Michael overcomes Agoraphobia with his Ally, Mike

In the vast expanse of an arena, amidst the roar of over 17,000 hockey fans, Michael experienced something extraordinary. For someone who had spent much of his life confined within his home due to agoraphobia or fear of open and crowded spaces, attending a live Sens game was a monumental step towards recovery. Michael attributes his renewed confidence and trust to his dedicated Ally, Mike, and the support from ABLE2’s Matching Program.

Michael shared his remarkable experience just days after attending his first Ottawa Senators game with his Ally Mike, made possible by ABLE2’s donors. “I had a wonderful time at Canadian Tire Centre. I have never been in a place with so many people, but my Match kept me calm, and we stayed the whole time.”

Michael has lived with agoraphobia, mental and physical health issues, and has struggled with developing social connections and isolation. “People often come and go in just a blur to me, not knowing who they were or what they came for,” shares Michael about having limited interactions with other people in the community. Health Links then connected Michael to ABLE2 and signed him up for the Matching Program.

“I was skeptical that they would be able to help someone like me, or find me a match that would be compatible, but I decided to take one step to recovery at a time,” says Michael.

In the middle of the pandemic, ABLE2 called and said they had a Match for Michael. But with the lockdown restrictions in place, Michael and Mike were only able to connect over Zoom calls. As months progressed and restrictions were lifted, Mike would visit Michael at his home. Mike would encourage him to go for a walk for a few minutes outside, which turned into a quick coffee stop, and eventually a trip to the mall. “We tried to increase what I could do; go to a coffee shop, then the mall, and even Costco, which pushed my limits to the extreme,” says Michael. Little by little, Mike would encourage Michael to go on outings for longer periods and promoting physical activities to strengthen his legs and back. Michael slowly gained confidence and comfort in being in the community and experienced the recovery and transformation that this friendship encouraged.

On that day in March, the Ottawa Senators may have lost, but the biggest winner was Michael. He overcame the anxiety, the overwhelming noise, music, the number of people; something he never thought he would be able to do. “In the last 12 years, I’ve seen only a handful of people. Sometimes months would go by when I haven’t spoken a word to anyone. I am thrilled to see my accomplishments – how far I’ve come on my journey with the help of ABLE2 and Mike.”

Michael’s newfound confidence and trust are a result of the meaningful connection and friendship he has built with Mike. Reflecting on this journey, Michael has expressed profound gratitude for Mike.

“I was amazed and had so many better experiences. Looking forward to more outings if opportunities present themselves again. Thanks to my match, I’m getting healthier and better with each event he’s taken me on. I still can’t believe it – over 17,000 people in the arena and I didn’t have a panic attack. Thank you again to my match for his time to volunteer and becoming a great friend helping me overcome agoraphobia.”

Michael’s story is a testament to the impact of ABLE2’s Matching Program. It shows the transformative power of compassion and dedication in helping others overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Dedicated volunteers like Mike prove that just being there, showing up, and being a friend can make an incredible difference in another’s life.

Finally, Michael describes his Ally Mike as his Hero: “Not all heroes wear capes. A hero to me is someone who can show up no matter the outcome, and still, they come and can be counted on and trusted to do the right thing. I hold Mike in the highest regard. It’s not easy to deal with someone like me. Each and every day, I strive to be like him, to be a positive and giving person.”