to learn ways of coping with my panic attacks, instead of feeling at the mercy of them. I, too, have had days where getting up in the morning was an event that caused panic and then general anxiety through out the day. It seemed the only time I felt safe was while sleeping. So, I understand.

It's nice to meet you and glad that you are here! I'm learning that the people are great! Very supportive with a wealth of information. And the sessions make you feel empowered!

Your new friend,

Addie

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 9

Hi I´m Sunny

Hi Sunny!

Wow! You've been through a lot! You must praise yourself for being so strong. It takes a very strong person to go through what you have!

I found this site only recently too. I think you'll find it quite helpful. And to repeat what others have already said, the people here are very kind, helpful and understanding. Always ready to give motivation and advice, or to just listen. I hope to read more from you as you progress through the program.

Your new friend,

Addie

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 9

Hello!

Hi Sunny!

It's great to meet you! It really is a wonderfully supportive site. I'm starting session 2 tomorrow and excited about making some changes in my avoidance behaviour soon.

-Addie

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 9

Hello!

Thanks everyone! And nice to meet you Tiana!

Congrats Debit on the progress! That's awesome! It's not small at all. Keep it up! It certainly gives me strength to hear about the success many people here are having.

Sunny, my dog is a beagle and his name is Buddie. He's almost 12 years old now. He was a gift from my boyfriend at the time. Ironically, he was given to me when I first started having panic attacks. I was very depressed, not really understanding what I was going through and my boyfriend wanted to make me feel better. So along came Buddie! He has helped me throughout the years. And he is so spoiled!

What's your dogs name? How old? He looks so cute laying in that chair as if he owns it! :-) Beautiful picture!

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