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Tom's avatar

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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Nicole's avatar

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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Drew Linsalata's avatar

Thinking is not a thing we can control. Humans think. Notice the thought. Move on. Repeat. :-)

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Theresa's avatar

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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Julie Coblentz's avatar

I am going through listening to all the morning podcasts today. I too am overwhelmed. I do the same thing you said you are doing. I’m to the point now that my fiancé is getting a bit annoyed with me. I’m scared and don’t always know what to do. I’m trying to accept and using all my tools. It’s so very frustrating. I felt the need to reach out. Thank you

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Theresa's avatar

Thank you so much for saying that, it feels good to know I am not alone … I appreciate you taking the time to reach out. I feel the same I feel like my family is so fed up but I don’t always know what else to do except tell someone , anyone how I’m feeling. Sending you hugs and just know I totally get you and I feel for you! We will get through this, we will recover.

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Julie Coblentz's avatar

Thank you. It’s nice to know that I’m can help. I’m always here to talk with. I use to have my little dog to talk to which helped but I don’t have him. Then when I’m at work like everyday and having one of those times like today. I sat through it working away though it was tough… getting my paperwork done correctly when I can’t even think straight! Thank you for responding!!! Big hugs to you. Remember I’m here!

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BryceePoo's avatar

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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Julie Coblentz's avatar

I am just catching up on some of the morning podcasts Drew had put out. This is one I have a terrible problem with. Thinking that magically person is going to come around and help me after I’ve shared with them. And look what I’m doing. Any suggestions for me on how to over come my sharing that some see as complaining???

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BryceePoo's avatar

As cliche as the saying goes "Actions speak louder than words". I had to come to the realization that the only person that could reassure me is myself. My partner shares the same struggles as I do, and she had to come to the same realization, as we can only do so much to help each other without harming our relationship.

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Julie Coblentz's avatar

That’s good in the way that you guys know how it is to feel the way we do! I am proud that I did just push through a hard point and work when I messaged you and I made it. But exhausted now! Thank you for your response! Best wishes!

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