'Becoming a postman has cured my agoraphobia'

A man whose agoraphobia left him virtually housebound for 20 years says he has been cured by becoming a postman.

Chris, from Jersey, said he had struggled with anxiety and panic attacks since returning to the island in his early 20s, after leaving to study music in Brighton. "At that point, I was a confident chap. Life was great," he said.

But when subsequent events in Chris's life left his mental health "unchecked", he started experiencing panic attacks and anxiety, which developed into agoraphobia.

He said it was only after starting work with Jersey Post during the Covid-19 pandemic that he started to recover and regain a normal life.

Chris said the fear of being in situations he could not escape from left him largely housebound.

He spent 20 years building a life in which he could avoid leaving his home.

Although he worked as a music teacher, his lessons were online or held at his home, he explained.

"It was just surviving from one day to the next," he said. "It was putting off living."

Even being left alone at home could be overwhelming for him, he said.

"My wife once went to the shop and left me on my own and I was terrified. That's what agoraphobia is. Sheer terror."

A turning point came during the Covid-19 pandemic when Chris's remote music work dried up and his wife suggested he applied for a job at Jersey Post.

"I thought I couldn't possibly do that," he said.

Chris said it took him two months to even be able to walk to the interview.

"When I actually got offered the job, I couldn't believe it. And it was an even bigger surprise when I said yes," he said.

He started in parcel processing but gradually moved into delivery work.

"The first day was pretty terrifying, but I enjoyed it. Day two was better and day two became day three."

He said the role had transformed his confidence, independence and life beyond work.

"I've literally just come back from my second family holiday ever," he said. "There is no way on earth I'd ever have imagined doing that before."

He said he had travelled to Ireland by boat and car but he did not yet feel able to get on a plane.

Chris said the support he received from colleagues at Jersey Post played a huge role in his recovery.

"This organisation has literally changed my life for the better," he said.

Chris said his wife and children helped get him through the hardest years.

"They've just been incredible," he said.

Paul Belhomme from Jersey Post said Chris was a "much-valued" member of the team.

"It's been an absolute pleasure to have helped him get back into work and to watch him grow both personally and professionally during his time with us," he said.

"From starting in processing to heading out on his own delivery round, Chris has worked very hard to get to where he is today.

"He's known in the team and by his customers, for his positivity and kindness."

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