For Kate Richardson, stepping from her doorstep is a daunting struggle against the grip of internal unease and panic. "I’m scared a lot of the time and overthinking," she admits. "I feel dread leaving my home.
It can be really hard for me." Kate, 58, has suffered from agoraphobia (the extreme fear of being outside or in crowded spaces) for over 30 years after the traumatic event when she, at 18 years old, was knocked down by a car.
Afterwards, simple tasks like shopping evoked an overwhelming sense of anxiety and vulnerability, leading to debilitating panic attacks, rendering stepping outside an enduring challenge.
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