Agoraphobia: Living in Cement Shoes

Introduction

This interview was conducted with a 50-year-old female who has suffered from Agoraphobia since a young adult. She explains what Mental Health Awareness Month means to her and what is like living with Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is an extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving one’s own home, or of being in places from which escape is difficult.

What does Mental health Awareness Month mean to you?

Answer: To me, it means bringing awareness to everyone who has an ear to hear. To inform people that we all suffer from mental health issues in some form or fashion. It dosent make us weak it doesnt defeat us. We can defeat it 

Its in my opinion that people in these categories are inwardly and quiet and shy, afraid to ask for help. People with mental health are apprehensive and un-trusting. This is the month where they can be encouraged to ask for help. This is an opportunity to be more encouraged/accepted to come out of your shell. Im not the only one, there is other people like me.  

What does it feel like to live with Agoraphobia?

Answer: It feels like I am wearing cement shoes everyday all day.  These shoes have magnets that are keeping me glued. The magnet is on the highest notch that is not letting me move to the front door.  

It is not an easily understood disorder. Its not spoken of very much. Which makes it hard for the people like me to get the help we need.  

What we need is awareness so that people like me can find the strength to walk past that door to cross the threshold. We need encouragement to come outside of your front door and close it behind you. And looking straight ahead when you are outside is one place to start. That’s progress. The very first step. Pun intended.  

If you’re living with agoraphobia, know that the world isnt as scary as you may think. You are braver than you would ever know. You are stronger than you ever thought you were. You have strength that you never knew you possessed.  

You can overcome this. There are others out there just like you. You are not alone in this. You can make it through the first step. You can do it.  

How can we reach out to those people who need help?  

Answer: Social media, magazines, things on grocery aisles, tv. Somehow to get the message out there.  

What can other people do to create an understanding of mental health?

Answer: That it’s more prevalent than not. People struggling with mental health. People struggling is more prevalent than ever before. Its as common as going to the doctor to see why you have a fever.  

What would be your message to that person struggling?  

Answer: You are not alone. It may seem that way. There are professionals in abundance to help and assist and help you heal and overcome what hinders you mentally.  

Tell me about a time you asked for help 

Answer: In 2002, I found myself in a dysfunctional relationship, I had no family to support me. I was in a place where I felt like I cant go left and I cant go right so how do I go forward in this state of depression. I knew I needed help then because I had dark thoughts that wouldn’t have helped me be here today. I signed myself into a mental facility. Back then it was just the phone book and “let your fingers do the walking”. If I didn’t seek out help and sign myself in, I wouldn’t be here today.  

What else do you want to talk about regarding either Mental health awareness or agoraphobia? 

Answer: I would say, mental health comes in several different forms. From those who are affected to those victimizing people because of their own issues. Mental health is a very long line of different types of mental illness. Different categories. The abusers have mental health issues of their own are causing mental health issues for others. It really runs the gammet.  

Any final thoughts?

Answer: My encouragement to other people would be its better late than ever. Let me go and get some assistance and better my life. Let me get the help I need to better my condition and better my life.  

There are therapists out there to help you, to help anyone in your shoes.