Posted by Racer on January 30, 2005, at 22:24:44
In reply to Re: Sensitive to noise? images? things ? ALSO, posted by Phillipa on January 30, 2005, at 19:45:59
Donna, I think the CBT is going to help you a lot, because at a certain point such things as not being able to leave the house become habit as much as panic, you know?
As for whether they can get better, yes. That's unequivocal. Six months ago, I had to be pried out the front door with a crowbar, and now I chafe at having to share one car with my husband, because it limits my ability to go out. What changed? Well, for one thing, Dr CattleProd mixed a better cocktail than Dr EyeCandy ever managed. My depression and anxiety are mostly under control, and would be completely under control if not for the difficulties involved in treating the anorexia. As my anxiety and depression improved, and as my nutritional state started to improve, it got easier and easier for me to leave the house. One thing that helped me was going to places that didn't inspire anxiety for me -- in my case, that meant that I needed to go to unfamiliar places, and farther away from home. (Hey, I'm nuts, remember?)
(OK, more seriously, my fear was being seen and recognized by anyone who knew me. That fear is still active, but much less intrusive.)
Can it get better? Yes, it certainly can. Will it get better on its own? Probably not, you'll probably have to put some effort into it. So, Donna, it's gonna be up to you, but you can do it if you decide to.
Good luck, and be well.
poster:Racer
thread:450254
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050128/msgs/450389.html