carnationsL,

Thanks for the question.  I am happy to see you are considering taking a class.  Are you considering it? 

 

In answer to you question.  I am not sure where to begin.  At first I started working on the sister site for depression and it was brought to my attention that I my have a problem with anxiety and panic/Agoraphobia in my case.  I started working the program here. Challenging my anxious/negative thoughts with the 10 question list.  Later I started thinking about all the things I was not able to do because of my Agoraphobia/anxiety.  I had wanted to take a class for the last 15 or so years.  I read every adult school catalog that came in the mail for those 15 years.  I had thrown out my last catalog thinking I would never be able to go, without reading it.  Well that caused me a lot of anxiety so I went on line and start looking for classes at local quilting shops but there were none starting at that time.  The first thing I did was call a few shops about their classes and the were so nice on the phone. That first phone call was really really hard.  That relieved some of my anxiety.  Next I looked for the adult school catalog on line that I had thrown out and found it.  Their was a class starting.  I just knew I needed to do this if I wanted to get better.  I am now 55 and I felt time was running out and that I needed to do something now.   First my safe person and I took a trial run to class and got out and walked around and inside the building.  Next my safe person drove me to the class and went in with me to sign up for the class and carried in my sewing machine and supplies. Now my safe person takes me to class once a week and some day I may be taking myself, but he does like taking me.  Right now the class is about to end in 2 weeks and I am already looking for a new class.  In the beginning I thought how will I go to this class, now I am thinking I can not live without this class...  Luckily for me their are many sewing classes around at the adult schools and at quilt shops. They also have clubs. One thing I have learned about myself is that I can not let myself sit around idle or it would just be to easy for me to fall back into being agoraphobic like a comfortable shoe.  I am getting to where I am more afraid of that than I of going out and doing the exposure work. It has taken lots of small steps and I have to continue to push myself but it is getting much easier and the one driving force for me is that I do not want to go back to how I was.  I have come to far to turn back now.  It takes lots of small steps and in time you just get there.  I hope this information and my story helps you in some way on your journey.   Good luck on your journey.

 

Red

 

hi, red.

 

just wondering how you were able to overcome your agoraphobia and take

a class ?

your story is inspiring.

 

 

I think this is a great idea!!!  This one the thing that I have done that has helped me the most with my anxiety and agoraphobia other than using the 10 question list and walking, taking a class and learning a new hobby.  It has distracted me, occupied my mind, curbed my boredom, it gives my mind a break from the anxiety, it gives me something positive to think about.  It is the best thing I have ever done for myself.  It has helped me tremendously when it comes to dealing with  my agoraphobia.  It has given me a reason to leave my house and I have been able to get used to being around people again.  I am relaxed and actually laugh and have a good time when in the company of my class mates now.   I fit in and  I am just as normal as everyone else.  It has given me something to look forward to.  I would highly recommend exploring the idea and giving it a try.  You can work up to it in small steps just like everything else. It is a great boost for yourself confidence.

 

Red

Members,

Any exercise can be a beneficial and rewarding hobby, but don’t limit yourself, join a team, have a card night and tournaments.  It is all about the fun factor and how much you can have!

Ashley, Health Educator