From: Shelly39WA@a...

Date: Thu Jul 4, 2002 10:20 am

Re: agoraphobia

In a message dated 7/4/2002 5:55:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time, benzo@yahoogroups.com writes: > Anyway, I am curious to hear whether anyone else has really pushed to override symptoms and how you have done it. >

XXXXXXXX,

I developed some pretty nasty agoraphobia coming off of benzos. I used to have a hard time even leaving the house-for a while. I had to push myself out the door, even to the end of the block. Driving was horrid, grocery shopping was a nightmare. Shoot, truth be known, I couldn't go in my own basement or take a shower unless someone was in the house. It DOES seem to help to have someone with you when you venture to do things at first. Take someone on a walk, to the store, in the care. Just having another person there is distracting and comforting. Then, you have to start eventually pushing yourself to do a bit more. With me it was walks and driving. I'd be exhausted pushing myself to do it, but eventually it got easier.

And, don't be surprised if you get better for a while and then have some rough times again, it's the nature of the benzo beast. Maybe not,,,but even if it does pop up again it's not as bad as at first and it keeps getting less and less. If you're like most of us, you didn't have agoraphobia prior to benzo exposure,,,so it is a chemical thing. It WILL get easier. Take baby steps,,,but push yourself to do new things. Overall you'll feel much better about your healing and progress if you're moving in a positive direction!

Hugs, Shell

29 months Ativan free