Reclaiming Freedom from Agoraphobia

Despite what you may have heard or seen in the movies; agoraphobia is not only the fear of leaving your house. In fact, many people who struggle with it do leave their homes. However, they may avoid certain places or situations, especially those in which it may be difficult to escape like crowded or open spaces, public transport, standing in line, or driving. Agoraphobia often begins rearing its head after a particularly intense panic attack and often coincides with panic disorder (an anxiety disorder that involves panic attacks, intense fear, and worry about having another panic attack). Maybe the heart racing, dizziness and derealization hit you while walking in the mall, or while watching a movie at the theater. Logically, you may begin to fear/avoid these places or “white knuckle” your way through them. When a child touches a hot stove for the first time, chances are they aren’t going to do it ever again. I think we can all agree that is probably a good thing. The difference with agoraphobia is that the danger is not real, only perceived, and this cycle often leads to significant impairments in daily functioning. 

Individuals with agoraphobia often fear places that may be hard to escape due to the fight or flight response, a physiological reaction that prepares the body to fight or flee from a perceived threat. This is also what causes all the awful physical sensations of a panic attack. I think it’s fair to say that panic attacks are incredibly uncomfortable, so it makes sense that you want to avoid them at all costs. But, to break free from agoraphobia, you have to be willing (yes, I said it) to panic. It’s not about not panicking, it’s about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. (I recommend doing this incrementally with a trained Exposure and Response Prevention therapist.) Eventually, your brain will catch up and learn that you’re safe where you are. After all, a panic attack is a panic attack no matter if you have it at home in your “safe space,” stuck in a traffic jam, or out to dinner with friends. Become your own safe space and you will feel capable of handling discomfort wherever you are!