Du Page County has two chapters of AIM (Agoraphobics In Motion), a self-help group that originated in Michigan eight years ago. Agoraphobia, which literally translated means ”fear of the marketplace,” is generally associated with panic disorder.
Agoraphobics typically avoid places where they associate opportunities for panic attacks, such as crowded malls, busy expressways or high-rise elevators.
The Hinsdale AIM chapter meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday evening at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1st and Park Streets. The Elmhurst group gathers at Wagner Community Center, 130 W. Madison St., on Monday evenings at 7 p.m.
The philosophy of this self-help group is based on ”Ten Tools of Recovery”: belief, relaxation and meditation, self-talk (conversation with yourself to have courage), affirmations, image books (a personal collection of pictures showing anticipated goals, such as a trip on an airplane or shopping at a supermarket), goal setting, exposure, telephone support, group support and spirituality.
The purpose of AIM is to take the steps necessary toward recovery, coupled with understanding and support from others who share the disorder. Members help one another build self-confidence, make weekly goals, and chart a steady path leading to recovery.
The meetings, which last about two hours, usually have 10 to 15 participants and often have guest speakers.
One of the participants summed up the feelings of the group when she said, ”My world had become so narrow. I wasn`t going out of the house and hadn`t driven for over five years. Now I am in recovery, thanks to AIM.”
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For information on AIM call 708-636-6243 or 708-425-4597.
