Annie’s Mailbox: Help available for agoraphobics
Dear Annie: I have agoraphobia, and before I knew what I suffered from, I thought I was going crazy. Even harder is getting my husband to understand the problem, since he can’t see anything physically wrong with me.
This phobia affects everyone around me. I no longer go shopping, to the park with my children or for a walk down the street to enjoy the scenery. It is so hard to deal with. Is there any way you could inform people about this problem? – Looking Out the Window
Dear Window: Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea and chest pains. Some people think they are having a heart attack. People with agoraphobia do not feel safe in public places, and in severe cases, they become trapped in their own homes – like you. It can become a very debilitating condition.
The good news is, medication and therapy have proved to be helpful, and if you can work up the courage to see your doctor and explain the problem, you are on your way to recovery. If that’s too difficult, check out online resources such as the Anxiety/Panic Attack Resource Site (anxietypanic.com) at (888) 584-7112 and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (adaa.org), 8730 Georgia Ave., Suite 600, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Dear Annie: I would like to respond to “Dilemma in the Midwest,” who complained about his wife’s less-than-enthusiastic libido after she was treated for cancer.
Several years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent a complete hysterectomy, followed by intensive chemotherapy and a long recovery. I have been blessed with the kindest, most caring man a woman could hope for. When I was taking a shower and saw my hair fall out, I screamed, and my husband calmly stepped in the shower and held me, stroking and consoling me until the tears subsided. When I vomited, he bathed my face with a cool cloth and spoke comforting words. When I was too weak to move, he took care of me, our son and our household, while running his own business. His optimism, strength, love, compassion and confidence were contagious, making me believe I would make it.
When I read “Dilemma’s” letter, I immediately said a prayer for his wife. For him, I can only hope it’s not too late to knock some sense and compassion into that hard heart. – Disgusted by Your Dilemma
Dear Disgusted: Most of our readers agree with you. You are fortunate to have such a compassionate and loving husband, who is a shining example of what a true partner should be. Thank you for sharing your story.