The Way Out of Agoraphobia

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It is normal to feel worried or anxious from time to time. There are, however, indications when your fears are going overboard and no longer healthy.

Do you avoid places and feel extremely nervous whenever you leave your home? Do you dread being in a crowd? Do you often look for a way out or an escape when in unfamiliar places? Do you order groceries online instead of going to the supermarket because of fear? Does the very thought of leaving your home make you cringe?

If you answer yes to these questions, you may be experiencing agoraphobia. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for agoraphobia include the intense fear and anxiety of being in a place or situation where there is no feeling of safety and escape may be difficult, embarrassing or humiliating. Understandably, the fear caused by agoraphobia can lead to the avoidance of actual or anticipated dreadful situations, such as being in a crowd or being in open or enclosed areas. The uncontrollable urge to escape to a place of safety, usually your home, can cause you to isolate yourself and fear leaving your comfort zone.

Living with Agoraphobia

Statistics pertaining to agoraphobia reveal that this affects approximately 1.8 million adults in the United States alone. Symptoms vary from person to person, but most avoid places or situations that evoke panic. Unfortunately, most outside situations result in panic which can leave these individuals completely housebound.

Agoraphobia can cause an irrational fear of going outside or leaving your home, keeping you from living a rewarding life. At times when it is necessary to leave home, like when you are in need of medical care, you may feel more comfortable doing so if you are with someone you trust. This can also leave you feeling dependent on your support network. 

Unfortunately, this dependent setup only reinforces fears and makes recovery more difficult. Like other phobias, the best way to overcome agoraphobia can be to face up your fears slowly. This can be remarkably difficult to do. 

Symptoms of Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia can affect anyone at any age. The onset of agoraphobia can either be sudden or gradual, over a period of weeks, months, or even years. It can manifest intermittently for a considerable length of time before becoming a full-blown disorder. The severity of the symptoms can vary enormously, with many hiding their condition or living with their fears for many years.

The following symptoms identified by the Mayo Clinic are common with Agoraphobia. There is often a fear of: 

  • Leaving home alone.
  • Crowds or waiting in line.
  • Enclosed spaces
  • Open spaces
  • Using public transportation, such as a bus, plane or train.

Agoraphobia can also be accompanied by panic symptoms, though this is not true for everyone. There is often avoidance associated with agoraphobia and symptoms can dramatically impact the quality of your life. 

Finding the Way Out of Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia can be paralyzing. It can keep you from living your life as you would like to. While the symptoms can be overwhelming, you aren’t alone and recovery is possible. Counseling can be remarkably helpful in treating agoraphobia. 

Therapy can help you to identify triggers and ways to effectively cope. You can begin to move toward going out more in a way you are comfortable with. A therapist trained in treating agoraphobia can provide you with the skills and tools necessary to cope with the distress caused by agoraphobia so that you can move forward. There are many effective approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) that can work for you. 

Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC contracts with licensed counselors and therapists who can help. Call today to schedule your first appointment. Online counseling and in person sessions are available!

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