Gennifer's Story
I am so delighted that someone finally responded to my request for sharing his/her story! With a very few minor editorial changes, these are Gennifer's words as she sent them to me. I am sure that many of you will resonate with her pain and see your own story reflected in her words. I believe that sharing heals and I hope that this is the beginning of a healing for Gennifer. I am so grateful for the stark honesty of her words and for her courage and generosity in sharing her experience with me and with all of us.
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Gennifer's Story...
I decided to search on the internet today on alternative treatments to agoraphobia and your article was the first listing on my search. I checked it out and read the August article where you were sick with the flu. I felt bad as I read your story to know that you actually experience a lot of what I do. I also felt saddened that no one else seemed willing to share their story so I thought I would write to you and share some of what I've been going through.
I got agoraphobia when I was 22 years old. At that time I was married to a verbally abusive guy and had a three year old daughter. In the beginning I was determined that this illness was only a minor setback and that I would get healthy soon. Unfortunately, it lasted a year - or maybe I should say fortunately. I'm not sure. After about six months of not even being able to step outside my apartment to get the mail I sank into a deep depression. At the time I didn't know what I had and I was deeply frustrated. I would cry myself to sleep every night and pray to God to take away this awful curse, but it remained with me for the next six months. Finally, one day I got the courage to go to a psychologist and she gave me valium.
At the same time, my husband decided we needed a fresh start and we moved from New York to Tennessee. It was a horrible 18-hour trip filled with panic and moments of hell. I don't know quite how, I but managed to make it though the trip. Once I got in my new environment I found another therapist very close by. I somehow succeeded in making it to my appointments and was placed on depekote and prozac. It worked for me and within three months I was anxiety free. I was the happiest person in the world, thinking I would never have to go through this again.
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