My battle so far...and where I am now..

Hi everyone I'm new to this website..

A bit about me, I'm 29 and living in Swindon. I have social phobia, paruresis and agoraphobia since since my early teens but only was able to put a label to it about 10 years ago. I have had counselling on and of since I was 11, tried hypnotherapy for about a year, been on anti-depressants since my late teens, done various support groups (some short, some long) and now have pyschodynamic counselling.

So where am I now, well I recently split from my girlfriend and this related to my issues, basically she had had enough of dealing with it all. We had been together 3 years.

Towards the end of 2012 I decided to I wanted to be off meds by the start of 2013, so I cut back and came off them. So this is the first year since my teens I'm not on meds! Yes, it's harder but I just don't want to be a zombie anymore. I have started exercising and keeping to a routine, trying to build up a sleep pattern, eat and cook fresh food, catch up with friends, and do things in small steps.

I have extensive knowledge on anxiety and have spent most of my 20's researching ways to get better. I have had stages in life where I felt I was getting somewhere and then had a big knock back. I have had problems with drugs in the past, and drinking to excess but I wouldn't say its an addiction.

I use to self harm alot, including cutting and breaking bones but since controlled that and used other outlets like sport for a release.

The most debilitating part for me is having paruresis! I hate it more than anything else in the world, I have more horror stories relating to that than anything else. I have been on support courses but so far not been able to get to point where it's manageable. I know where it started but I don't know where it ends...

Anyway thats some of my story, lots more to tell but another day maybe..

Always happy to talk about my problems and use them to help others, so feel free to contact me. I help run a support group and by doing so it helps me - it's all good therapy!

And if anyone is local and wants to grab a brew, drop me a message..

- Joe

[TripV2]

Hi goremarine welcome to the family.

It's great that you have joined us

Keep strong

Trip.

[Hidden in reply to TripV2]

Thanks alot, always good to be part of something

[hodylad]

Hey mate, I hope being on here helps. I've just joined a week ago and i feel the benefit. I'm at the start of trying to get my life back together after facing up to this problem finally and seeking help. Like you i have good days and bad days, no explanation as to why it changes so much, just the way it is i guess. Welcome aboard x

[Hidden in reply to hodylad]

Thanks mate, I tend to avoid blogs/websites for this sort of thing but this looked to good to miss out on. What I mean by that is I feel hidden behind a computer screen, not that it's a negative action using the site.

Thanks fot the welcome

[Hidden]

Thanks I just learn't a new thing I've got "paruresis"

welcome in

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

No worries, I'll private message you a good charity that's given some help and runs courses.

Thanks for the welcome!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks,

I'm glad I dont have this as bad as some on the website, I like the wording "shy bladder syndrome"

I'll practice this as its not something that has been a huge problem, its interesting though and I can see think link with anxiety very clearly.

All the best

B

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

No worries, always happy to help