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Graded exposure

charlie79

I have severe agrophobia and in crowded spaces it triggers panic attacks and ptsd from a rape. I can only go out with someone of trust in a car with a female only to a familiar place which the only place is my gp. I want to venture out more with support but wouldn't be able realistically in future on my own possible a long way abd far future from now. But to venture out with a person of trust to place is an attainable goal and realistic. Could I have graded exposure

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Comments

Biblioklept

I found graded exposure really helped WHEN I was ready. I had a CPN force me out and to places when I wasn't ready or wanting to and it made it a lot worse for me and as a result I stopped even seeing the CPN.

But then a few years later I decided myself I wanted to, and it sounds like that's the space you're in now. And this is when it worked and helped and I ended up being able to increase the places I went, how long for and who with.

I feel like it is a lifelong battle and when I go through bad spells it gets worse again and unless you push through those feelings, it's easy to slip back which is where I'm at again now, unable to go places.

It IS possible though, I've done it, and went from many years not leaving my home to going out regularly. If you want it, you can do it, I swear! ❤️ I found it helped to have a target, like an end goal of somewhere you want to get to eventually, but others find it easier to focus on day to day, not a big picture.

I'm happy to talk more about it if you'd like ❤️❤️❤️

charlie79

I Have severe ptsd and result of a gang rape years ago . I had a mental breakdown was in supported living for a long time and then got lost in system. Last 10 years has been a battle. Ptsd visits me to extent that if out in crowded place or unfamiliar with out person of trust the ptsd can come in form of of total terror and few scenarios of actually hallucinations and thinking attacker is attacking me and person in front is attacker. I also have a eating disorder and s cmht who want me to go out on my own and without any one within 6 month period. Which is impossible and will make me deteriate. I'm struggling because there not hearing my voice a social worker is currently doing a care assessment with medical evidence to support my argument. I need support withhaving fear of phone severe trust issues and many other factors supported with mediations.. Also I can't communicate through message on phone get frustrated and difficult to process information. So from previous cmht I was under a private email was set up to communicate. Problem is it was in action and my communication even with current one. But since new care coordinator has been appointed it has been axed . I'm not in a good place. Is there a form I can download regarding my communication under mental health act. I agree this is a goal to work towards as a in the future. But want to set a goal for graded exposure to build a rapport with support and venture to familiar places my gp at present, with as you said increase spaces with support. But this would need to be split in small stages and tiny steps

Morgan_Alumni

Thank you for sharing more about your situation @charlie79. It’s understandable that the CMHT’s current approach feels overwhelming, especially with everything you’re managing. Your goal of working on graded exposure in very small, supported steps is both realistic and important.

Your social worker can help advocate for your needs during the care assessment, including communication preferences like the email system that worked before. Under the Equality Act 2010, mental health services should make reasonable adjustments, and an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) could also support you in being heard.

If you’re looking for forms or resources, organisations like Mind or POhWER can help with care planning and advocacy. You might also ask about a Care and Treatment Plan under the Mental Health Act to ensure your needs are properly addressed.

You’re taking thoughtful steps forward, and it’s okay to go at your own pace.