It sounds like you are overcoming it day by day. I have a very good friend that cannot work any longer because she has social anxiety disorder. This hit hard right after she got married. So, she and her husband are struggling right now. He was not aware that he would be the only bread winner. Mental illness is not tolerated well, you are right. But, I think the more people talk about it, the more others begin to understand it. I posted some pics, so take a look!

OK. Great! I'll take a look at that. I need to add photos to mine. i can add my ultrasound photo. I'll do that at some point today.

hey sondra, how are you?

I hope things are going better for you. These disabilities destroy our lives. I wish there were easy solutions, but not a chance! I'm still taking meds and that helps. I think part of my depression is from my job, and shortage of money. I really, really want to retire, but am afraid to take that step. I feel tired after work and just want to go to bed. The online class I am taking is well worth it, only $25 and great lessons. The first one is 82 pages (yikes!) but the others should be shorter. It is supposed to be in the '90s here today. Better than the constant rain! Let me know how you are doing, Marilyn

You're in my thoughts all the time, but especially today. -raquel

Hi Sondra, Haven't read your message yet. Got to try to do something with my hair and get ready to go to the hospital for a potential volunteer job. Don't know if I will do anything there cause I'd have to buy a lot of white blouses and white pants to work there. Might just work at the Red Cross. Also, too nervous probably to deal with walking with flowers or something like that (would probably drop them). Also get freaked out at hospitals anyway. I'll look at your message and respond later.

wish me luck. im freaking out big time, so depressed. God help us to be strong........check ur "mail" when u have a chance......important news.......

Your picture inspired me to get my hair cut off today. Unfortunately, I only got it cut off enough to make it fly away all over the place. I just don't know how to do hair. Wish I had the person who did your hair.

Hi Sondra, Thanks so much for the note wishing me luck. Am waiting to hear back from the Red Cross about a receptionist lunchtime job working 1 hour a day, four days a week. For me that's big as I haven't worked in 7 years. Have been on disability due to a neck injury - also have sciatica and a torn ACL in my knee. Now I guess I'm not only disabled physically, but also mentally due to the agoraphobia. Think the xanex also causes memory loss. Got off pain pills, but the getting off the xanex will be harder since I can't go out without it. How are you feeling today?

Hi Sondra. Just got your note. I've got an appointment with someone at the Red Cross in less than an hour to see about volunteering for an hour receptionist position. I'm scared to death and have just taken my xanex. I'll write you when I return. I hope you're doing great.

Hi Sondra. I've had panic attacks for 49 years. I was unusual in that I had my first panic attack at 4 years old. They weren't too bad in grammar school (I fainted and I believe that's what started them - fear of fainting then occurred). They started in earnest in high school and I've always had the fear of driving, especially freeways and bridges. After leaving work on a neck disability in 2001, the agoraphobia has gotten totally out of control. I am looking to volunteer now (but I'm scared of having panic attacks). I've let it control me to the point where I have no friends, my only daughter I don't see and I just have my hubby. I have no self esteem and suffer bad depression, but am off antidepressants at the present time (was on paxil until February).

How are you doing with your agoraphobia now? I'm still having trouble especially with driving or even venturing far from home. I can't even grocery shop with a cart (need to be able to leave the store quickly).

I thought I was the only agoraphobic depressed person in this world.

HI SONDRA, just left you a message, my internet service wasnt working all day....

HI Sondra, I'm doing ok today, thank! Sort of hanging in there, accepting but grieving the loss of my friend, but still struggling with the anxiety. My depression seems to have decreased a little bit. I'm going to start taking an online class that I can do in the evenings, so that will give me something to look forward to when I get home. I sure would like to be drug free though! I haven't wanted anything so much and failed so miserably to do it before this.

I pray that you get that miracle!

I am praying for both you and your son. Have you thought of doing an intervention on him? He may be angry for awhile, but it could save his life.

How are you doing this weekend?