[Dixie8]

my great therapist (whom I'd been seeing for 5 years) set me "free" in Jan. She thought I was doing very well (I have OCD, manic-depression & some childhood abuse). But on April 1, my cat & I were attacked in my fenced-in (6 foot fence) backyard. My cat was almost killed. I was bitten & had to get stitches, tetanus shot. A neighbor came to my rescue after I had been wrestling the dog for about 20 min. I have a "frozen shoulder" from a fall (during a hike) and now am more injured. This has been a set-back. I'm scared every time I hear a dog bark. I am shaking. My therapist advised me (we stay in touch, have coffee together, email etc.) about a group therapy. I went once but it depressed me, made me worry about the folks in the group. All but 2 (in a group of 10) are unable to work, some won't leave their apt. except for the group therapy. I tend to worry about people too much. So am thinking that group therapy is not for me. I have steadily taken my meds since I was diag. 15 years ago. I never go off my meds. I had a different psychiatrist when I was first diag. He de-sensitized me so I could drive again. I'd been in a bad car wreck. His techniques worked but then I was diag. with seizures (long story) from head injuries I suffered both as a newborn & later in life. So I can no longer drive. I am trying to get used to riding the bus but it's scary when I have to transfer. It takes an hour to go to a place that would take 10-15 min. in a car. Frustrations! Has anyone ever been attacked by a big dog? How long does it take to calm down? My cat is recovering but she is highly alert & if she hears a dog barking (from inside the house) she runs & hides.

[chaotic13]

Dixie8, sorry to hear that things kind of spiraling for you. I thinks sometimes when things start to do bad...its like a cascade reaction. Maybe you could try and reverse the bad luck. Maybe first look for the silverlining in all the events you mentioned. For example... Both you and your cat fought off and survive the attack.You live in a neighborhood when people are will to help someone in trouble. When you went to group you met some people who were struggling just as much if not more than you are. Your not alone. Just build the positives from there.

[phoenix7]

Im sorry that happened to you and your cat - glad you are both ok - have you talked to your T about this? or the pdoc that desensitised you to driving maybe he could help?

for you and for your cat

[Perna]

I'm so sorry that happened to you. My house is surrounded by dog owners because we're on the water so there are a lot of big dogs (seems to go with the territory). I have two cats. I was attacked when I was about 12 and bitten so I had to go to the doctor's and I don't know that you ever quite get over it. I am a bit afraid of dogs now unless they're small enough and obviously friendly. We had a dog growing up who wasn't friendly either and would bite so could be I'm still afraid from him too. I don't freak out or anything and I'm very logical so if they're on a leash (the dog that attacked me at 12 was large and on a leash, "towing" it's owner to me to jump up on me, claw my shoulder and bite me) I can tell myself it's probably okay. I go the opposite way of most big dogs though; my immediate neighbor has a large hunting dog and doesn't put him on a leash sometimes and the dog wanders into my yard, etc. I feel a bit angry that I'm afraid in my own yard.

[pachyderm]

For transportation, can you ride a bike? Depending on your neighborhood, that could be enjoyable and take less time than the bus?