Agoraphobia is a specific phobia of having a panic attack in a public place. Since panic attacks are the underlying problem of this condition, you will probably also experience some if not all of the symptoms panic attack sufferers deal with.
Before we can learn how to manage and reduce your agoraphobia, we need to learn to identify the symptoms and decide whether this is the particular phobia or anxiety you are dealing with.
To begin with a phobia is an excessive fear. We are all afraid of things; sharks, monsters, Frankenstein, the monster in the closet. A phobia isn´t this type of fear but rather an excessive fear of a specific object, circumstance or situation that interferes with your life.
Our general, transitory fears don´t become constant threats. I might be afraid to go in the water after watching a Jaws movie marathon but I get over it, go swimming with my daughter and don´t let the idea of sharks eating me enter my every waking thought and dominate my actions.
Agoraphobia is a specific phobia of having a panic attack in a public place. If you have it, here are some of the symptoms you might be experiencing:
1. Fear of being alone
2. Fear of being in a crowded place such as a ballpark, theater or mall.
3. Fear of losing control and looking foolish in a public place
4. Fear of being in places where it is hard to leave quickly, such as a friend´s car, an elevator, a cruise.
5. You are unable to leave your house for long periods or at all
6. You feel helpless
7. You are very dependent on other people
8. You feel disconnected from your body
You may only experience a few of these symptoms or all of them but these feelings can be crippling and signal that your panic attacks have triggered agoraphobia. This is a very common problem and many people who have frequent or even just one isolated panic attack can develop agoraphobia.
Since panic attacks are the underlying problem of this condition, you will probably also experience some if not all of the symptoms panic attack sufferers deal with such as:
• Being lightheaded
• Difficulty breathing or trouble swallowing
• Excessive sweating
• dizziness
• A rapid heart beat
• You might get easily flushed, nauseous or have an upset stomach or diarrhea
• You could also feel chest pain or a loss of control
Agoraphobia can strike in a variety of extremes. Some agoraphobics are so affected by the pervasiveness of their fear and anxiety that they are unable to leave their homes. In less severe forms it can still have a very detrimental impact on your life.
Some agoraphobics are unable to drive long distances, drive too far from their homes or even get into a car. At the most basic level, the typical sufferer will have anxiety about being away from their safe person, your spouse, parent, friend or anyone you have a strong bond with.
Another characteristic of the disorder is anxiousness. The anxiety stems from the phobia you feel about being caught in certain situations.
If your phobia manifests as the inability to drive too far from home, what if someone asked you to go somewhere farther than you normally do? How would you explain your way out of it? What if you need to pick your child up at a far away friend´s house? What if you´re asked to meet up somewhere far way? What if you had a panic attack on the way? Who would help you? What would happen to the kids? Who would raise them? Would your husband remember they can´t snack before dinner?
The thoughts race on and on, fueling the anxiety. Battling the worry and making excuses to avoid your phobic situations just becomes exhausting and draining. The obsession over what ifs and the high state of worry and anxiety just add fuel to the panic attack and agoraphobic fire.
Anxiety and Stress – A Risk of Heart Attack?
Anxiety and stress are known to make a patient get a feeling like heart attack due to rapid pulse and shortness of breath. According to a study it is suggested that shortness of breath or rapid pulse experienced due to stress may evoke a feeling similar to heart attack and even result in serious heart troubles in the long run.
Agoraphobia – Is a Treatment Possible in Worst Cases?
For most sufferers, Agoraphobia is like a living hell. They give up all hope due to the intensity of the symptoms they experience. When treated from an early stage, Agoraphobia can be cured easily. However, since a lot of people are unable to recognize the symptoms, they reach a stage where the condition becomes worse and they tend to fear whether or not cure is possible.
Social Phobia - How to Effectively Use Exposure Therapy to Combat Your Phobias!
Dealing with phobias can be troubling! These little fears can cause big reactions, leading to extreme anxiety, panic attacks and total avoidance of particular people, places, things and activities. Common phobias include fear of flying, fear of driving, fear of animals such as dogs and fear of public speaking. For many people, their fears and their anxieties don´t play a daily part in their lives but for phobia sufferers, their thoughts are always directed towards avoiding that which they fear. Exposure therapy is a great way to lessen the dread that so many phobia sufferers have to contend with but it needs to be approached effectively.
