Agoraphobia
And Agoraphobia Symptoms
Giving Up Turf To Anxiety
Some people who have anxiety and many who suffer from panic attacks also have agoraphobia. If you go out of your way to avoid places or situations you fear will trigger a panic attack – – then you have agoraphobia.
It probably started after you experienced your first panic attack. For example, maybe you went to a ball game and – – out of the blue – – had a panic attack there. So now, you stay away from stadiums or other large venues so you won’t get “trapped” if you start to panic.
Agoraphobia
Because panic attacks scare the daylights out of you, it’s understandable that you’ll do almost anything to try and head them off. Unfortunately, avoiding things has the opposite effect: it keeps anxiety and panic going strong! Not only that, agoraphobia has a way of spreading to more and more parts of your life. As you give up more “turf” to anxiety, the activities you used to enjoy shrink.
Agoraphobia
Many people with agoraphobia are afraid of going beyond their “Safe Haven” fearing they won’t be able to cope or get help if they have a panic attack. Your Safe Haven may be geographic – – just a few miles from home. Or it may be always knowing where your “Safety People” are if you need them – – meaning if you have a panic attack.
I don’t need to tell you how many aspects of everyday life can be affected by your agoraphobia; you’re probably an expert on this subject:
All of these situations are – – in your mind – – are dangerous. And so, you avoid them – – or “white knuckle” your way through them. Either way, you are perpetuating the panic cycle.
Agoraphobia
Fortunately, there is proven, effective treatment for agoraphobia. You CAN reclaim the “turf” you lost to anxiety and take back your life! Overcoming agoraphobia entails 4 steps.
How To Get Started
I offer a free phone consultation to discuss your situation, answer your questions and tell you how I would approach treating your problem.