If I were to say that good can come from agoraphobia and panic disorder, some of you would probably have the desire to shove bamboo shoots under my fingernails! Yet I've discovered that several good things have happened to me because I am agoraphobic. Let me tell you about some of them... IF NOT FOR AGORAPHOBIA...I would never have discovered a long dormant talent - the ability to write stories and poems. IF NOT FOR AGORAPHOBIA...I might never have realized that grey is also a color - that everything is not black or white. IF NOT FOR AGORAPHOBIA...It's likely that I wouldn't have given all that much thought to those who suffer from emotional and mental illness. IF NOT FOR AGORAPHOBIA...I would have never come in contact with other sufferers, either by correspondence or confrontation and realized just how much caring and sharing there is in this world of ours. IF NOT FOR AGORAPHOBIA...I wouldn't have a new computer...a bulletin board covered with beautiful sentiments...a photo-frame with photos of some very special people. IF NOT FOR AGORAPHOBIA...I might not appreciate the simple things...watching the birds feed in my garden...marvel at the beauty of the lowly weed...be fascinated by the intricate pattern of frost on my window...watch eagerly for the rainbow after the shower. IF NOT FOR AGORAPHOBIA...Would I be the fighter I am today? We agoraphobics are great fighters on a par with those heroes honored for their bravery. We, being "unsung heroes", may never be awarded medals yet we face each day with great determination, despite the extreme inner turmoil. I could erase all I have written with the words...IF NOT FOR AGORAPHOBIA...I might have gone far...reached great heights, but I'm not sure of that. All I am sure of is what I have accomplished to this point, despite adversity! By Eileen Power © 1989