Month 8 and it's getting better

[[gt...]]

Hi all,

 

I'm now in month 8 post jump and I think I am starting to see sustained healing. I don't know if it's a long window or what, but I have been able to live my life more normally for weeks now. My only remaining physical symptoms, dizziness, exhaustion/fatigue, and tremors, have all gotten better. I still have to deal with minor dizziness, which I would no longer describe as dizziness, but sensitivity to certain motions. I still have bouts of tremors and extreme exhaustion. Lately though, I wouldn't describe any of these as anything more than moderate and usually they are minor.

 

The biggest gains I have seen though are mentally. My anxiety has started to subside and more importantly for me, my agoraphobia has started to lessen it's grip. Last week I drove by myself to a business meeting. I was very nervous prior to the meeting, but found my old self after I arrived. This weekend I felt like I was in a good place, so I drove 45 minutes away from home, by myself, on highways (considered some of the worst in my country) and went through many sections where exits weren't immediately available. I thought I did great. I was very calm most of the time. I felt like my old self again behind the wheel. I can now go on daily walks again with lessened hesitation or compulsion to go home. Overall, things are starting to look positive.

 

I still find it hard to shake agoraphobia in certain situations. I still have issues when I get stuck in traffic and I'm not in a lane where I could pull over. The thought of driving long distance to see my family is overwhelming (and I really miss them!). I have bouts of pretty severe depression now (this is new to me). Overall though, my old self is starting to poke out and living life has become much more manageable.

[[Pa...]]

What a wonderful update gtheo, I think your post is my favorite of the day!  Thank you for sharing your encouraging news with us. 

[[Ho...]]

I am so happy for you. I really gaged a lot of my recovery by my driving. Highways are such a positive sign and also, feeling like your old self once you got past the hump at the meeting.

 

I too, have depression that still persists. BUT moving in the right direction....

 

I am a little ahead of you at almost 11 months and I can tell you that things just slowly get better and better and they will for you too!

 

))

[[gt...]]

Of course and thank you both for the words of encouragement! That is fantastic Holdingontohope! I am very much looking forward to the future.

[[Pe...]]

Congratulations gtheo! I hope you keep on healing.