My name is Melissa Murphy and I’m the author of ‘Overcoming Agoraphobia’ published by Sheldon Press. I was housebound with agoroaphobia for a year before I slowly found my path to recovery. I’m now a freelance health and education writer and I wanted to write a self-help book for anyone who needs help to overcome their own agoraphobia.
This website has been set-up to provide an online community for anyone with agoraphobia, panic attacks and acute anxiety. I will continue to update you on the latest research and treatments, I hope you will find this resource helpful. Please send in your comments - tell us about your experience of anxiety and I’ll endeavour to answer personal questions or requests for specific information.
3 Comments
February 22, 2008 at 1:26 am
Hi there. I saw your post on the No More Panic website and so visited your blog here. I am a middle aged man and have suffered from anxiety for a long time but over the last year or so this has morphed into very strong panic attacks - and agoraphobia. Thing is, I didn’t know what agoraphobia was. I thought it was simply fear of outside places - and as I did not have that, I did not know what was wrong with me. It was my doctor who explained that it was more a feeling of being in danger, of being unsafe.
So I think it would be very helpful if you put your own definition of agoraphobia on your blog. Then people will know what you are talking about. You should not assume that they know what you mean.
Best wishes
Chris
February 22, 2008 at 11:35 am
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message. I think I’m guilty of not seeing the wood for the trees! I’ve been writing about agoraphobia for so long that I think I am assuming everyone knows what it is.
I remember it also took me a long time to get a name for what I was going through. I was actually quite relieved that I could finally explain to people what my problem actually was.
Anyway, in response to your message I have added a new page ‘Understanding agoraphobia’ which gives a definition of what agoraphobia is. I hope this helps.
Melissa
November 25, 2008 at 1:15 am
Hi there
My name is Christopher too! Really. I guess we all have this condition ;o)
I got the link to come here from the NoPanic website as well. I like the definition of agoraphobia that you have put up here - it describes me perfectly. Just like the first poster here, I have suffered from anxiety for many years, but over the last 18 months or so it has changed dramatically and now manifests itself as very, very powerful panic attacks - with agoraphobia.
I am now going to Amazon - where I will probably buy your book.
Best wishes
Christopher