Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to their home, experiencing difficulty traveling from this "safe place."

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cls1988 08/07/2009

Well yesterday I decided I was going to walmart by myself. This is part of my therapy. It was my first time and I did it!! I was there inside the store for 30 minutes by myself. I was all over the store. I did get nervous, heart was racing a little and even got a little dizzy. I was suppose to go to the grocery afterwards but I decided to go visit my sons and clam down some before I try the grocery store. I only stayed for a few minutes visiting. I guess because I was still nervous. I cant sit still when I get like that. Well anyway when I was leaving I stepped down off the curb and my foot twisted and I went down. I couldnt get up. I was sure I broke my foot. It instantly swelled up and I was in so much pain. The boys helped me up and I was able to drive myself home. They wanted to take me to the hospital but I was so nervous I couldnt do it. I called my husband and he came home from work and took me to the doctor. Xray showed no brakes but severe hematoma. I go back in a couple days may have to have it drained. Since yesterday I have been in pain and had so much anxiety. I am not sure if I fell because I was so nervous or what but it seems like it has set me back. I am afraid to go out by myself.
any advice.

deleted_user 08/07/2009

Oh gosh, thats exactly what you didn't need when you were doing so well! I suppose, just doing things slowly, baby steps... I know thats how I have to do it when I've had a setback. I really hope your foot gets better soon, and I'm here if you need to talk.

deleted_user 08/08/2009

You sound really brave. You actually placed yourself out there in that situation in order to try and help yourself. Sometimes I struggle to do even this. It's unfortunate that you went through what you did. Once you have recovered, try again, it sounds like you are doing really well despite the anxiety. Good luck

deleted_user 08/08/2009

I am really sorry you had such a bad experinces. I do hope your pain goes away soon. Try and see this as a challenge, a way to make you stronger, even though your confidence has been shot try and work yourself back up again with small goals and give yourself rewards afterwards. if you want to talk more send me a message sometime xx all the best xx

cls1988 08/08/2009

Thanks all. After spending two days in the chair with my foot up i was going stir crazy. i tried to venture out. i did ok with my. the pain is getting better and i am learning how to get around with it. the problem is i started panicing while i was out. i am not sure if its the anxiety from before or if i am afraid of falling again. i was so scared when i hurt my foot. i thought i might have to have surgery and i am scared to death of being put to sleep. so now i think i have a new fear of going back out because i am afraid i will fall again and end up worse off. i am going to keep trying not sure if it will work but i have to do something. sitting in the chair all day is causing me so much anxiety. thanks again to all. you are so sweet.

deleted_user 08/08/2009

No matter what happened you made it through what I call the 7th ring of Hell (aka WalMart). That place is a madhouse at even 2am, so for you to get through it is HUGE!!! It's awesome and I'm so proud of you!

I completely understand that you are now anxious of hurting yourself again by going out, very valid fear. But try to focus on what you accomplished before it happened and also how you would feel today about that accomplishment if you hadn't hurt yourself. You'd be in a totally different mindframe probably. :o)

I'm sorry you hurt yourself and I wish you a speedy recovery. I hope though that you'll hold closer the progress made in that day and draw strength from it. You did it, and you can and will do it again! Take care hun, you are fantastic!!!

deleted_user 08/08/2009

hope u find the courage to go out again i am in the same boat i just started going out again and it seems like it never ends.I usually put my headphones on when i get into a zone to psyc myself up.It does help i just went to the store 2-day heart was beating so fast thought it was going to jump out of my body but started focusing on other things and it passed but still very scary!!

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