What is Agoraphobia?
I was housebound for three years.
Three years unable to leave my home while raising three rambunctious young boys. My husband was as supportive as he could be but we were both in the dark as to why this was happening to me and completely at a loss as how to overcome it.
The definition of Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong. Many people assume agoraphobia is simply a fear of open spaces, but it's actually a more complex condition. One which affects millions of people around the world.
It’s no surprise that many believe they don’t know anyone suffering with agoraphobia because we are silent and hidden for the most part. And frequently, the longer we stay hidden the harder it becomes to overcome, to step out and back into society.
For me, it began over 30 years ago while in my mid-30’s. It all crept up on me. Little moments of anxiety led to full blown panic attacks. Even though I felt paralyzed in fear, there was strong desire inside me that yearned to break free. So I researched and read everything I could find.
My journey took me through the traditional recovery practices which I eventually found incomplete and, in fact, detrimental by forcing one to relive their trauma over and over, cementing it deeper into their mind and body, thereby making it harder to release and step away from. Add into that prescribed medication, and the mental loop only becomes stronger and even harder to move away from. One becomes addicted to the trauma and the medication.
Thankfully, my journey also brought me to understand the deeper mind-body connection, the real and palatable roles that energy plays within our minds and bodies, and how the study of neuroscience can offer insights and pathways to recovery.
Understanding where my fears came from and recognizing the triggers that led to those moments of anxiety and full blown panic attacks was critical. However, the actual pivotal moment was when I began re-educating my thinking and how I viewed my world. That was the key to rebalancing my emotions with my true reality. Only then I was able to stop the mental loop, release the traumas, and begin to overcome - and to once again step out into society.
Today, I joyfully walk the park with my husband, go out to dinner, drive to visit my grandkids, and live life on my terms, openly and freely. While there were twists and turns and challenges, I am deeply grateful for the lessons and where they have led me.
Stay well, stay safe, and step into your freedom.
In gratitude, Sharon
“Your nerves are simply overstimulated and given the proper time to heal you will overcome this “thing” that you have been mystified by for so long.”
-Claire Weekes
Hope and Help For Your Nerves