|
Client Stories
Cloy Rediscovers Herself
"Beginning years ago and up until recently, I was confused about the awful
physical symptoms I experienced for which I thought there was no apparent reason. I'd get sweaty
hands, complete breathlessness, my mind would race and I just wanted to run. This would happen at
shops, restaurants and even at home. Just getting up and going to bed, eating, dressing and little
chores took everything out of me. I almost became housebound for a while.
Someone, somewhere had to know what this thing was, so I searched for answers,
hid my anxiety from my friends and family for as long as I was able to. I made up excuses why I
couldn't go to social functions, saying I was tired or didn't feel well but after my excuses my
family knew something was wrong.
I started my long journey for answers. First stop – the doctors, who said I
suffered from Panic Attacks. I didn't know what on earth these things were. Thanks to my sister
I received a book through the post explaining what panic attacks were all about. I couldn't
believe it when I started to read the book – they were talking about me!
From 2002 to 2006 I had remissions and relapses. I didn't make the connection between
the events in my life and the recurrence of the attacks. This revelation would come later and prove to be
a blessing in my battle. My break through came in 2006, I moved home in autumn of 2005, the first move in
18 years, which was the final straw. I was almost housebound but was escorted to the doctors by my husband,
who thought enough was enough. The doctor took on look at me and told me it's now time for medication and
therapy.
It was ridiculous that I had to wait 18 months for an appointment for therapy on the
NHS and decided to take matters in my own hands – the Internet. I needed someone local who could come to
my house, as I had no other options. I discovered Michael who emailed me a brief description of my
problem and a meeting was set up. I started seeing Michael in April 2006 up to the present time on
a weekly basis until August 2006. He reinforced my confidence and determination to overcome this
life-restricting problem I had. Bearing in mind that I could not even drive myself to the local
shops or walk further than ten minutes from home, Michael soon had me driving my car locally as well
as to Chelmsford and Colchester (some 35 and 20 miles respectively).
I was taught to acknowledge the anxiety and for me to accept this feeling and to
realise I have choices in life, if I choose to use them or not – it's up to me. I looked forward to
seeing him for my next challenge and revisited places where previous attacks had taken place. Not to
say that this was easy, it was a lot of hard work but very fulfilling, as there were always good
results, my steps toward my freedom.
To restore my confidence I was told to keep a diary of small achievements when
content, when I had choices and when I was feeling confident, this helped me re-programme myself in
acknowledging and appreciating these simple things in life.
I am a successful, recovering agoraphobic, thanks to Michael, my life has changed to
self-acceptance and has taught me a new approach in overcoming agoraphobia." |
