Hello

[Starmia]

Hello,

Like so many people on here, I discovered this just now whilst looking on Gumtree...

I have suffered from agoraphobia for nearly 3 years, having developed it as a reaction to being bullied at work (amazing how your body and mind force you to get out of situations even if you're sure you can cope). I have tried hypnotherapy, shiatsu, meditation and various self-help books to help me get over this; I can't really remember what it's like to not feel this way! I think this site is a great idea, it took me 2 years or so to realise that my type of anxiety falls under agoraphobia, and not knowing exactly what the problem was was almost as difficult as the problem itself. Hopefully this site will help others who aren't quite sure what the problem is   
I have been close to taking prescribed medication on a number of occasions but was put off for a number of reasons - side-effects being the main one. The readiness with which my GP picked up a pen to prescribe an anti-depressant was also a bit disconcerting. I'm all for natural and alternative therapies, and have recently discovered a Passiflora tincture made by Vogel. The results have been impressive - I went shopping in Brighton town without a panic attack or voice of anxiety in my mind for the first time since I developed this condition. I'm also able to handle other situations that would usually provoke a strong reaction in a calm manner. I now feel like I could handle situations like travelling abroad at some point in the future and it's a great feeling! I know there is still a way to go before I'm fully healed, but just taking these intial baby steps like shopping in town has made me feel so confident in my ability to heal.
Finding something that is finally working is a real breakthrough, so I would say to everyone on this site to keep working towards healing in whatever way works for you. On the positive/spiritual side of this, I have learned tolerance and acceptance of all kinds of mental health problems, and I realise just how wide-spread issues of anxiety are...

Starmia

[Noisy]

Hi, Starmia. Welcome to the forum!

What a great post. I think you've hit the 'nail on the head' there and I'm glad that your feeling better. I hope that you're giving yourself a big pat on the back. I know just how much effort and bravery that it takes make progress.

Yeah, it's funny that people, even with the same type of anxiety condition, can be successfully treated by very different methods. For me it was cognitive behavioural therapy and untangling a million different little thoughts that uncover the bigger picture. I actually tried lots of medication and although it didn't really help me, I know lots of others who have had good results.

Incidentally, I heard something the other day about the government making more money available for therapies (probably CBT) on the NHS. Wouldn't it be a great step forward if the Doctor's knee-jerk reaction was to find someone to talk to you rather than prescribe. To be fair, though, I think that the G.P.s have seen it all before and when someone presents symptoms of anxiety/depression then they know that they might as well try medication since the waiting lists are quite long for other forms of help. I bet that they're almost as frustrated as we are about the current situation.

I'm glad to say that this site is slowly but steadily gaining more members and I really hope that it continues. The funny thing about Gumtree is that all kinds of people will see it who may not know that they have a problem or maybe they'll just browse the site and recognise the symptoms of a friend or maybe just get some insight into someone elses problems ......

Welcome,
Martin.