Hi everyone,

I just joined the AIM yahoo group and thought I would introduce my-self.

My name is Tony and I live in Buffalo, NY.    I was first formally diagnosed with panic disorder and GAD in 1996, but the symptoms began long before. 

I have an undergraduate degree in social work and began my masters’ degree in library science in 1995 planning on continuing my social work education later and with the combination of degree to specialize in grant writing and social work research later.  Soon, though, it began to become obvious that there was more to it as I began to develop a fear of intimacy with friends and a fear of going out.  Agoraphobia was diagnosed a couple of years later and is still my primary problem even though most of the attacks have now ceased with medications and therapy.

In 2001 I began, after working sporadically, to receive social security disability.  Since than I have become virtually homebound but do much better when I am in a different “venue”.  I am currently seeking employment at home as much of my phobias have to do with admitting to others that I am receiving SSI/SSD at such a young age.

I hope AIM will help to forge friendships and gain more knowledge about the disorder and alternative employment options.

Thanks and I look forward to “meeting” all of you,