[sleestak]

For years I have had extreme difficulty leaving my house due to a specific phobia. Gradually, I have been leaving the house more and going places I feel comfortable going. But yesterday I had a set back and could not run an errand for my brother (what are the odds ). When I told him I was unable to run his errand because I was having problems again, he replied "I thought you were getting better?"

Now, I have to be very careful about falling prey to the "woe is me" mentality, but that really hurt. How do you deal with unsupportive family members or if you are a family member is that the reply I deserved?

[gimmeice]

Hello sleestak, it's nice to meet you, welcome to psych central.
I know it can be difficult with unsupportive family members, just try to remember that if someone hasn't had any experience with anxiety and phobias that it is hard for them to understand what you are going through.
Try to be patient with yourself, progress has it's ups and downs and sometimes things will be more difficult, just keep trying.

If you have any questions feel free to private message any community liaison or moderator, here is a link to a list of forum leaders.
http://forums.psychcentral.com/showgroups.php

[Rhapsody]

Breathe and take it slowly and please try not to worry about the times you are not able to move forward..... focus on the days that you are able to get out of the house... it took me a good two years, off and on, before I over came my fear of leaving the house - but I did it.

[Elysium]

Good for you for making progress towards getting beyond your anxiety!! That takes hard work!!!

I know that you have the understanding that with anxiety and other mental health issues that it can be two steps forward and one step back. Also known as a relapse. Relapses can be minor to severe.

Maybe try explaining to your Brother and anyone else that throws the "I thought your were getting better" barb your way that you appreciate their support, but as with any disorder, one has better days and not so better days and that there can be relapses. Let him know that this does NOT mean that you are not getting better, but that you are human and that these disorders require daily management.

Most importantly...don't let anyone steal your thunder and poo poo on your progress. Everybody takes a step back, some further than others, and this doesn't mean you are not healing and recovering.

One day at a time!!!

Take care,