Agoraphobia Help?

[sweetanise]

Hi Jen,

I gotta say, it went amazingly well! Of course, I have known many of these people for a very long time, felt safe with them and wasn't faced with my biggest panic-inducing trigger - walking down the street. So, things went well. Also, this wasn't about me, was it? It was all about one of my best friends marrying a wonderful man, and the celebration that ensued.

Strangely enough, I was faced with attending another wedding in September, my cousin's, and was not able to muster up the courage to go. However, much of my anxiety revolves around family, so maybe it isn't that surprising that I didn't go.

I read your posts in the Misc. folder and have to say I'm really sorry things aren't going any better for you. I think you did the right thing in paying for your phone/internet. They're your lifeline with the "outside" world! It just wouldn't be bearable for you not to have these utilities. And I don't think you should worry too much about being evicted for rent being late and not having someone to co-sign your lease, just yet. Like others have said, there's a whole process involved in evicting someone. So I dare say you have enough time to find a new place if need be.

I meant to ask, when creditors call you and start being mean, have you ever taken their names asked to talk to their superiors? Sometimes this can help. Also, when I applied for bancruptcy, I was told to be firm with whoever was calling (easier said than done, I know...). So my advice, for what its worth, and anyone else, please feel free to correct me, would be to say ( to the supervisor, as much as possible) that you can only give them so much money at this time and that it is not that you do not want to pay, it is that you cannot at the moment.

Anyway, I think I understand how you must feel. I was never so stressed as when I had financial problems, had to move and then find a roommate!

Sending you lots of positive vibes,
Mel

 

[sweetanise]

Hi Jen,

I gotta say, it went amazingly well! Of course, I have known many of these people for a very long time, felt safe with them and wasn't faced with my biggest panic-inducing trigger - walking down the street. So, things went well. Also, this wasn't about me, was it? It was all about one of my best friends marrying a wonderful man, and the celebration that ensued.

Strangely enough, I was faced with attending another wedding in September, my cousin's, and was not able to muster up the courage to go. However, much of my anxiety revolves around family, so maybe it isn't that surprising that I didn't go.

I read your posts in the Misc. folder and have to say I'm really sorry things aren't going any better for you. I think you did the right thing in paying for your phone/internet. They're your lifeline with the "outside" world! It just wouldn't be bearable for you not to have these utilities. And I don't think you should worry too much about being evicted for rent being late and not having someone to co-sign your lease, just yet. Like others have said, there's a whole process involved in evicting someone. So I dare say you have enough time to find a new place if need be.

I meant to ask, when creditors call you and start being mean, have you ever taken their names asked to talk to their superiors? Sometimes this can help. Also, when I applied for bancruptcy, I was told to be firm with whoever was calling (easier said than done, I know...). So my advice, for what its worth, and anyone else, please feel free to correct me, would be to say ( to the supervisor, as much as possible) that you can only give them so much money at this time and that it is not that you do not want to pay, it is that you cannot at the moment.

Anyway, I think I understand how you must feel. I was never so stressed as when I had financial problems, had to move and then find a roommate!

Sending you lots of positive vibes,
Mel

 

[jkb]

Mel,

I'm very proud of you! I could not imagine right now with my state of agora doing that but way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!

as for creditors calling..I don't have them calling me anymore lol. Havent in a few years. It is act. just the student loans. Yet I know what you are saying.

Thanks for the well wishes...much needed..

off to update in misc.

Jen

 

[jkb]

Mel,

I'm very proud of you! I could not imagine right now with my state of agora doing that but way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!

as for creditors calling..I don't have them calling me anymore lol. Havent in a few years. It is act. just the student loans. Yet I know what you are saying.

Thanks for the well wishes...much needed..

off to update in misc.

Jen

 

[sweetanise]

Yeah, I guess it's a step in the right direction for me. Not to minimize this success, but it's the little things, ie going to the grocery store, walking to the bus stop, etc, that are the most difficult for me.

Plus I've been sleeping like crazy since I got back on Monday evening. My mood is good, so I'm not sure what's going on.

Keep in touch,
Mel

 

[sweetanise]

Yeah, I guess it's a step in the right direction for me. Not to minimize this success, but it's the little things, ie going to the grocery store, walking to the bus stop, etc, that are the most difficult for me.

Plus I've been sleeping like crazy since I got back on Monday evening. My mood is good, so I'm not sure what's going on.

Keep in touch,
Mel

 

[jkb]

Its more then just a step ...Its a leap imho! be proud!!! and gosh i'd be sleepy to..i am... I"m sure I'll be resting as well alot to..

Yep the little things..I haven't had a chance to work on my agora. Mines way worse then yours I can't go farther then 5 mins from apt. now since relapse..but after i just recoop from this all, I will be tring to get a support back, and back out there..somehow someway.

I am very proud of you.

U keep in touch to ok.! update and post your successes here to..as will I.

Lets beat this..

hahah listen to me..someone who looks like crap from lack of sleep and stress etc..lol but we will..

((hugs))
jen

 

[jkb]

Its more then just a step ...Its a leap imho! be proud!!! and gosh i'd be sleepy to..i am... I"m sure I'll be resting as well alot to..

Yep the little things..I haven't had a chance to work on my agora. Mines way worse then yours I can't go farther then 5 mins from apt. now since relapse..but after i just recoop from this all, I will be tring to get a support back, and back out there..somehow someway.

I am very proud of you.

U keep in touch to ok.! update and post your successes here to..as will I.

Lets beat this..

hahah listen to me..someone who looks like crap from lack of sleep and stress etc..lol but we will..

((hugs))
jen

 

[jkb]

I know its been a long time ..

Well my agora/anxiety has not gotten any better. it has gotten worse..esp. this last week. I had called my doctors to say that the dose increase in sept. was/is not working..an increae of .25mg and I don't know what to do etc etc..well the receptionist goes well dr so and so was sending you out a letter. I was shocked immed. for i have not called regarding my meds/agora etc since Sept...Well..as you will read she is dumping me? completly out of the blue...I then was transfered to the nurse and she read to me last week the main content of the letter ..to wait till i get it and respond..(i was in tears..and of course have been extremely anxious etc..since that time. Here is my reply..not sure if it is stated ok..so any tips etc would be good....ty..

i feel so betrayed..she did this to me in 2002 (long story)...anhow here is the story and my reply so far.

I have and am trying to stay calm btw..itis darn hard..ihave no clue where i'm going..


I received the message from ---------- on the 7th of Feb.,? about what the letter you sent out is about. (I still have not recieved it) That you are no longer, as of now,? willing to deal with my anxiety nor medication (xanax) , that you feel that you are not helping me and that I should seek out the outpatient services of the QCH or go to the ER.

First I am in total shock, I am hurt and feel betrayed. I put again, full trust in you and I feel that you have broken this..that you have indeed just dumped me. I do not understand. I was trying..am trying...The dose was/is NOT helping and hence i called to say so. If i could get there i would..you know deep down I would. ( I had and am still trying to find a support person as you know). I had suggested to the nurse, as i have been thinking is what about either upping my dose or adding in kloplin with the xanax for i have heard many of good things about this medication, and that they go hand in hand quite well. That kloplin is longer acting, takes more time to get into system, but stays in and helps along with the xanax. Those were 2 things I was thinking...for how in the world can i get out..when my anxiety is NOT in control? How am i to further get help if i am in this mode all the time. I was reaching out for help..as best as i could/can.

I made many of calls despite the anxiety..I called the QCH outpatient and I was specifically told that I need a referral from a doctor, and that it takes at least 6mths.? I also asked if i could just admit myself and she laughed saying no u need to be suicidal etc etc, that they have
guidelines/criteria and I do not fit it...So.....

I then called the ROH/ anxiety dept. We talked alot, she said same thing, need a referall sent in, and about at least 9mths to really see someone etc. I asked same question about admitting myself and she answered the same as above. I then said OK what happens when I am out of xanax and lets say go to the ER..will i get help? She said honestly, all they would do there is give you a few and tell you to go see a doctor. So that is just great..now i get to go through withdrawal soon/a month and have no one..unless i find a doctor...i AM scared...for as you know I have been down that road before and I DO NOT want to go thru withdrawal. It is just horrible..and i feel this isn't fair at all..i am so sad..scared etc.

I called 15 docs to..no one is accepting patients..will try more? etc..but look where this has left me.....even more anxious/agora..not to mention this effects my ODSP since I do need a doctor to sign again that I have agora/pa's anxiety etc...just another thing to add to the pile.

I was reaching out for help from you..trying hard..doing all I can right now..and a door has now slammed in my face..One i did not expect..at all..and one that is very serious...

You also know that I do not abuse this medication in any form..over the last what..12 yrs I have been on it...and up until last year there was no increase of it.

I caled my old therapist, the one that isn't covered..and will be dishing out my last bit of money to talk to her mon evening..i was planning on starting to talk to her again..since my dad said they might help with half a mth..What more can i do right now? Why did you you say goodbye again..without in my opinion trying with me..we tried one increase..why did you give up on me already?

I am very sad, anxious and lost..i just don't know and will never understand why you closed the door on me..esp. like this..at this time.. least expected it..

You stated you were doing me no justice..how can you be doing me any justice by this?

I wish it wasn't so..I wish..

Jen....

 

[Retired]

Jen,

Unfortunately mental health services in and around Ottawa are over burdened. If you need to see a general practitioner have a look on the site of the Ontario College of Physicians. There you can search for a physician who is accepting new patients. In addition there are a number of walk in clinics around the City where you don't need an appointment and you will be seen by one of the team of physicians on duty.

Another alternative is to join a Family Practice Clinic at one of the Hospitals where new physicians are trained. Call the hospitals in Ottawa and ask if they have a Family Practice Clinic, and if they do, ask to speak to them and find out how to enroll.

 

[sweetanise]

Good God, Jen! I'm so sorry that things aren't any easier for you.

Try calling the Rideau-Friel Medical Clinic at 789-7707. They offer house-calls, although I don't know what their schedule is like. They take new patients on a regular basis and no appointment is necessary to see a doctor. They also have an in-house GP who does therapy (not the best guy, but better than nothing). They're very busy and the staff at check-in leaves a lot to be desired, but they're better than nothing. For example, if they say they'll call you back, and haven't phoned by the day after next, call them again.

As soon as you have a new doctor, call your former clinic to have them send him/her your file, as well. Even better, try to have it with you before you meet your new doctor, if you can. It always helps to be as organised as possible.

As for your letter, make sure it is as free of errors as possible and stick to the facts - that is, keep emotions out of it. Merely let the doctor know of your concerns, that you are disappointed at her decision, do not understand it, and ask if there's any compromise you can reach together.

Best of luck,
Mel

 

[jkb]

TSOW: ty for the link and other suggestion..That is what I have/was doing this latter part of the week was using the Ont. Phys. search and calling..so far nothing. I will be calling more this week.? as for walk in clinics the last time I had to go to one due to this sort of the same situation..they were of no help meaning they would not write me a prescription for my meds due to the fact as I recall that Ihe didn't know me and didn't like xanax. He did give me 4..This was back in 2002 i know but also at that time I was not agora..I also had a support person with me. My ex. My ex then called my doctor and told them, since he had spoken to the college of phys. that she was obligated to give me sufficiant time to find a new doctor and that he (my ex) was told that we/I could file a complaint etc etc for malpractice..She then gave me a 3 mth supply and I did find another doc..but that ended in horror story..another long story..and i wound back to her due to the shortage of docs that were taking on patients with agor in such a short time frame.

This is a mess..I'm a mess..


Mel:? Ty for the number..I will call ..i just don't know how i'm going to get out..by myself....this is so hard..and just utterly disgusting imho re: how i have been left..for you just don't leave a patient..high and dry, with no time barely..knowing my situation you know?..

Yes spelling etc will be fixed in the letter..as for the emotions..it is hard for me NOT to put it in..for i guess i feel like she deserves to at least feel/read what i'm going through due to her abrout decision..Yet i know it isn't right..I'm just really shooken up about it all..tired..anxious..scared..? I do know and hear what you are saying though.? I hope maybe someone can come to me..if I can't find anyone whih i doubt..

This is just so hard..and so upsetting..and very frightening..

Thank you to both for your replies.

..i need to keep calm

 

[sweetanise]

Reply #24 on: September 16, 2005, 03:27 pm ?

Well, it's settled. The ADAO does not offer the volunteer companion program at this time. I got a phone call a little while ago.

They must be really understaffed and in need of volunteers...

Does anyone know whether the Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario are still in business? Their website seems to point to either web.archive.org or to a porn site, depending on what page you're trying to look at and the phone number I have for them has been disconnected...

Jen, as the Rideau-Friel Medical Clinic advertises house calls, maybe they'll be able to come to you? I really hope so! I'll be thinking of you...

Oh, and I just found this at http://www.cmhaottawa.ca/services.htm (Canadian Mental Health Association -Ottawa branch):

Mental Health Information and Referral Service

The MHCSS Intake Workers, along with the staff at CMHA and partner agencies staff, offer information on mental health services, referrals to needed/wanted services, needs assessments, education, advocacy, and consultation to any Ottawa resident.

To access this service, contact the CMHA at (613) 737-7791, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, and ask for the Information and Referral staff.


Case Management Service

The MHCSS Case Management Service is available to any Ottawa resident currently living with a severe and persistent mental health problem, who lacks adequate supports and requires significant ongoing support to access needed services.

The Case Management Service focuses on providing an individual with a mental health professional who will provide intensive, individualized, client-directed support. This includes links to support services, long-term working relationships, and clearly defined goals incorporated into a long-term plan.

Requests for case management can be done by phone or in person. Call (613) 737-7791 and ask for an Intake and Assessment Worker, 9:00am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

You may also print, complete and mail or fax a Referral Form and Form 14 to:

Intake/Assessment MHCSS
c/o CMHA, Ottawa Branch
1355 Bank Street, suite 301
Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8K7
FAX: (613) 737-7644

Mel

 

[Retired]

Does anyone know whether the Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario are still in business?

Based on attempts to reach them last summer on behalf of a discussion on Psychlinks, the member was unable to make contact.? At that time, they were advertising on the cable TV information channel, but for some reason they were unreachable.

Another possible resource might be the Ottawa offices of the Canadian Mental Health Association? (613)737-7791 though they may not be able to refer to a physician, they may be able to refer to other resources

.he (my ex) was told that we/I could file a complaint etc etc for malpractice..

Unless you have experienced true malpractice resulting from negligence by a physician,? assuming an adversarial posture with the medical community will waste time, possibly money and end up to be counter productive.? May I suggest using the same energy to approach the various resources in your area with kindness and respect with the goal of establishing an ongoing professional relationship.

We know the medical system is over burdened, and the people on the front lines, namely the secretaries and receptionists can be your allies in getting to see the doctor.? ?Gaining the help and cooperation of the people on the front lines will produce surprising results.

as for walk in clinics the last time I had to go to one due to this sort of the same situation..they were of no help meaning they would not write me a prescription for my meds due to the fact as I recall that Ihe didn't know me and didn't like xanax

Visiting a physician should not be solely for getting a prescription renewed.? ? Your goal should be to establish an ongoing professional relationship with your new doctor.? ?Each doctor has clinical experience with certain medications, and may prefer to use something other than what you are used to based on your medical history and his/her clinical experience.

Work with your new doctor and comply with his/her recommendations.? ?Physicians are only human, and? may prefer to not treat a patient who doesn't to comply with his/her instructions or who is confrontational.

 

[jkb]

Jen, as the Rideau-Friel Medical Clinic advertises house calls, maybe they'll be able to come to you? I really hope so! I'll be thinking of you...

Oh, and I just found this at http://www.cmhaottawa.ca/services.htm (Canadian Mental Health Association -Ottawa branch):

Mental Health Information and Referral Service

The MHCSS Intake Workers, along with the staff at CMHA and partner agencies staff, offer information on mental health services, referrals to needed/wanted services, needs assessments, education, advocacy, and consultation to any Ottawa resident.

To access this service, contact the CMHA at (613) 737-7791, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, and ask for the Information and Referral staff.


Case Management Service

The MHCSS Case Management Service is available to any Ottawa resident currently living with a severe and persistent mental health problem, who lacks adequate supports and requires significant ongoing support to access needed services.

The Case Management Service focuses on providing an individual with a mental health professional who will provide intensive, individualized, client-directed support. This includes links to support services, long-term working relationships, and clearly defined goals incorporated into a long-term plan.

Requests for case management can be done by phone or in person. Call (613) 737-7791 and ask for an Intake and Assessment Worker, 9:00am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

You may also print, complete and mail or fax a Referral Form and Form 14 to:

Intake/Assessment MHCSS
c/o CMHA, Ottawa Branch
1355 Bank Street, suite 301
Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8K7
FAX: (613) 737-7644

Mel

Thanks Mel..

I hope that there can be a possibility for them to come out. We'll see.

I think I had them on my list if not I have copied the info down.

Tyvm

 

[jkb]

.he (my ex) was told that we/I could file a complaint etc etc for malpractice..

Unless you have experienced true malpractice resulting from negligence by a physician,? assuming an adversarial posture with the medical community will waste time, possibly money and end up to be counter productive.? May I suggest using the same energy to approach the various resources in your area with kindness and respect with the goal of establishing an ongoing professional relationship.

We know the medical system is over burdened, and the people on the front lines, namely the secretaries and receptionists can be your allies in getting to see the doctor.? ?Gaining the help and cooperation of the people on the front lines will produce surprising results.

I wasn't going to waste away my time trying to file a complaint..and not deal with the issue...I wrote that due to the fact that when prescribing benz.'s you do not suddenly stop them for it can cause severe withdrawl (which I did go through and was horrific) and one can also have convulsions etc..It is a very serious thing, and that time I will NEVER foget what i went through ..

It was and still is said here http://www.cpso.on.ca/Policies/ending.htm " A doctor may legally and ethically decide not to continue seeing a patient, as long as the patient is not acutely in need of immediate care and has been given enough notice to find another doctor.' and that was my point then..and now..due to the meds..

I have full intentions of being kind and respectful to all ..doctors etc. I have never given that impression to any doctor, nurse etc..and I will be contuining to use my efforts and time to deal with this all..

Maybe some of what I am feeling and going through you/others may not understand..or maybe somewhere in my posts i said something to make you think this..i don't know

as for walk in clinics the last time I had to go to one due to this sort of the same situation..they were of no help meaning they would not write me a prescription for my meds due to the fact as I recall that Ihe didn't know me and didn't like xanax

[/color]
Visiting a physician should not be solely for getting a prescription renewed.? ? Your goal should be to establish an ongoing professional relationship with your new doctor.? ?Each doctor has clinical experience with certain medications, and may prefer to use something other than what you are used to based on your medical history and his/her clinical experience.

Work with your new doctor and comply with his/her recommendations.? ?Physicians are only human, and? may prefer to not treat a patient who doesn't to comply with his/her instructions or who is confrontational.

I had posted that for same reasons as above..it isn't just about getting meds..and i have in the past and now always been wanting to be co operative with doctors etc..I have never given the impression elsewise..

If i wasn't serious about getting help i wouldn't of called so many places..i wouldn't be talking with my therapist etc etc..

maybe ..maybe i have been traumatized by that period in time..how horrible it was to exp. that withdrawal..along with having someone whom i trusted with my life, fears, emotions etc.. slam the door in my face..maybe i am hurting to..and afraid.

Maybe she was the last perosn in my life i had that i trusted who left me..and maybe that to along with ALL is rasing my anxiety..making me afraid , sad etc..

i have been and will be trying..and trying to keep me 'alive' in all respects...

 

[Kanadiana]

I don't know if you can find anything in this site, but it's worth browsing through just in case :

http://www.storm.ca/~forge/2001dire.html

I don't know if this resource below might know of any similar groups happening in Ottawa or Ontario, but it might be worth contacting them ... they used to train "peers" to facilitate groups in different towns/communities as well and the peers ran the groups ... consulting Jim when/as necessary.? It was also FREE! And volunteers went to the homebound etc. A Jim Quinn used to run this program though he's probably long retired by now.

Basic way the groups were run: teaching about the stress response, progressive muscle relaxation to learn quick relaxation response to stimuli, thought (cognitive) stopping/managing (handling fearful negative anticapatory anxiety) and planning "projects" ... projects are what you avoid doing because of panic or fear and the deal is to practice progressive actions/steps towards overcoming fears, using all the knowledge and skills learned of relaxation and fearful thoughts managing etc. Self-help is a good way to go when resources aren't there, or aren't there yet. I wonder if you folks can get a peer support group happoening in Ottawa if there is nothing like Se-Cure there??

Se-Cure Program

Se-Cure (Self-Cure), established in 1968, was the first program in British Columbia to offer treatment for anxiety disorders, specializing in panic disorder and agoraphobia.

Se-Cure's approach is integrative, focusing on treatments in harmony with natural healing processes, taking into account individual differences and preferences. Treatment makes use of current scientific knowledge about brain function and what may cause and contribute to anxiety symptoms and what has been found helpful in establishing stability.? Examined are thought and behavioral patterns, nutritional factors, effective ways to calm the nervous system, stress management, coping skills and preventive measures.

When appropriate, referrals to other programs are made.

The program offers individual assessments, short-term cognitive behavioral therapy and educational, skill-building support groups.? In addition, the program provides speakers to interested groups in the community.?

Burnaby Mental Health Services
Phone:? ? ?604-453-1914

 

[David Baxter PhD]

That is old (2001) and there have been many changes in Ottawa since then. However, I'll have a look through that list when I get time and try to determine which ones are still operating.

 

[jkb]

where i've been..where i am..

well i did recive a reply back from my doctor. I won't go into it..but long story short it was written that i have refused to try other medications, NOT true, that i have refused to seek help , NOT true, and that i am a burden to the staff/aka the nurse, for i had called 3 x's over the last few months regarding quick medical questions and with always saying call when you need to.", and that i am not to burden them any longer, that they are not my support group...et etc (part of that was in a second letter that is supp. being sent out to me)..She said in reference to my reply that she would possibly continue the medication if i agreed to going to the roh anx. program (aka she would put in a referal). So..i siad yes.? I still have no clear indication if she is my gp or not..but i'm assuming she really isn't..i don't know.

It sounds like i am reluctant to this..and in some ways i am. ONLY due to the fact that she knows that I do nothave a support person, and my anxiety is NOT in control..meaning I have no idea how i would even get there for this assesment.? I had wanted to try another med with her.or try an increase as stated in the letter i had posted., get my anxiety back under control somewhat and then seek outside help. for how am i to go when my anx. is sky high/agora and no support person....

I guess on top of this i feel that i am/could be wasting more months, for it could be a long time 6-8mths before even being seen ..when in the meantime i /we could be trying other meds as stated above.

I have made over 30 calls. Still no answer from ADAO..I called yesturday the CMHA and he was very nice. He said i should try all shrinks, clinics etc..and maybe..just maybe i would luck out with a doc that could come here, help with my meds so i can start back outside..and get that help while I do counselling as i can with my therapist.? So far no luck.

I called the Ottawa Anx. and trauma Clinic and the woman was so nice. I talked to her alot and told my story. She said that i was on the? mark..that my anxiety needs to under control before i could /can respond to proper outside treatment..and that she can't believe that my gp would not try someothin more..with me etc. She said she wish she knew of where for me to find this mysterious gp..She as well mentioned the ADAO funny enough.

So i have called 15 other resourses so far..between community centers, walk in clinics and doctors/shrinks..nothing so far..

Now I am sick lol or stressed so much thta i have lost my voice just about..and really feeling worn out. Once again not sure if stress related or sick.

I did call that clinic Mel and have to call back tom. As well as I will be calling med visit due to not feeling so hot on monday since they have no doctors on call until then.

Oh i did talk to a nurse at the ROH anx. program about how in the world i would get there..when the time does come (thisis just for an assement) and she said the only thing /support they have is a taxi service....i just don't see how this is gonna fall into place with my anxiety/agora being as it is.

I will be trying more resourses..docs..i am just simply done for today. Been a long few weeks again.

I have no idea where i am headed.