Agoraphobics can break out into panic attacks at

the thought of goingoutside the front door (posed by model) (Photopress)

JACKIE suffered from agoraphobia for 15 years before she found help.

She had panic attacks whenever she tried to do things most people takefor granted - like shopping, taking her children to the park, orgetting on a bus. It kept her housebound for months at a time.

When she had an attack she couldn't breathe, broke out in sweats,her heart beat faster and she felt like she was going to pass out.

She said: "You will never understand what it feels like unless yougo through it. Sometimes I felt like I couldn't even stay inside myhouse because I was in a panic.

"Just the thought of going out was terrifying. You don't haveany kind of a life, and neither do your children."

Jackie, 49, has spent three-and-a-half years with Dartford and GraveshamAgoraphobic Society, and it has transformed her life.

Now panic attacks are a thing of the past. She plays an active part inher church and has been abroad to Romania and Bulgaria.

Jackie said: "It has changed my life completely - it was likelearning to live again."

Group facilitator Joan Martin has run the service in north Kent for 15years, treating around 2,000 people aged from 16 to 70.

The society has recently re-launched itself as a charity, with patronsDame Judy Dench, Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate, and Gravesham MP ChrisPond.

Mrs Martin said: "It takes a great deal of courage for these peopleto get through it, but the service we offer really does help.

"One member who was housebound for seven years, unable to answer thedoor, now enjoys regular days out."

Agoraphobics' attacks, brought on by contact with other people, arecaused by deep-seated fears and personal problems which can be worked outover time through counselling sessions.

The foundation offers support through counselling, and by encouragingmembers to take on small tasks to improve their confidence in socialsituations.

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