agoraphobia

Until she starts discussing it (which she does so openly) you would find it hard to believe that, for the last 26 years, she has suffered from the anxiety attacks of agorophobia and social phobia that have left her physically unable to venture out into the outside world - and at times kept her a prisoner in her own home.

Initially diagnosed with agorophobia, often translated as fear of open spaces, it soon got to the stage where Kaye became a prisoner in her own home.

Still today, she has to force herself to go out - probably with a friend or relative waiting in the car outside, so she knows there's an escape if the anxiety attacks of agorophobia or social phobia come back.

To anyone who's suffering from social phobia or agorophobia I say firstly - it's not going to kill you, and secondly - get the right help, because there is help out there.