Quote:
P.S. I have a close family member who suffers from agoraphobia...soooo....


What?

I have a grandparent with a heart condition, but I'm not qualified to perform her triple bypass.

I can't imagine a trained professional giving someone with agoraphobia an ultimatum.

What I see... from the perspective of someone who has some similar issues to Tad's... pressure doesn't work. It's just more pressure.

Pressure and anxiety is the enemy.

Encouragement and calm and steady support is the hero of the day.

I've watched people give Tad tough love over and over and I don't see it ever moving him to reach out for professional support.

In my experience, it's not when people point out my crazy that gets me moving... it's when people point out my victories.

And, we can't possibly know all of Tad's story from these boards. For all we know, he could have a developmental disability, a history of sexual or physical abuse, some childhood trauma which is stopping him from interacting with others.... the point is... I believe it's very dangerous to tell someone on the Internet that they are seriously troubled and don't bother posting anymore because we've tried to help you and you are helpless.. which is essentially what you said.

Tad, if seriously clinically depressed, could read that and decide.. WTF? I should just off myself because I'm obviously too crazy to even get support on an online forum.

Wonka, I don't believe anyone has the right to add to the negative chatter in someone else's head. Especially when someone is very fragile and frighteningly alone.

Whatever the reason for being so alone... Not my place or anyone's to judge.

I think Tad has shown some remarkable strength in putting his job situation in place. His employment piece is settled and that's no small accomplishment for someone who appears to be clinically depressed. IF there's agoraphobia or Asperger's or whatever else going... then IT'S AN EVEN GREATER VICTORY!

He could be unemployed. He could be on welfare.

Armchair psychology can be very damaging when someone is fragile.

What I've learned from this journey? Love people unconditionally. You can't force someone to do anything they aren't ready to do. Love them anyway. Don't make it harder than it already is.

Last edited by LoisB; 07/16/15 12:55 PM.
"You know, it's times like these when I realize what a superhero I am." Tony Stark/Iron Man

“Focus on what you can do, then do it with all your heart.” Lois Wilson