I am a longterm sufferer of agoraphobia and want to know ....?!
Question:
I am a longterm sufferer of agoraphobia and want to know ....?
is it worth trying REIKI? i am sick of antidepressents and counselling as its done nothing for me! i am sick of being stuck on benefits and want to make a decent life for me and my daughter! any help would be more than appreciated!! thanks xx
Answers: I spent 300 quid on Reiki and then my anxiety got much much worse, the trouble with Reiki is that anyone can learn it in a short time period and become a so called healer, try the National Federation of Spiritual Healers website instead, they have 50 centres across the UK where u can go and pay a donation of just a few quid and be treated by a person who firstly is a natural healer by birth and secondly they are trained for 2 years, find your nearest centre on their site. Some do home visits...Forget Reiki.....Reiki is only as good as the person attuned and expensive.
Oops! also yes! use other methods too, eat fruit, drink fresh water, meditate gently, light daily exercise at home, maybe CBT as a way to slowly expose you to the outside world again, have patience, time is a great healer and we all go through life phases, it will change, when a person shows positive intent like u r doing now success follows in time xxx
http://www.nfsh.org.uk/ Source(s):
personal experience. I am a cured agorophobic! Had it for many years, It was so debilitating. I couldn't go anywhere. Then, in desperation I went to a psychologist. This was very difficult to do as I didn't like leaving my house but I forced myself. I knew I had to do something. The psychologist was very helpful and explained to me how I could overcome my fears and anxiety. Too long a story to write here but please consider it for your daughters sake as well as your own. Meds by the way are only a BandAid solution. You know that. Get to the root of the problem now. I used to be agoraphobic, I have gone to counseling and therapy, along with meds for 15 years. I can tell you now, that with only the meds, I lead a very normal life, I work, play, workout, date....I only go to the shrink once a year for a meds check....you can do it....its hard, but it can be done...I know, I am living proof!! I take a antidepressant and a depressant. My kids look back and say geez Mom, I never thought you would be doing the things you are doing. I do know what you are going through, I wanted to quit so many times, and some times, I couldnt even get to my appointments, too afraid...See if you Dr can find the correct meds that work for you. I have been on 5-6 different ones, before we found what worked for me....thank God! Good luck! I have went through bouts of agoraphobia on and off throughout my life. I know you aren't going to want to hear it, but the best thing to do is to go outside.
Seriously, even if it's just outside on your doorstep, or in the yard... go out there and just sit awhile. It helps.
I've never tried Reiki. It never hurts to try new things though.
I wish you luck.
Please take care. While I have no personal experiences with Reiki treatment, my belief is it can not hurt your situation.
I don't suffer from Agoraphobia as you do, but I have some pretty intense Social Phobia that makes going out difficult. Coupled with my Severe Depression, this makes having a job impossible (I'm also on benefits) and medicines a part of my daily life. I know exactly how you feel when you say you are sick of your situation.
Reiki may be a great way to move in another direction. I would not limit myself to just Reiki, though. Try finding a Reiki therapist who also does therapeutic massage and look into acupuncture as well.
Best of Luck!
P.S. I think just thinking about changing your situation for the better is a great step! Reiki might help with your general mental state, relaxation etc. but I don't think it will help the agoraphobia. That is more of a behavioural problem... it's something you will have to physically tackle. You need to learn anxiety management techniques, so you can start to go out and keep anxiety at bay whilst out. Then gradually build up the amount of time you can cope with being out. Talking about it in counselling is pointless! You need "practical" skills! Ask to see a community mental health Occupational Therapist. They can help you. Anything will work if you believe in it strongly enough. It is not the Reiki that will work but the believe in it. However, Reiki can bring absolute relaxation and calm, which is necessary to overcome your fear and is always a good start.
Good luck. You may be interested in trying the Buteyko method. It's helped many people to overcome both agoraphobia and claustrophobia. Here's a link.
http://members.westnet.com.au/pkolb/bute...
It isn't just for asthma. You can learn it from books and videos but it's better to have a course, run by a practitioner. If you are in the UK there will probably be one in your area. If you are in the US it will be more difficult but not impossible to find one. If by chance you are near Glasgow, there is a very good practitioner there called Jill McGowan. A course is expensive, but REIKI doesn't come cheap either. I would definitely suggest that you try Buteyko first. The owner of the website I have given you is very knowledgeable and will answer any questions you have. His email address is on the site. There is also a support group. Details on the site. From time to time agoraphobics do appear there. my friend was the same way. she went to a psychologist, listen to tapes, meditation, no caffeine and exercised everyday. she's fine now. good luck! Just found you question on Reiki and depression. Changed my life I now do it for a living though a humble one. My child is not hungry nor my animals. I have peace of mind and heart. I am one with myself. and that bird , is a cool feeling. Keep in touch.