Kathryn went from being bubbly, carefree, and a world traveler, to struggling to even take a shower in her own home. Then after leaving a toxic marriage and moving back to the town she grew up in, everything went back to "normal." She was experiencing life again, without the symptoms, panic attacks, and fears. And she thought... I'll never struggle with that again!
But then a year and a half later, she had a panic attack while driving and she quickly found herself back to creating "safe zones" and ultimately not leaving her house. Shortly after, Kathryn reached out to me, feeling lots of shame, and said that she needed some help. And through working together one-on-one, Kathryn started taking some healthy steps and showing herself that the Kathryn she wanted to get back to, wasn't so far from where she was. And now, she's here to share her journey overcoming panic disorder and agoraphobia two different times!
From Overcoming Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia to Struggling & Overcoming It Again With Kathryn
When Kathryn Began Struggling With Panic and Agoraphobia
Shortly after Kathryn got married, she noticed that she often didn't want to travel or leave the house. And this was a strange feeling for her, because she had always loved to travel! At the time, she didn't connect that wanting to stay home might've had something to do with anxiety. And this fear quickly turned in to Kathryn not wanting to leave home, or even get in the car.
After several months of struggling to be far from home, Kathryn experienced her first panic attack. She had to get her drivers licensed renewed, and while she was driving, she began to experience all of the uncomfortable thoughts and symptoms. This panic attack scared Kathryn so much that she didn't leave her house for a year.
How Kathryn Started To Recover and Find Peace Again
Kathryn reached her rock bottom, and knew that the only way things would improve was if she made a change. And when she reached that point, she went on a two hour drive to her mom's house after not being in a car for almost a year! Although the drive was uncomfortable, the thoughts and fears started to lose their strength. When she made it back to her hometown, she experienced two weeks of feeling normal and at peace! Ultimately, Kathryn decided to leave her unhealthy marriage and make changes to keep that peace.
And when she left that unhealthy environment, she started to feel that peace again. She started working, moved into a condo, and feeling more like Kathryn again! And for an entire year, Kathryn experienced no issues with anxiety. She was living the life she had truly dreamed of!
The Small Steps Kathryn Took When She Started Struggling Again
A year and a half after Kathryn started her new life and recovered form panic disorder and agoraphobia, she experienced and panic attack. And that panic attack led to Kathryn becoming housebound for six months. Around this time, Kathryn reached out to me for help!
When I first sat down with Kathryn, I encouraged her to take the small steps. For Kathryn, this looked like just getting into her car in her garage. After practicing getting into the car for a few days, Kathryn drove down her driveway. And then she drove around her neighborhood! The best part is that Kathryn couldn't help but laugh, because she felt totally fine. Within eight weeks, Kathryn really started to feel like herself again. She told me that learning to recognize that discomfort doesn't equal danger was one of the biggest components of her healing.
And today, Kathryn has a healthy relationship with anxiety. She knows that she doesn't need to fear the uncomfortable symptoms of a panic attack, and that she's safe no matter where she is. I hope her story inspires you and helps you recognize just how capable you are, my friend!
Make sure to tune in and listen to the full episode to hear Kathryn's amazing story!
And if you want a glimpse into the amazingness that Kathryn is - head here! Kathryn is an entrepreneur, a creative director, and one heck of an awesome human being!