QUESTION: Weekly, I read your column with great interest. Often mentioned are problems related to alcohol, drugs and emotional/mental matters. However, rarely, if ever ‘mentioned i& a problem called ‘*phobics"’ (Agorophobia). Phobias can totally @ person so he or she is afraid to leave the house, and therefore, cannot work. It's a problem that cam be just as bad as alcohol or drags. Un- fortunately, it affects mostly females and there ts little help, ff any, for males in Vancouver. Moss psychologists and QUESTION: I have this problem with paranoia. Whenever I go out into a public place, I always sense that people are staring at me. I am a lonely individual who always tries to make friends. I have stayed within the church and yet I do not have one good friend I can talk to. I have a strong faith tn God and yet people in the church have rejected me. Everything I do or think always has to revolve around the “Christian Morals”. I am wanting friends but feel that if peopleare not church goers, theyll scorn me. I am a sensitive, gentle guy and wonder ff ll ever have SKILLED TUTORS ANY SUBJECT ANY GRADE tt you feel that the student in your family needs to im- prove his or her grades, study habits or in-schoo! at- titude, consider using a One to One tutor We will prepare an individual programme developed ex. pressty for your child Our qualified teachers and in- structors will provide the necessary academic assistance in your home or at our centre. Thousands of our students have improved thetr marks in Mathematics and Science, English and the Humanities. Business Courses and Com puter Science and in many other areas Help your child get ahead ONE TO ONE EDUCATIONS 2110 West 12th Avenue Vancouver, B.C (604) 734-5161 psychiatrists are not aware of the problem = and, therefore, of course, are not qualified to deal with it. Ive had sgoraphobia for 12 years, which has left me disabled. My family has had to support me. (Welfare employees do not un- derstand the problem — therefore, no welfare.) Treatment of the problem is mot easy. Especially when you have no friends and have come from another country. Frankly, my life is a “living hell”, Therefore I would appreciate your comments. STEWART: About a year ago your question was friends who will accept me the way I am. I hardly ever go out, but crave an active enjoyable life-style. I am a young person and hope you can give me some helpful advice. STEWART: It is co- incidental that your letter arrived in the same mail as the one above. I think you may not fit the agoraphobic situation, but you should think about it. It would be fool-hardy for me to make _ specific suggestions to you con- cerning your situation when 1 have so little information at hand. Whoever may turn out _ hair analysis with. . ry ime OFFER. ~- Complimentary microscopic : --your perm special! _ The Redken Trichoanalysis will: scientifically | show what your hair needs to look its best. by for men & women considered in this column in two or three successive issues. Let me pass on to you an update of the information, we shared at that time. I have before me a pamphlet which says, on its front page, ARE YOU AFRAID TO LEAVE THE SAFETY OF HOME? OR DO YOU FEAR WALKING ALONE, DRIVING ALONE, CROWDED PLACES, ask hayden stewart eS Freelance Counsellor Hayden Stewart may be reached at 261-6242 for appointments for individual, famil. office in the International Plaza Hotel (Open Tuesdays only) is for the convenience of North Shore residents. or group counselling. His DEPARTMENT STORES, SUPERMARKETS, RES- - TAURANTS? YOU ARE NOT ALONE.The pamphiet describes how agoraphobics feel and says to them, “You are NOT going insane.” The Canadian Mental Health to be helpful to you should know you and be in a position to spend some time with you. In view of the fact the church is quite central in your life, it might be wise for Place a intment by Nov. Sh expiry date 987-1717 at Coach House Motor Hotel Association asserts that agoraphobia is not mental illness. The pamphiet states, “In western Canada, hundreds of agoraphobics have for- med self-help groups in their own neighbourhoods. This organization is@called SE- CURE (Self-cure) and has aided sufferers to return to live free from fear during its nearly: 10 years of existence. Se-Cure runs under professional guidance and follows a definite, structured program that can guarantee a return to normal living.” The pamphlet points out that you can get in touch with Se-Cure either by telephone or letter. A fellow agoraphobic will then contact you by telephone and arrange for a personal interview, in your home if you wish. I hope you will take the first step right away.Get in touch with Se-Cure by phoning 872-0211. One of the things agoraphobics have in common is their fear of Dpen up with your minister you to seek out your minister and open up with him. Ask him if he can give youa start in finding the happiness you want, or in helping you locate a counsellor. actually doing something new or scary. So don’t be one of The Great-Excuse- Makers, as agoraphobics often describe themselves. I know personally a woman who did not go downtown in Vancouver for seven years because of her fears. She is now completely active and full of gratitude for her recovery. .So, now what? Right this minute walk to the phone, pick it up and dial 872-0211 and tell Se-Cure you want to get started. Bob Quinn is the fellow you'll probably talk to. Have you done it yet? 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