Lurking agoraphobia.

So I keep thinking my agoraphobia is completely gone.

Well, it is if I'm prepared. But I think if I was caught alone on a busy street without an escape route I'd still freak out.

Linda and I went to visit family down in Oakhurst, Ca. We stayed at the Coarsegold casino, which I had some doubts about, but I thought it might be an interesting experience. And it was a four star hotel at a relatively cheaper cost. (They didn't need to know that we weren't gambling. heh)

Anyway, first day there, I went to park the car and then had to walk through the entire casino to get to my room. And the phobic reaction started immediately and built with every step. By the time I got to the room, I had to try to recover my calm.

I have some pills I can take, but I need to take them a good half hour before I confront a situation.

The point being, this reaction is rare for me nowadays, but a reminder that it is still there. Next day Linda and I went to a busy restaurant, which used to be a trigger, but this time I was prepared (and most importantly, I had Linda with me.)

And I marvel at how most people have no idea that just being able to sit there calmly and fit in and feel normal is a huge blessing.