jen
02-20-2006, 10:59 AM
Like you lot, I'm working so hard in my battle for recovery. I'm 25 and have had for 5 yrs agoraphobia,s.a. and depression. Amongst things, it has meant I've been unable to leave my home without one of my family being with me (I live with my parents and younger sister). I am so very grateful for all they do for me, but look forward to the day I am better and can help them more.
Anyway, I'd reached the point where I was desperately seeking the next challenge to further my recovery, as it had plateaued. Since my prob began, my family have helped me leave my home, go to appointments, shop etc, building on things like that that are so traumatic for me. I'd be completely housebound and not here at all, without them. I will never be able to thank them enough.
I decided that to gain enough independance to ever support myself, driving a car would be necessary (don't make it easy for myself, do I? lol. But I knew it was right.)
My parents helped me to find an Instructor and did the first phone call (as I'm terrified of the phone, but make myself do it now in all the situations I can). Someone was found and we asked them if the could come to our house to met me, explain my problem and see if they thought they could cope with it. Kev was my instructor since the end of June 2005 until recently (he is emigrating to Canada this week (nothing I did!)). I can not sing his praises enough. He has literally become an Uncle to me. He had a great understanding of my problem and did everything he could to help me (inc. collecting and returning me to my house!)
As you can tell, I've now been driving seven months, have passed my theory and should be taking my test around the end of April 2006! Waaaaheyyyyy!!!
Driving has helped me progress a lot. Just from little things like holding my head up more (you can't drive a car looking at your feet! lol), coping with my anxiety with new people. My new instructor is called Clive and is also great.
Anyway, I didn't expect this to be so long! I hope those who read it are still awake and it helped someone reading it! One day soon, I'll hopefully be posting here again to say, "I've passed! Yipppppppppppeeeeeeeeeee fellow road users BEWARE"!!!!
Luv Jen.xxxxxxx :lol: :D P.S. my sister's just come in and insists on speaking to you:
I am Jen's sister and I am very proud of her! I think this forum's great and I wish you all lots of luck! Bye! :rolleyes:
Anyway, I'd reached the point where I was desperately seeking the next challenge to further my recovery, as it had plateaued. Since my prob began, my family have helped me leave my home, go to appointments, shop etc, building on things like that that are so traumatic for me. I'd be completely housebound and not here at all, without them. I will never be able to thank them enough.
I decided that to gain enough independance to ever support myself, driving a car would be necessary (don't make it easy for myself, do I? lol. But I knew it was right.)
My parents helped me to find an Instructor and did the first phone call (as I'm terrified of the phone, but make myself do it now in all the situations I can). Someone was found and we asked them if the could come to our house to met me, explain my problem and see if they thought they could cope with it. Kev was my instructor since the end of June 2005 until recently (he is emigrating to Canada this week (nothing I did!)). I can not sing his praises enough. He has literally become an Uncle to me. He had a great understanding of my problem and did everything he could to help me (inc. collecting and returning me to my house!)
As you can tell, I've now been driving seven months, have passed my theory and should be taking my test around the end of April 2006! Waaaaheyyyyy!!!
Driving has helped me progress a lot. Just from little things like holding my head up more (you can't drive a car looking at your feet! lol), coping with my anxiety with new people. My new instructor is called Clive and is also great.
Anyway, I didn't expect this to be so long! I hope those who read it are still awake and it helped someone reading it! One day soon, I'll hopefully be posting here again to say, "I've passed! Yipppppppppppeeeeeeeeeee fellow road users BEWARE"!!!!
Luv Jen.xxxxxxx :lol: :D P.S. my sister's just come in and insists on speaking to you:
I am Jen's sister and I am very proud of her! I think this forum's great and I wish you all lots of luck! Bye! :rolleyes: