Agoraphobia: Finding Peace Through Gardening

Bipolar or Manic Depressive Disorder 

is only one of the many illnesses

that plaque more than 40 million Americans today.

I have a dear friend who suffers from 

Agoraphobia, which actually means, 

"fear of the marketplace."

Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder

where the person is afraid to leave what they 

consider to be a "safe" environment.

Most consider the home to be

the only safe environment.

My friend feels safe enough to 

venture around her small town and

neighborhood.  

Bee says, "It's not that I'm just afraid 

of leaving my home.  It's people that

I'm afraid of too."

The disorder develops over time 

and usually begins with a 

stress-induced event in which

a panic attack occurred.

We have all experienced a sudden feeling of panic

for no reason at all. 

Breathlessness

Sweating

Dizziness

Rapid Heart Beat

Sensation of Choking

Nausea

Extreme Fear of Death

Agoraphobia is the on-going fear of panic

that debilitates the person and keeps them hiding inside.

Bee and I found each other on Facebook 

and renewed our childhood kinship

and friendship after 40 years apart.

Our daddies were brothers and our mamas

were first cousins. 

She has found a great way to deal 

with her anxiety, 

gardening.

Her lilies take my breath away.

Since she is unable to shop out of town, 

she orders online and gets premium bulbs that bloom year after year.

The green thumb came from our mama's side of the family.

The yellow is yummy!

She plants zinnias, knock-out roses, and can 

make anything grow.

Bee is finding comfort in Christian music. 

She says that God speaks to her through

music and through His creation.

I encouraged Bee to see a therapist.

She did.

I asked her to lunch.

She accepted.

She is beginning to trust me and continues 

to take steps to get better. 

She has lost 30 pounds

and is intentional about what she eats.

(something I wish I could master)

She is on her way to getting better. 

The process of desensitization is to

face the situation through therapy,

gradually increase exposure to the "unsafe" environment,

and

venture out by taking along a trusted friend.

Bee feels at times overwhelmed with depression

and feels powerless to do anything about it.

I am encouraging her to blog her journey

and connect with people of like interests.

I'm so glad we found each other.  

We have promised each other that we will stay connected.

I love you, Bee and I pray for you daily. 

Bonnie:)