Nat2015
06-03-15, 09:28
Hi my name is Nat. I've had agoraphobia for 3 1/2 years now (although it was rumbling in the background in the years preceding my initial housebound phase, I just didn't know it then). I have varied from being completely housebound for about 18 months to being able to get to certain places under certain circumstances and back again. I had a significant relapse around Christmas including a depressive episode and became fully housebound again for a time.
Luckily I'm one stubborn mule :D so I've picked myself up, got myself back on track and I'm making some progress again (albeit slowly). :yesyes:
I see a private therapist fortnightly and I started an intense meditation and mindfulness program that I devised with someone else, since January 1st which is really making a difference. I also do exposure therapy everyday. My main problem is a lack of meaningful contact with people. I have no family (long story) and a couple if friends who have helped so much, but I don't see them often. I would say that I have spent about 90% of my time alone in those 3 1/2 years and its added somewhat to the problem.
I have voluntary jobs but I am only able to get to one of them atm as it is very close to my house. I go 3 mornings a week for 1 1/2- 2 hours and this really is pretty much the only time I interact with other people. I also managed to get back to tai chi for 1 hour this week for the first time since before Christmas. :yesyes:
I'm looking forward to chatting to others going through similar. I'd really be interested in hearing from other people's experience with mindfulness and meditation.
It really is a lonely illness this and even the most well meaning friends cannot fully understand the effects it has on every aspect of our lives.
Well that was a ramble
Thanks for listening
Nat :)
Luckily I'm one stubborn mule :D so I've picked myself up, got myself back on track and I'm making some progress again (albeit slowly). :yesyes:
I see a private therapist fortnightly and I started an intense meditation and mindfulness program that I devised with someone else, since January 1st which is really making a difference. I also do exposure therapy everyday. My main problem is a lack of meaningful contact with people. I have no family (long story) and a couple if friends who have helped so much, but I don't see them often. I would say that I have spent about 90% of my time alone in those 3 1/2 years and its added somewhat to the problem.
I have voluntary jobs but I am only able to get to one of them atm as it is very close to my house. I go 3 mornings a week for 1 1/2- 2 hours and this really is pretty much the only time I interact with other people. I also managed to get back to tai chi for 1 hour this week for the first time since before Christmas. :yesyes:
I'm looking forward to chatting to others going through similar. I'd really be interested in hearing from other people's experience with mindfulness and meditation.
It really is a lonely illness this and even the most well meaning friends cannot fully understand the effects it has on every aspect of our lives.
Well that was a ramble
Thanks for listening
Nat :)