agoraphobia.

[daisy48]

For anyone who suffer's with this misunderstood and life spoiling illness. Tuesday 19th " House of Agoraphobic's" 10pm,Channel 4, a 3 part series. I used to have "Aggie" following Post Natal Depression years ago and I know just how debilitating it can be, not only for the sufferer but the family.I've posted it on B+S as it is a geniune illness.

[ummmm]

I had a mild version of it after I got attacked but managed to get myself back to normal ish. It took about a year though

[Eve]

Me too, mild version again, often after bad eating problem episodes and after i lost a baby, i'd just freeze and not be able to move and have an ongoing war in my head, like a mini panic attack about going out.

[daisy48]

Hiya ummm, I had it about 3 years and could'nt even hang my washing out without panicking. They tried "Flooding Treatment" but it made me worse. I got myself better by doing baby steps. I used to hang out 2 little vests,run back in and start again. I reckon its something you have to have to understand it dont you?

[ummmm]

Yes. It makes you feel stupid though. I use to have to talk myself into going to the shop, i'd get to the front door and change my mind. It could take me ages to buy a pint of milk!! I was Ok when I had people with me though.

[daisy48]

Hiya Jenna, "Aggie" alway's seems to come on after a truama dont you think? How did you get over yours? This programme is a fly on the wall mini serie's with actual "Aggies" all trying to overcome it.

[daisy48]

I used to have a minder as well ummm. Felt like a kid when I ventured out to the local shop. I used to cling on to the counter,my God, I dunno what I must have looked like..lol

[ummmm]

Are you ok now?

I'm not 100% back to normal but I can come and go generally in the day time. Not so good when it gets dark though.

[daisy48]

Im ok in small shops ummm but I still cant handle superstore's or crowds. I do my big shop online from Tesco. There's a big park opposite us but I just cant handle that either. I end up hanging onto the railings or hugging a tree! Im fine in the car though and I can travel,weird or what?

[prattler]

you'd be surprised at how many people suffer from various forms of this.Flooding is a bit risky and definitely not for everyone.I think taking it a step at a time is the best method, and getting any support you can.I think it's great hearing about people overcoming it, I'm training to be a nurse and hopefully would like to work with sufferers of this one day.

[daisy48]

Prattler, The flooding therapy definatley did'nt work for me. I was taken back to the place where I'd had my 1st panic attack (The town centre). There were 2 therapist's and they left me outside a shop telling me they would walk up to the next block of shops and I was supposed to wait 10 mins and walk up to them. I managed the 10 minute wait but when it came to walking on my own to meet the therapist's my adrenelyn went into overdrive! No matter how much I tried to control my breathing,the panics did'nt subside. I ended up sat on the pavement. From then on I did things my own way, I bought a self help book by Claire Weekes and did the baby steps. I dont think it helps being forced into situations one cant handle. Much better doing things like this of your own accord.

[mazzywoo]

Hiya. I too suffered with it after my son was born 35 years ago-I felt horrible and couldn't even go to the local shop without sweating and panicking. Like you, I bought Claire Weekes books and they helped me more than Valium or psychiatrists ever did. I still reckon that I had undiagnosed post-natal depression-it wasn't as well known as it is today. The programme sounds interesting-lets hope that it helps lots of sufferers by bringing agoraphobia and its horrors to the attention of viewers!