11 Comments
Jan 21, 2022·edited Jan 21, 2022

Thanks, I'm loving all these posts. I suppose there are different qualities of speaking about agoraphobia. For example, for years I hid my problem -- none of my family or friends knew exactly what was going on, I would just silently turn down particular opportunities or occasions. Speaking about it with loved ones and a therapist has shone important light on it, but I definitely try not to centre it or obsess about it. I think I suppressed it for years and by doing so, made it more real/internalised it more/built up the fear in my head.

Equally, when I'm out in town and feeling anxious, I need to communicate that with my partner more. Otherwise, I just start behaving weirdly and my partner has no idea what's going on (frustrating for her) while I try to suppress and fight the feelings. Better to just be honest with it and try to let go of the feeling

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What if you're doing a great job not talking about it much but you're thinking it instead...just try to notice the thoughts and move on?

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Oh Drew I needed this. I have painful and overwhelming physical symptoms. I find it really hard not to constantly say..”oh my chest hurts so bad”, or “ oh my goodness I’m so dizzy”… because they are constant my chatter to anyone who will sit still with me long enough gets an earful. It has become something that is pushing people away. So, I need to just let the sensations be and not overshare which will lead me more toward recovery, right?

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Hi Drew. This is a very important topic. I still struggle with oversharing when it comes to anxiety (and depression) versus keeping too quiet about it. On the other hand, I have healed a lot by seeing anxiety as more benign, like a headache or stomachache, rather than something so compelling that all I could do is tread water and scan my mind and body for signs of the panic subsiding. Best wishes for you all. I know if someone like myself, who struggled for years and came from a family of sufferers, was able to improve, you can too.

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