I have found that friends who live a thousand miles away,
Have added color to my life in written words they say.
They always show more interest, than friends along the street,
Who do not know my thoughts at all, though many times we meet.
I would not trade this priceless gift, for anything on earth,
Because through correspondence,
I have found what friends are worth.
...Author unknown
September 30, 2001
Jane, 38
From: New Jersey
Email: [email protected]
Comments:
I am a registered nurse, divorced, but now engaged to a wonderful man and live with him and a 5 year old English Bulldog. I have suffered with panic attacks and agoraphobia (fear of travelling and of being alone) since I was 16 years old.
I am very down because I am so afraid of my symptoms. Even though I work, I don't feel like I am really living and I am embarrassed by my fears.
I would love to correspond with someone who is working towards getting better and has a positive attitude.
Thank you
Hope, 38 From: Perth, Australia
Email: [email protected]
Comments: Love to email and receive email. I enjoy chatting on IRC and chatting with internet friends.
From: Illinois, USA
Email:[email protected]
Comments: Panic attacks for about 25 years.
.......THIS TOO SHALL PASS
From: Mansfield, Massachusetts
Email: [email protected]
Hobbies: Reading, music, breeding/showing Norwegian Forest Cats.
Comments: I've had panic disorder and varying degrees of agoraphobia for about 21 years. Am married and have 2 stepchildren ages 23 & 26 - 1 living at home.
I would love to talk with anyone who has these conditions but especially those who have had successful treatments but continue to suffer setbacks of some severity off and on and how they handle them.
I welcome all e-mail and will answer every one of them. We need to know we are not alone and sharing our experiences, successes, not so successfuls, hopes, dreams, fears and concerns is very helpful. Look forward to hearing from any and all.
From: West Bloomfield, Michigan, USA
Email: [email protected]
Hobbies: Reading, writing, swimming, traveling, spend time with friends
Comments: Transform each difficulty in a chance of growth and learning and you will never lose your hope and we have to have hope because hope is power.
From: Illinois, USA
Email: [email protected]
Hobbies: Reading (especially Stephen King), redecorating, volunteering at childrens school
Comments: Have had panic disorder/agoraphobia since I was about 9! Long time - lost my childhood, ruined my teen years - never went to school dances, etc. On meds now, but want to get off. Can get around town very well, just can't go more than about 1/2 hour away from home. Getting better but still slightly uncomfortable in restaurants, and such places. I am married and have 2 teenage boys!
Dan, 40 something
Email: [email protected]
Interests: I enjoy writing, reading, art, crafting, music, history, outdoor activities, but am really a very uncomplicated and basic person.
Comments:I have found it really difficult to put an ad out here for all to see, but the need to correspond with others has compelled me to do so. I am a "40 something" alternative guy. I have been suffering from GAD for the past 12 years, (actually 16 years, the first 4 years being untreated)
It began with extreme panic which developed into GAD. There have always been ups and downs with this (as most of you who are reading this well know), but I have so far remained positive in my outlook on the future with this disorder. It has been a long, lonely and rocky road to travel thus far.
I believe you grow to care more for people who are much the same as you, much like a real family indeed. The situations and circumstances may be different, but we all remain in the same boat. Most "ordinary" people out there view panic/anxiety as a mental disease, but I see it as just having a disorder (all labels, nothing more).
Try not to be afraid to reach out for help, there�s no shame in it. I have found that a sense of humor and a good understanding of the problem has been great therapy in my case, even though it�s not always enough for the worse times, and I have also learned some useful coping skills to use in the "heat of the moment". Some actually have worked for me. I promise you that I will answer all mail that you may send, and be as non-judgmental and confidential with you as I would wish you to be with me.
I wish only the very best in everything to all of you out there, regardless of your situation. Never lose hope and do the best that you can - it�s the small steps that make a difference. Thanks for your time, and hope to hear from someone soon. (:
Daniel
Email: [email protected]
Hobbies: Sewing,reading and music.
Comments: Married with 5 children. I have had agoraphobia and panic attacks for 11 years. I would love to hear from someone with the same condition. It gets really lonely at times when no one around you understands.
Deanna, 42,
From: Oregon
Email: [email protected]
Comments: Hi there. I'm 42, married with 2 boys age 16 & 3. I've suffered panic attacks over the past year or so. One so serious I thought I was having a heart attack and went to the emergency room. Also a good portion of my life has been with depression at various times.
This past summer I tried prozac and had a bad reaction to it on the 1st day. Then recently I found out I've got acid reflux. Now I'm on prevacid for that, and ativan for anxiety.
I recently was given samples of paxil to try, and gave that up after 2 days. Don't want to get hooked on something so expensive, and also it had wierd side effects for me.
I'd love to find some e-mailers out there who live also with these type of problems.
Linda, 42
From: Indiana
Email: [email protected]
Interests: I have many interests, although I am not in a postion to pursue all of them; I am a voracious reader, love music, my computer, and I recently started working out again, after a long hiatus.Am up to discussing a wide range of topics; I am still engaged in the world.
Comments:, "I have lived with agoraphobia, panic disorder and depression, in varying degrees, since childhood. I have been housebound for several years. I am married, with grown children, but I am extremely socially isolated.
It is difficult to admit, but I am in dire need of friends. I need people with whom to share this process; I can be supportive, too. I don't allow myself to be defined by my neuroses, though; I have many interests, although I am not in a postion to pursue all of them; topics; I am still engaged in the world.
Would prefer to correspond with women in my general age group, who are serious about developing friendships. I am not able to tolerate medications, so I would prefer to correspond with women who use other techniques to deal with their anxiety/panic/depression."
Thank you
Dana, 42
From: Czech Republic, Europe
Email: [email protected]
Comments: Hello my name is Dana and I would like to find some new friends,Lovers of yorkshire terriers for correspondence........
I am 42 years.......my interests are my two male yorkies Andy and Toby ,my correspondence also by air mail and Garden.........
Letters and E-mails from Lovers of yorkies from all the world are very welcome.
Many greetings to you all from Dana a Czech republic,Europe......
From: Perth, Australia
Email: [email protected]
Comments: I enjoy receiving and writing email. It is great to find out about other countries.
Trish, 43
Email: [email protected]
Comments: Hi my name is Trish and I have suffered from anxiety disorders all of my life. It started at an early age but nobody back then knew what it was. I was a nervous kid and always afraid.
I would love to correspond with anyone who has this disorder. I would prefer if you were between the ages of 38-48 I can relate better since I am 43 years old.
Cant' wait to hear from you.
Andrea,43
From: New York City
Email: [email protected]
Hobbies: My hobbies are my computer,reading,cross stitching and other crafts.
Comments: I have been living with agoraphobia for more years than I care to remember.It is so good to be able to share these feelings with others who do understand. Though family can be supportive,it is not the same as having been there. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Dolly,44
Email: [email protected]
Comments: Hi! I would love to receive e-mail from others that truly understand how panic/anxiety disorders affect our everyday lives. I've been married for 26 years to a wonderful guy, that has been supportive and understanding with my highs and lows with this con-dition, and God knows there's been plenty!!:)
Somehow, I always manage to get through. I am currently taking medication and seeing a counselor, whom I think is absolutely wonderful. I have 2 beautiful children. My son is 18 and my daughter is 15. I work part-time in a flower shop.Hope to hear from someone soon. God Bless and take care of yourselves;)
Sandy, 45,
Email:[email protected]
Interests: My hobbies are quilting and knitting. I also like to travel.
Comments:I have two grown children and I suffer from social phobia.I would like to correspond with others with the same problem to give and receive support.
I know we are not alone and it would be nice to talk about it with people who understand.
Like to have your name added to the pen pal list?
Click below to send me an email
and I will put it on as soon as possible.
* Although I would hope that everyone who avails of the pen pal list will be trustworthy and forthright, the content of the correspondence that you receive is beyond my control.
Eileen
