[Stranger2]

I have agoriphobia and socialphobia and it has been extremely high this week..I couldn't leave the house to go get my grandaughter a card to send her for her birthday until today.. It's going to be late so I called my daughter to let her know.. She was very rude to me because of this.. She thinks I should be able to snap my fingers and everything will be fine.. This has caused me to spiral downwards..I can't even take care of my girls..I have been in therapy for five years and still get overcome with fear..So what am I suppose to do??

[lynn P.]

I'm sorry you're daughter didn't understand - that's not right. How about this idea - but all the cards you need for a year and file them away. Are you on medication for this problem? It okay if her card is a few days late - no big deal.

[Lisa Michelle]

Maybe your daughter is having a bad day herself and is more snappy than usual? I'm not sure, but I don't think it was justified, and I'm sorry that it's upset you. You are suffering from REAL illnesses and I think it's amazing that, even after a bad week, you gathered up the courage to leave the house just to get your granddaughter a card!! I think that shows such strength, and also shows how much your granddaughter means to you... you were that concerned that you needed to get her a card.

In reality it's just a card. She'll get it and she'll know you care, but I suspect even without the card she knows you care.

Does your daughter know you are suffering with these illnesses? Perhaps she doesn't realise how much of a problem they really are. It can be hard for people who don't suffer with mental health problems, to really understand them.

I also think it's great you have been trying to get better!! 5 years in therapy, that's not easy, you've shown determination to stick at it even though you've not 'recovered' properly yet. I think that shows a lot about your character and how much you're willing to do to get better.

Does your therapist help at all? It's great that you are in therapy but have you considered whether it is the right therapist for you? It would be great for you to see some stronger results after all this time.

Anyhow, well done on leaving the house and getting the card. I think you did great and I hope your granddaughter likes it

x

[Stranger2]

Thank yoou for the replies!!Yes my daughter knows all about my illnesses.. I suffer from more than the phobias.. I have deep depression, high anxiety, irrational thoughts, mood swings, and have just been diagnosed with borderline skizophrenia..I fight all this daily.. Yes my therapist helps. But I only see her twice a month..So all my demons sneak back in during the off times..Well the important thing is I got the card and will put a fifty dollar bill in there.. She likes money..lol..I'm trying so I guess thats all I can do...

[AAAAA]

I'm sorry that your daughter isn't more sympathetic. To avoid problems in the future I'd pick up a package of those blank cards or card stock for your computer.

Take care of yourself, Stranger2. Many situations can be prevented by doing your due diligence with your mental hygiene.

Perhaps your daughter might recall what was on the tablets, e.g., Honor your father and mother.