Hello from a Severe Agoraphobic

[Chatterbox711]

Hello, I found this group, hoping to find someone who is also severely Agoraphobic. I have been wanting to find a safe site that has a live chatroom, where I could visit with others who are just like me. I tried to get into the chat group, but I can't figure out how you get there? Could someone please help me. Is the chatroom only opened certain times of the day? I have been Agoraphobic for most of my life, but have had a few good years where I could basically go places. I started getting bad in the early 90s but in 2006 I became pretty much housebound. I have just about given up ever being free again. I have let my husband, kids. and grandkids, down so many times, it's a wonder they are still in my life. I would give anything to find a way to reclaim my life and be free to go anywhere at anytime. I am hoping someone on this site can help me achieve that without urging me to take meds, because I won't.

God bless,
Susan

[Lin]

Sorry no good at the chat room but I do private message people which is good.
I am not agrophobic but do not go outside when my depression is really bad so I do understand a bit of what you feel.
I have a 'safe' settee and when bad all I do is sit on it and do not go out even into the garden.
Two years ago I shut down so completely I went into hospital for 7 weeks.
This time I have been struggling on to go to work because I have a new boss who is not so sympathetic as old boss. But some days I don't know how I make myself go out of the house to work it is so hard.
I understand what you mean about letting family down. I have not been socialising for three years now and so now know my really good friends because they have waited for me. My husband and son have been good at supporting me as much as possible but rest of my family don't understand at all.
I have found that i have been honest with a few good friends who can help me and do not mind knowing how bad i have been and the rest i have just kept in touch with odd texts or emails so hope they will wait.
Hope this helps.

[Lingua]

I think there's a separate forum on here for Agoraphobia. I'm afraid I can't help much.

Can I ask why you are against taking meds? Most programs work with both behavior and brain chemicals. I'm not urging you to take meds, but sometimes there's a reason for them.

Do you have a doctor who could recommend someone to work with you? I know that people have had success with the right kind of therapies.