i’m 17, been going through this since february 5th, 2022. i’m a high school graduate ho can’t leave her neighborhood. i stress about everything in my life, future adulthood and everything. my family believes i’m lying. i can’t tell u how good this feels to hear.
I suffered from this for years. It got so bad that I worried about going to mailbox. With me it was fear of people. I finally had to take charge of my life and met everything and everyone head on. It was extreemly hard, but I kelp putting myself in scary places, and when alone would rehearse in my head about going out in public alone and what I would do, say, and react. It took a couple of years, but I shook this whole agoraphobia thing and crushed it. I now can go anywhere alone and walk into a crowded room without crippling fear. I still have just a bit of fear,but I push through.
Ive been dealing with agoraphobia since 2019. When I clicked on this today, it inspired me to go out and get my long-needed blood work done. Ive been putting it off for 3 weeks but I did it today.
Anxiety is no joke. It can destroy your entire life if you allow it. Good luck to him and many others who struggle with anxiety. It’s more difficult than anyone can know
Cecil I feel so relieved watching this. After my sexual assault years ago I have immense trouble going outside anywhere alone. I finally understand that this is a huge part of what has been holding me back. It got worse when I saw my rapist out in my neighborhood near where I live. It’s been such a struggle and I think I’m ready to finally talk about it in therapy. Thank you for sharing your story. Maybe someday I’ll be ready to be seen as well.
@@Apple_45 It is an herb at the herb store, for anxiety and depression. I take it at night. It really works. I also take passion flower and balanced woman for change of life. NO MORE SWEATS AT NIGHT OR HOT FLASHES.
This is incredibly brave of him. I feel like I am developing agoraphobic tendencies and it’s so helpful to make struggles with panic and anxiety like this public. Especially as a POC and a man. I can only imagine how important seeing this would be to someone else struggling with this.
Yes.....mine has gotten progressively worse over the years. I am able to fight it off sometimes other times I loose terribly & we are stuck inside. #BLESSINGS
This was such a well done story.. they weren't making fun of him or anything. It was really inspiring to see. My grandma suffered from undiagnosed agoraphobia, and I believe I have it, as well. I've gotten treatment over the years because I have generalized anxiety, and get panicky at the supermarket. My issue is public speaking, but it is very common. I give this guy a lot of credit for putting himself out there, as well as the team at CBS News for doing this story. Thank you!!
I have GAD and SAD, how did you get over the grocery thing? I feel like I’ve developed agoraphobia and I can’t even leave the house even when i need to
Me too. I can’t even walk my dog down my street during a beautiful day without feeling like I’m being watched by all my neighbors. Even stepping out to get the mail is really uncomfortable.
As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression and has a parent that just doesn't understand it just wants me to snap out of it get on with my life be grateful for all my blessings blah blah blah.....Having your struggle understood and realized by someone means more than you know.
Wow, yes. I have battled so much guilt feeling like I've let my friends and family down because of my anxiety. I validate what your going through Robyn and good luck with everything.
Hearing him recount the email his sister wrote him broke my heart. Thank God for compassionate and understanding loved ones if you have them. It seems that he does.
It just goes to show us that mental health awareness is very important and were not alone and I know he will be a huge inspiration to others. I hope that Cecil Jackson can conquer is fear and live a good life.
I suffer from agoraphobia, I'm older than this gentleman and ive let myself go, i do not look good. I was rooting for him during this entire video. I wish I could conquer his fear like he did but such is life.. good job and i really hope you can stay the course.
You can do this 💯! Take 5 minutes a day visualizing yourself doing something fearful. Visualize it in detail and how you would respond in a calm way. Then take small steps. I promise u got this
You can do it. Pls look for a guy called Shaan Kassandra on RUclips he has lots of videos on how to overcome anxiety, agoraphobia, derealisation and panic attacks, many of his students/audience have overcome just by watching his videos or by taking his mentorship programme. Never give up hope. If you’d like to talk and get some tips on what has helped me…please let me know and I’ll send you my email. 🙏🏽😊😇
If you have this kind of phobia, don't expect your FAMILY and RELATIVES to understand and support you. They would just think you're weird and tell you to get over yourself.
Or worse ridicule. I had them say just take a pill. I worked today hard and got on a plane and the complained. I decided, I do not need to be with these people.
I love it also. My mother is the type that likes to make people think that we (myself, 2 siblings and our mom) don't have any real problems and is hush-hush about everything. I suffer from depression, my brother has not worked in 14 years and lives with our mom and my sister is on the verge of divorce. My mom acts like these issues don't exist and will lie to other family members about us, making it seem like everything is normal. She doesn't realize that what's done in the dark will eventually come to the light and when it does, she will look even worse for trying to hide things.
I was agoraphobic for 6 years. I had panic disorder and was afraid of having another panic attack so I just stayed home and tried to avoid the panic...
Here's the thing, I suffer from anxiety and it's easier for me to do things and go past my anxiety with someone standing next to me or someone in the car with me. The being alone trying to get past a anxiety attack is very difficult for me.
The breathing REALLY works. But not the way they are doing it. For me? Breathe in your nose slow and out your mouth (breathe out as much as you can) and repeat for 5 times. It lowers your heart rate and makes your brain think the anxiety is going away? But it does. Try it
I've had bad anxiety my whole life and what I've learned is the best way to crush anxiety is to face it head on. It will be some of the toughest battles you will ever face but if you can truly face them you will find such great peace on the other side. I started to adopt a real David Goggins mentality and it changed my whole life.
Mr. Cecil Jackson!!! I started typing a comment before the end of the video that You Are Seen! To a lesser degree this has been my life for four years. I didn't feel seen either. You bring in this clip is huge!!!! Thank you for opening up your life this way. It's bold and it's smart. I applaud you and hope that you have as many dreams come true as you can.
We see you Cecil! Thank you for covering this story! So proud of him for taking these steps to have the life that he wants for himself. Agoraphobia and the anxiety around it is real. This story shines a light on the struggle and the success of handling life's challenges.
To this man, I commend you for your bravery not only to admit the problems but to also survive and heal yourself....and to open up the world to yourself. You give me hope for a better life for me and my children.
I am so happy for this man. It’s usually hard for people in our surroundings to understand anxiety, PTSD, and how paralysing it can feel. And I’m so glad he over it because it isn’t an easy journey.
I have been agoraphobic for 18 years, I don't leave my home except for the garden or my road and thats it. Its now a part of who I am and its very difficult to remember what it was like before. Good on this man for doing so well. You are very brave
Thank you for this segment. Someone very dear to me suffers from tremendous anxiety and panic attacks. This was moving to see this man's triumph over his personal struggles, and pray he continues to get better and be seen.
I was diagnosed with OCD (also an anxiety disorder) in my 20s although I suffered in my teens. Im now in my 40s and I also feel like no one sees what I actually go through. It doesn't help that many see OCD as something that just makes you clean a little too much or are a little more particular about things. That causes me to open up to basically no one.
I feel your pain. I only recently gained some insight into something I've suffered through my whole adult life- avoidant personality disorder. The circumference of my life is now limited to my bedroom and a couple of texts a week from my sisters- probably just to check to see if I'm still alive, but beyond that not understanding at all. It's become impossible for me, too, to open up to anyone. Strange that I'm even writing this comment. Just want you to know that you are seen.
I feel you. I'm in my 20s now and experiencing what I believe is the first couple of stages of OCD and anxiety. It's gotten a lot worse the last year and I worry that it'll get to the point where I can't leave my house and cleaning everything 20x a day etc. I'm sorry you have no one to relate to in real life but I'm telling you right now that I believe you and I'm scared too but let's continue to heal ❤️❤️❤️
Go, Cecil, go!!! You are doing it- overcoming this major hurdle of conquering what must’ve felt like moving mountains and walking through fire. And yes, we see you! Thank you for being brave, sharing your story, and keep shining bright :)
Amazing!! So proud of him for doing this! I need to do this on a plane. I’m 38 and have never flown and don’t really travel p anywhere and definitely never been out of the country. This gives me hope to try something new
God my anxiety and depression gets so bad that sometimes I cannot leave my house in fear that something will happen or just trying to avoid people. I worry that it'll get worse to the point of this story. With what's going on in the world, shootings happening pretty much everyday, etc I don't blame him. I hope he's okay and I'm glad someone is talking about this.
@@gone.golfing I have. It worked for a while once I found the correct dosage but unfortunately I was one of those patients who thought I could bite the bullet so I stopped taking it. I need to get more asap
@@Peachyycakess0 No way man! Especially cold turkey. Taper off the SSRI if you want off it. Personally, I have no interest at all to stop taking it. I know it also has a placebo effect too but again, that’s where my mind plays tricks on me. Just taking it every night keeps my mind at ease that I took my anti panic pill. If you don’t mind me asking, which one were you taking?
@@gone.golfing I was on hydroxyzine and paxil. I took fluoxetine but it gave me nightmares. I know it wasn't the right thing to do and I regret it. I feel like the hydroxyzine helped more than the paxil but idk.
It’s worse than being in prison. I haven’t left my home since right before COVID-19. It’s even more challenging for me since I am widowed and orphaned.
seeing a man overcome the same issue I have struggled severely with for months makes me tear up. I’m so proud of him, his happiness and relief is evident in his eyes and smile 💕 I’m glad you made it, Cecil
I have social anxiety. Already 9 years with it. Its always hard when i have no other way but to face it when its time for grocery shopping ect. That nervousness, sweating, panic feelings ughhhhh
This is What High Functioning and Disabling Means. This Is Real For Us. I love how he said .." I want to reclaim my life ".. That really resonated with me
I also have a anxiety disorder and OCD and have a RUclips channel dedicated to talking about my struggles and natural remedies I've tried. I can totally relate to his pain. I am so proud to see a black man openly talking about mental health issues, considering the stigma in the black community. I see very few black men talking about having anxiety disorders. So I'm inspired and encouraged.
I’m white but I’m suffering so bad at the moment :( I have agoraphobia, OCD and bipolar disorder, I’m on meds but I can’t hold down a job or get on disability :(( every day when I wake up, it’s getting more difficult..I’m also autistic..sick of this suffering
My mom had this The world now makes it so easy to stay at home I make sure I keep going out To break the chain Keep going Walking out the door Praying for you
I think it’s triggered by a traumatic event. I noticed that mine was linked to lack of sleep and high blood pressure. The moment I started prioritizing sleep, diet, and exercise. I was able to drive further and further and further. I’ve also learned how to talk myself down. BUT, you must drive long distances on a regular.
I know a man who hasn't and can't leave his small little town near the city I live in. He hasn't left the town his entire life, over 50 years. It's sad. Hope the best for everyone struggling with this.
That is major courage - I am so glad this gentlemen reached out and got outside his bubble. It is part of social anxiety, doubled up with covid isolation. It is constant fear. It helps to practice and think positive and realize that no one is looking at you - no one will remember what you did or didn't do. I repeat in my head "so what and who cares" it helps to have a good mantra for those uncomfortable times.
Yup. So what who cares are the words my therapist used to help me with my anxiety 16 years ago and it helped. Now that the world is opening back up here is anxiety/agoraphobic type alarms (tensing up while walking because I literally stop breathing when I walk past people happening again. I started telling myself "so what, who cares" again followed with exposure.
@@Yummy2u I think it's worst when you're younger it's how the undeveloped brain of a young person is wired, to worry too much what other people think as you get older you get wisdom and know that it doesn't matter and yeah who cares.
Thank you for covering this. I've been trying to overcome agoraphobia as well that developed in recent years as a result of PTSD. The road to recovery isn't easy but it's not impossible. I think one of the most difficult things about it is really how misunderstood it is by others that assume something else. I've only seen it depicted in films (Kimi, The Woman in the Window, Copycat etc) a handful of times as well. Definitely needs more coverage.
So happy for this Cecil. He deserves happiness thru all the suffering he’s been through. His eyes weigh heavy. I see you pain. I know this pain. May God continue watching over you and blessing you with overcoming your demons.
I am 62 years old and I have the same things this man has or had. Since I was 16 years old. I have been in therapy and on every medicine out there. I’m worse the older I get. I don’t know how to get better. You live in a jail in your own home and even at home I still have panic attacks. It is so hard and so silent because you desperately want to feel normal. This really made me cry because I wish I could do why he did. Bless him. 💕
I pray you 1. Seek the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves you, He created you and thus can and will heal you. Pray He leads you to a person who can deliver you and disciple you more and more into His Love everyday ❤️
I have social anxiety as well as other mental illness and am neurodiversive but I am someone who enjoys wearing beautiful colorful hair, nails, clothing, etc and people love to touch me without my permission and bother me but I am not good with asserting my boundaries but since I do not it just builds up over time to where I will go 0 to 100 which is not good for anyone. I already feel uncomfortable and often sweat profusedly in social situations so to have people constantly invading my space has made me stay inside even more. I have stopped wearing my hair in bright pretty colors but my natural hair also causes unwanted attention at times. The times I have stood up for myself have been empowering but I feel so much anxiety/anger that it can cause physical pain since I am also dealing with an invisible physical disability. I am glad to see a fellow Black person who is dealing with these issues as we are often ignored and left out of these conversations so much so that our community often ignores these issues. Especially since there is an earned mistrust of medical science and psychology within our communities as well as many of us being overly religious/superstitious.
my heart goes out for this man. this was precious. There are so many who are stuck, some who wear their anxieties as a badge, and this chap put himself out there to get better.
I’m with you sir, I have battled this for 15 years now and it’s truly should destroying. I have about a 4 mile radius, better than it was a few years ago, but my main fear is being in a city.
It's life stealing! And there's so much guilt when you can't get out of your house. Constantly canceling plans. It's a nightmare existence. I'm a much more complicated case than this gentleman. I'd be open to documenting what it's like living with it. 😔
Wish I could find help for my son🤕he has been in the house since right B4 the pandemic. I'm old and can't even make him see that it's something so wrong. But this story gives me so much hope because he is a great guy too.
I would’ve never been able to pull off in the car when going to the therapist. Idk how those exercises worked but I think I need extensive work to get to that point. I’m happy he’s getting where he needs to be. I’ve missed so many therapy sessions just because of panic attacks. It’s crazy.
I had this in college in the early 2000s but didn't realize that I actually had a disorder. I would miss classes, procrastinating about the smallest things like getting dressed, gathering my info. needed for classes, telling myself that I'd leave my room right after the hallway cleared of people getting on and off the elevators, after a particular tv show would go off, etc. It would be anything just to avoid the anxiety I had thinking about walking across campus to classes. I knew that I was failing but that still was not enough to make me hustle to class. It was like a force was stopping me from being able to do what every other student took for granted. Then after I'd miss a class, I'd have a wave of guilt over me because I let myself down. It was a real struggle. One of my professors thought I was just lazy. I never explained to him what I was going through because I was too embarrassed and thought he'd think that I was making an excuse. Also, I didn't want him to spread it to other professors, which would have made it worse.
Great story! what is the name of the breath they are doing with exhalation? Anybody knows? I think it's some pranayama breath, but I am not sure the name
I know how he feels… I struggle with social anxiety. It is very difficult. It is hard for me to keep a job and to make friends and go to school in person and the store. I hate it.
I completely understand what he is going through. I have suffered from this since my mother passed back in 2019. Can't explain why this happens. I am able to drive to places, but I still have trouble crossing bridges. I feel as if I am going to black out from anxiety. It is a tough life to live. I pray that he overcomes this.
I struggled with that for two years as well as not wanting to take the mask off in public. I found myself going on drives but not being able to leave the car. It was a long two years. Now I’m more active and am out more because I have to be.
My favorite part was watching the beginning segment of him taking a jog. That gave me hope. Congratulations and I wish you continued success God bless you
Thank you for coming out seeing another black person go through the crippling nature of an anxiety disorder makes me feel hopeful about my own. Mental health disorders are seen as a ‘white’ thing but the reality is they are not bound by race. You are my inspiration!
I have had agoraphobia so severe I didn't leave the house for a year once, now only for medical appointments. This story of bravery and rational thinking is really inspirational and I hope to beat this fear one day and be able to travel more than 20 mins from home anytime I want.
I’m a flight attendant and I get to see hundreds of people everyday at work. People from all over the world. You just never know what people are going through. Thank you for sharing your story. What an inspiration to many out there who maybe struggling with this.
I’ve never even really heard much about this illness. But I am beyond proud of this man for facing his fears, he is now an inspiration for many others.
Wow I would have never thought that by looking at him. He's very handsome and well put together. I'm glad he is doing a lot better. I have anxiety issues to but not to that extent.
I hate having anxiety. Sometimes I am paralyzed with fear I can't get out the bed. I have to stop letting people opinions, emotions and problems affect me. I have a problem with worrying about things I can't control. It's easier said then done.
This is why you don’t go around causing people grief. EVERYONE has their own personal battles.
Very well said.
Yes it helps to spread kindness so much hate nowadays.
Yes!
Thank you! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Yep
I love that his family understands and supports him. Because most families are sh!t concerning mental health. I’m so glad for him.
Agreed
FACTS
you're right
I Totally Get It
i’m 17, been going through this since february 5th, 2022. i’m a high school graduate ho can’t leave her neighborhood. i stress about everything in my life, future adulthood and everything. my family believes i’m lying. i can’t tell u how good this feels to hear.
I suffered from this for years. It got so bad that I worried about going to mailbox. With me it was fear of people. I finally had to take charge of my life and met everything and everyone head on. It was extreemly hard, but I kelp putting myself in scary places, and when alone would rehearse in my head about going out in public alone and what I would do, say, and react. It took a couple of years, but I shook this whole agoraphobia thing and crushed it. I now can go anywhere alone and walk into a crowded room without crippling fear. I still have just a bit of fear,but I push through.
Fear of people helping you get ya rocks off too?👀
so proud of you ! congrats 🧡
Some of it is also intuition. So being able to separate that from pure anxiety is important.
That's what I am planning to do, put myself in the scary places but also plan to have someone with me at least at the start.
Same for me.
Ive been dealing with agoraphobia since 2019. When I clicked on this today, it inspired me to go out and get my long-needed blood work done. Ive been putting it off for 3 weeks but I did it today.
So proud of you!
awesome, Shawn!!!
Amazing!!
Wow, that's awesome!! Congratulations
How did the doctors appt go
You know it’s real when he said “to be seen” ANYONE who suffers from anxiety can relate to the isolating reality of literally being invisible…
👀
Anxiety is no joke. It can destroy your entire life if you allow it. Good luck to him and many others who struggle with anxiety. It’s more difficult than anyone can know
So true, it’s definitely destroyed my life😥
He’s very brave a lot of us suffer in silence
Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional
Yes very true.
Cecil I feel so relieved watching this. After my sexual assault years ago I have immense trouble going outside anywhere alone. I finally understand that this is a huge part of what has been holding me back. It got worse when I saw my rapist out in my neighborhood near where I live. It’s been such a struggle and I think I’m ready to finally talk about it in therapy. Thank you for sharing your story. Maybe someday I’ll be ready to be seen as well.
You are ready now, I will never tell you to forgive however, I will tell you to live unlike no tomorrow, live for the ones, who can not
@@bakeembakeem9852 you know, you gave a great response and I will use that for myself. Thank you!
I was attacked by 4 men about two decades ago but the anxiety attacks began about 10 years ago. This will help me believe that I too can overcome it.
I pray you will🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Rapist out in the neighborhood. 😳Why ya rapist not in prison? 👀
I am 50 years old and have been dealing with Social Anxiety half of my life. This guy explains it perfectly.
take lemon balm, it works....
Thank you so much....I'm going to try it
I’ll be 43 next month and I’m still slowly getting better.
@@lourdesprudencio5647 what’s lemon balm?
@@Apple_45 It is an herb at the herb store, for anxiety and depression. I take it at night. It really works. I also take passion flower and balanced woman for change of life. NO MORE SWEATS AT NIGHT OR HOT FLASHES.
This is incredibly brave of him. I feel like I am developing agoraphobic tendencies and it’s so helpful to make struggles with panic and anxiety like this public. Especially as a POC and a man. I can only imagine how important seeing this would be to someone else struggling with this.
Yes.....mine has gotten progressively worse over the years. I am able to fight it off sometimes other times I loose terribly & we are stuck inside. #BLESSINGS
So brave of him. I struggle just going to the mailbox and taking the trash out... This has inspired me to step into the heat.
@Priti Singer thank you so much 🙏🏽💙
He should feel so proud to have succeeded at what seems like everyday tasks for us. Praying this man only gets better with time!
This was such a well done story.. they weren't making fun of him or anything. It was really inspiring to see. My grandma suffered from undiagnosed agoraphobia, and I believe I have it, as well. I've gotten treatment over the years because I have generalized anxiety, and get panicky at the supermarket. My issue is public speaking, but it is very common. I give this guy a lot of credit for putting himself out there, as well as the team at CBS News for doing this story. Thank you!!
Congratulations on getting therapy!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ Wishing you well!
I have GAD and SAD, how did you get over the grocery thing? I feel like I’ve developed agoraphobia and I can’t even leave the house even when i need to
@@pinkrose5796 Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!
🙄
I have a social anxiety and can totally relate. I hate going outside unless it's a nighttime.
Me too. I can’t even walk my dog down my street during a beautiful day without feeling like I’m being watched by all my neighbors. Even stepping out to get the mail is really uncomfortable.
It's so exhausting am I right?
Same
Omg. I thought I was the only one.
Lol, I changed my work schedule not because I like it because in my mind at least people can’t see me. It’s weird
Thank you for talking about this. I’ve been struggling with this for over 10 years and it’s really difficult. Proud of this man.
God bless you. You are in my prayers. Don't give up. There's light at the end of the tunnel.🙏😊
Me too. I never knew what it was called until now.
@@mildredwilliams8107 thank you so much 💜
@@BrokenToyGoddess you are not alone 💜 sending love to you
@@user-fj4zc2sr5z You are welcome.🙏✌️
As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression and has a parent that just doesn't understand it just wants me to snap out of it get on with my life be grateful for all my blessings blah blah blah.....Having your struggle understood and realized by someone means more than you know.
Wow, yes. I have battled so much guilt feeling like I've let my friends and family down because of my anxiety. I validate what your going through Robyn and good luck with everything.
We never know what is going inside of someone else's mind. Am happy for him.
Hearing him recount the email his sister wrote him broke my heart. Thank God for compassionate and understanding loved ones if you have them. It seems that he does.
I will never take traveling for granted again. I never knew how much travelling can cause so much stress. I admire him for getting through it all.
It just goes to show us that mental health awareness is very important and were not alone and I know he will be a huge inspiration to others. I hope that Cecil Jackson can conquer is fear and live a good life.
Wow his mother struggled too.
Glad he is doing better
Wow it just goes to show how the enemy/adversary really tries to ruin ppls lives. So glad that he is working to overcome.
Yes it does. One of my sister's friends is going through this and we couldn't figure out why. Now we know the name for it
We wrestle not against flesh and blood
@@tondaniraluswinga2590 I totally understand. Sending you love and best wishes
@@1lebero listen!!! Speak that word sir
@@1lebero
Its a spiritual warfar
I suffer from agoraphobia, I'm older than this gentleman and ive let myself go, i do not look good. I was rooting for him during this entire video. I wish I could conquer his fear like he did but such is life.. good job and i really hope you can stay the course.
I’ll be 43 next month and I’m still suffering. I’m doing much better but I’ve lost a lot job opportunities because of my anxiety and panic attacks.
You can do this 💯! Take 5 minutes a day visualizing yourself doing something fearful. Visualize it in detail and how you would respond in a calm way. Then take small steps. I promise u got this
You possess the same courage to conquer your agoraphobia too. I hope you will receive the support to get you there. We're rooting for you!
Thank you do much
You can do it. Pls look for a guy called Shaan Kassandra on RUclips he has lots of videos on how to overcome anxiety, agoraphobia, derealisation and panic attacks, many of his students/audience have overcome just by watching his videos or by taking his mentorship programme. Never give up hope. If you’d like to talk and get some tips on what has helped me…please let me know and I’ll send you my email. 🙏🏽😊😇
If you have this kind of phobia, don't expect your FAMILY and RELATIVES to understand and support you. They would just think you're weird and tell you to get over yourself.
I'm dealing with this now. I don't think they'll ever get it unfortunately
@@j.cutrone Family is over rated. I hope you can get help from your friends and medical professionals
Very true. It’s a very challenging thing to go through esp if you don’t have much support.
Or worse ridicule. I had them say just take a pill. I worked today hard and got on a plane and the complained. I decided, I do not need to be with these people.
I love when people are vulnerable and honest
I love it also. My mother is the type that likes to make people think that we (myself, 2 siblings and our mom) don't have any real problems and is hush-hush about everything. I suffer from depression, my brother has not worked in 14 years and lives with our mom and my sister is on the verge of divorce. My mom acts like these issues don't exist and will lie to other family members about us, making it seem like everything is normal. She doesn't realize that what's done in the dark will eventually come to the light and when it does, she will look even worse for trying to hide things.
I agree..becoming a lost art
This interviewer was perfect for this. Love this whole story. He seems like such a great guy and it was beautiful to see how far he has come
I was agoraphobic for 6 years. I had panic disorder and was afraid of having another panic attack so I just stayed home and tried to avoid the panic...
That's where I'm at right now. Did you recover eventually?
I'm so proud of this beautiful black man!!! ♥️🙌🏾
This means The World To Me.
My Mother Also Suffered.
Bless This Man And His Bravey .
Six Years Payed Off.
So Inspired !!
Hi there
God
Bless You
@@hopemcleod1900may he bless you too🙏🏿thanks
As someone with a social anxiety disorder since adolescence, I relate to him so much!!
Here's the thing, I suffer from anxiety and it's easier for me to do things and go past my anxiety with someone standing next to me or someone in the car with me. The being alone trying to get past a anxiety attack is very difficult for me.
Teamwork helps for sure
The breathing REALLY works. But not the way they are doing it. For me? Breathe in your nose slow and out your mouth (breathe out as much as you can) and repeat for 5 times. It lowers your heart rate and makes your brain think the anxiety is going away? But it does. Try it
I deal with the same. Being alone amplifies it. The being alone is a trigger for it even.
I don't have anyone.
Me too.
I've had bad anxiety my whole life and what I've learned is the best way to crush anxiety is to face it head on. It will be some of the toughest battles you will ever face but if you can truly face them you will find such great peace on the other side. I started to adopt a real David Goggins mentality and it changed my whole life.
I love Goggins
Exactly it’s really the only way you have to become stronger than it!
Mr. Cecil Jackson!!!
I started typing a comment before the end of the video that You Are Seen! To a lesser degree this has been my life for four years. I didn't feel seen either.
You bring in this clip is huge!!!! Thank you for opening up your life this way. It's bold and it's smart. I applaud you and hope that you have as many dreams come true as you can.
We see you Cecil! Thank you for covering this story! So proud of him for taking these steps to have the life that he wants for himself. Agoraphobia and the anxiety around it is real. This story shines a light on the struggle and the success of handling life's challenges.
To those of you suffering but have a support system, family, friends take a moment and thank them. Some of us are alone in this.
To this man, I commend you for your bravery not only to admit the problems but to also survive and heal yourself....and to open up the world to yourself. You give me hope for a better life for me and my children.
I am so happy for this man. It’s usually hard for people in our surroundings to understand anxiety, PTSD, and how paralysing it can feel. And I’m so glad he over it because it isn’t an easy journey.
Dang this is deep. I never knew people dealt with this. S/o to Cecil
I have been agoraphobic for 18 years, I don't leave my home except for the garden or my road and thats it. Its now a part of who I am and its very difficult to remember what it was like before. Good on this man for doing so well. You are very brave
Thank you for this segment. Someone very dear to me suffers from tremendous anxiety and panic attacks. This was moving to see this man's triumph over his personal struggles, and pray he continues to get better and be seen.
I was diagnosed with OCD (also an anxiety disorder) in my 20s although I suffered in my teens. Im now in my 40s and I also feel like no one sees what I actually go through. It doesn't help that many see OCD as something that just makes you clean a little too much or are a little more particular about things. That causes me to open up to basically no one.
I feel your pain. I only recently gained some insight into something I've suffered through my whole adult life- avoidant personality disorder. The circumference of my life is now limited to my bedroom and a couple of texts a week from my sisters- probably just to check to see if I'm still alive, but beyond that not understanding at all. It's become impossible for me, too, to open up to anyone. Strange that I'm even writing this comment. Just want you to know that you are seen.
I feel you. I'm in my 20s now and experiencing what I believe is the first couple of stages of OCD and anxiety. It's gotten a lot worse the last year and I worry that it'll get to the point where I can't leave my house and cleaning everything 20x a day etc. I'm sorry you have no one to relate to in real life but I'm telling you right now that I believe you and I'm scared too but let's continue to heal ❤️❤️❤️
Hey I know it sounds strange but I just want to share this verse: 1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Go, Cecil, go!!! You are doing it- overcoming this major hurdle of conquering what must’ve felt like moving mountains and walking through fire. And yes, we see you! Thank you for being brave, sharing your story, and keep shining bright :)
May GOD Bless him to full recovery.
Amazing!! So proud of him for doing this! I need to do this on a plane. I’m 38 and have never flown and don’t really travel p anywhere and definitely never been out of the country. This gives me hope to try something new
Cecil proud of you man. from experience they key is to go really early in the morning 🌄. good luck on your NEW LIFE! YOU GOT THIS!💕🥰💕👏👏😘😘😘
God my anxiety and depression gets so bad that sometimes I cannot leave my house in fear that something will happen or just trying to avoid people. I worry that it'll get worse to the point of this story. With what's going on in the world, shootings happening pretty much everyday, etc I don't blame him. I hope he's okay and I'm glad someone is talking about this.
Take lemon balm, it works....
Try an SSRI. It’s life saving.
@@gone.golfing I have. It worked for a while once I found the correct dosage but unfortunately I was one of those patients who thought I could bite the bullet so I stopped taking it. I need to get more asap
@@Peachyycakess0 No way man! Especially cold turkey. Taper off the SSRI if you want off it. Personally, I have no interest at all to stop taking it. I know it also has a placebo effect too but again, that’s where my mind plays tricks on me. Just taking it every night keeps my mind at ease that I took my anti panic pill. If you don’t mind me asking, which one were you taking?
@@gone.golfing I was on hydroxyzine and paxil. I took fluoxetine but it gave me nightmares. I know it wasn't the right thing to do and I regret it. I feel like the hydroxyzine helped more than the paxil but idk.
Great job...an Awesome example of his recovery!!!
He is helping so many people!!!
Blessings to him!!!
It’s worse than being in prison. I haven’t left my home since right before COVID-19. It’s even more challenging for me since I am widowed and orphaned.
Praying for you.
Mam you need to leave, start with short walks, a short ride with someone you can trust & you find a good counselor from psychology today
seeing a man overcome the same issue I have struggled severely with for months makes me tear up. I’m so proud of him, his happiness and relief is evident in his eyes and smile 💕
I’m glad you made it, Cecil
I have social anxiety. Already 9 years with it. Its always hard when i have no other way but to face it when its time for grocery shopping ect. That nervousness, sweating, panic feelings ughhhhh
This is What High Functioning and Disabling Means. This Is Real For Us.
I love how he said .." I want to reclaim my life "..
That really resonated with me
I also have a anxiety disorder and OCD and have a RUclips channel dedicated to talking about my struggles and natural remedies I've tried. I can totally relate to his pain. I am so proud to see a black man openly talking about mental health issues, considering the stigma in the black community. I see very few black men talking about having anxiety disorders. So I'm inspired and encouraged.
I’m white but I’m suffering so bad at the moment :( I have agoraphobia, OCD and bipolar disorder, I’m on meds but I can’t hold down a job or get on disability :(( every day when I wake up, it’s getting more difficult..I’m also autistic..sick of this suffering
This is the reason we should have compassion and grace. People struggle daily so have some patience with yourself and others.
He said the exact same thing I was thinking. Agoraphobia feels like prison.
Wish you the best man
"My goal is to be seen." ❤ Thank you for sharing.
I understand this illness. I'm so happy that this young man is actively healing. God bless him.🙏☺️👍
I understand this man’s pain …. This is a strong brother right here …. !!!
Way to go, Cecil! Thank you for your courage and for being an inspiration to others!
My mom had this
The world now makes it so easy to stay at home
I make sure I keep going out
To break the chain
Keep going
Walking out the door
Praying for you
My anxiety has been crippling the last few years! I finally took the first steps in getting this together.
I think it’s triggered by a traumatic event. I noticed that mine was linked to lack of sleep and high blood pressure. The moment I started prioritizing sleep, diet, and exercise. I was able to drive further and further and further. I’ve also learned how to talk myself down. BUT, you must drive long distances on a regular.
Because you spoke about your illness, you have saved and given hope to so many! Good job!
I know a man who hasn't and can't leave his small little town near the city I live in. He hasn't left the town his entire life, over 50 years. It's sad. Hope the best for everyone struggling with this.
That is major courage - I am so glad this gentlemen reached out and got outside his bubble. It is part of social anxiety, doubled up with covid isolation. It is constant fear. It helps to practice and think positive and realize that no one is looking at you - no one will remember what you did or didn't do. I repeat in my head "so what and who cares" it helps to have a good mantra for those uncomfortable times.
Good comment. God bless
Yup. So what who cares are the words my therapist used to help me with my anxiety 16 years ago and it helped. Now that the world is opening back up here is anxiety/agoraphobic type alarms (tensing up while walking because I literally stop breathing when I walk past people happening again. I started telling myself "so what, who cares" again followed with exposure.
@@Yummy2u I think it's worst when you're younger it's how the undeveloped brain of a young person is wired, to worry too much what other people think as you get older you get wisdom and know that it doesn't matter and yeah who cares.
As someone who was housebound myself for six years, I understood everything he was going through.
Its so nice to be free when you finally overcome it.
You didn't leave house for 6 years
@@orisdawood8056 no
I didn't leave the house for 4 years. I recovered last October.
@@BeingBetter yayyy!
How did you recover?
WE SEE YOU CECIL!!!! And we are oh so very proud of you!!! 💐🎉
I haven’t left my house in probably 3 or 4 years. I went to the post office a few days ago and thought I would faint.
But you did it, and that's amazing!!
Thank you for covering this. I've been trying to overcome agoraphobia as well that developed in recent years as a result of PTSD. The road to recovery isn't easy but it's not impossible. I think one of the most difficult things about it is really how misunderstood it is by others that assume something else. I've only seen it depicted in films (Kimi, The Woman in the Window, Copycat etc) a handful of times as well. Definitely needs more coverage.
Wow... What a inspiring story... A lot of people can relate too. I thank everyone involved in this story...
So happy for this Cecil. He deserves happiness thru all the suffering he’s been through. His eyes weigh heavy. I see you pain. I know this pain. May God continue watching over you and blessing you with overcoming your demons.
I am 62 years old and I have the same things this man has or had. Since I was 16 years old. I have been in therapy and on every medicine out there. I’m worse the older I get. I don’t know how to get better. You live in a jail in your own home and even at home I still have panic attacks. It is so hard and so silent because you desperately want to feel normal. This really made me cry because I wish I could do why he did. Bless him. 💕
I pray you 1. Seek the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves you, He created you and thus can and will heal you. Pray He leads you to a person who can deliver you and disciple you more and more into His Love everyday ❤️
@@billion86 Thank You 💕
It is so very hard. Going through the same...I will be 40 this year.💗
Do listen to shan kassam on this
I have social anxiety as well as other mental illness and am neurodiversive but I am someone who enjoys wearing beautiful colorful hair, nails, clothing, etc and people love to touch me without my permission and bother me but I am not good with asserting my boundaries but since I do not it just builds up over time to where I will go 0 to 100 which is not good for anyone. I already feel uncomfortable and often sweat profusedly in social situations so to have people constantly invading my space has made me stay inside even more. I have stopped wearing my hair in bright pretty colors but my natural hair also causes unwanted attention at times. The times I have stood up for myself have been empowering but I feel so much anxiety/anger that it can cause physical pain since I am also dealing with an invisible physical disability. I am glad to see a fellow Black person who is dealing with these issues as we are often ignored and left out of these conversations so much so that our community often ignores these issues. Especially since there is an earned mistrust of medical science and psychology within our communities as well as many of us being overly religious/superstitious.
Thank you for sharing your story. I suffered alone for a long time. Thank God, good meds, and an even better therapist. I owe them my life.
my heart goes out for this man. this was precious. There are so many who are stuck, some who wear their anxieties as a badge, and this chap put himself out there to get better.
Its been 20 years for me ...I don't go out on my own, don't drive. Its harder than people think and not a lot of help :( I want to live
I’m with you sir, I have battled this for 15 years now and it’s truly should destroying. I have about a 4 mile radius, better than it was a few years ago, but my main fear is being in a city.
It’s the spirit of Fear that keeps people bound like this. I pray he’s completely freed from it.
Great reporting, especially considering so many deal with mental issues… this was needed.
This brought me to tears. So happy for you Cecil and everyone else conquering their fears. 💙
Thank you so much for sharing your story! You have helped countless people!
It's life stealing! And there's so much guilt when you can't get out of your house. Constantly canceling plans.
It's a nightmare existence.
I'm a much more complicated case than this gentleman.
I'd be open to documenting what it's like living with it. 😔
Wish I could find help for my son🤕he has been in the house since right B4 the pandemic. I'm old and can't even make him see that it's something so wrong. But this story gives me so much hope because he is a great guy too.
Prayers for you and your son!!
@@stephanniesenegal thank you your prayers are so appreciated. If I had any strength I'd pull him out to get him help!
.
Just to be clear, I don’t think anyone enjoys driving around town, waiting in lines, going to the grocery store, or going to the doctor.
So proud of this man and thankful to for this amazing transition. This was so helpful on so many levels.
I would’ve never been able to pull off in the car when going to the therapist. Idk how those exercises worked but I think I need extensive work to get to that point. I’m happy he’s getting where he needs to be. I’ve missed so many therapy sessions just because of panic attacks. It’s crazy.
Lots of people dont know how real this is
Me too 👋🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I've missed sooo many appointments and opportunities as well. Been suffering since 2011..
I had this in college in the early 2000s but didn't realize that I actually had a disorder. I would miss classes, procrastinating about the smallest things like getting dressed, gathering my info. needed for classes, telling myself that I'd leave my room right after the hallway cleared of people getting on and off the elevators, after a particular tv show would go off, etc. It would be anything just to avoid the anxiety I had thinking about walking across campus to classes. I knew that I was failing but that still was not enough to make me hustle to class. It was like a force was stopping me from being able to do what every other student took for granted. Then after I'd miss a class, I'd have a wave of guilt over me because I let myself down. It was a real struggle. One of my professors thought I was just lazy. I never explained to him what I was going through because I was too embarrassed and thought he'd think that I was making an excuse. Also, I didn't want him to spread it to other professors, which would have made it worse.
Great story! what is the name of the breath they are doing with exhalation? Anybody knows? I think it's some pranayama breath, but I am not sure the name
My wife suffers from Agoraphobia I pray she overcomes like this Brother
I know how he feels… I struggle with social anxiety. It is very difficult. It is hard for me to keep a job and to make friends and go to school in person and the store. I hate it.
I So Glad He's Moving On!! I feel his pain..Keep Moving...Some People Don't Understand!
I completely understand what he is going through. I have suffered from this since my mother passed back in 2019. Can't explain why this happens. I am able to drive to places, but I still have trouble crossing bridges. I feel as if I am going to black out from anxiety. It is a tough life to live. I pray that he overcomes this.
God I hope it's not hereditary. My mother couldn't drive over bridges, neither can I. I hope my children never experience this.
@@AfricancoolChic it is strange because I only started to experience when I hit my 30s. Here I am almost 40 dealing with it.
I struggled with that for two years as well as not wanting to take the mask off in public. I found myself going on drives but not being able to leave the car. It was a long two years. Now I’m more active and am out more because I have to be.
It’s trapped emotions from past trauma .
My favorite part was watching the beginning segment of him taking a jog. That gave me hope.
Congratulations and I wish you continued success God bless you
Thank you for coming out seeing another black person go through the crippling nature of an anxiety disorder makes me feel hopeful about my own. Mental health disorders are seen as a ‘white’ thing but the reality is they are not bound by race. You are my inspiration!
I've been going through this for 12 years....I'm definitely inspired to break this bad habit.
So proud of you, Cecil! Keep up the good work!
I am so proud!! What a great piece! Congratulations Cecil
I have had agoraphobia so severe I didn't leave the house for a year once, now only for medical appointments. This story of bravery and rational thinking is really inspirational and I hope to beat this fear one day and be able to travel more than 20 mins from home anytime I want.
A year?!?!😳 Did you order digaling during this time or just used batteries ?🤔
I’m a flight attendant and I get to see hundreds of people everyday at work. People from all over the world. You just never know what people are going through. Thank you for sharing your story. What an inspiration to many out there who maybe struggling with this.
I’ve never even really heard much about this illness. But I am beyond proud of this man for facing his fears, he is now an inspiration for many others.
Wow I would have never thought that by looking at him. He's very handsome and well put together. I'm glad he is doing a lot better. I have anxiety issues to but not to that extent.
I hate having anxiety. Sometimes I am paralyzed with fear I can't get out the bed. I have to stop letting people opinions, emotions and problems affect me. I have a problem with worrying about things I can't control. It's easier said then done.
It is good to see someone challenging their illness, this is very inspiring and comforting.