Why is agoraphobia more than just a fear of crowds?

You’ve probably heard of agoraphobia, but what exactly does it mean? More importantly, why do so many people suffer from it? If you’re unaware of the disorder, it can be very frustrating when you don’t understand why you act in certain ways or why you refuse to go out in public at times. In this article, we’ll explore what agoraphobia means and how to find relief from its symptoms.

Agoraphobia Symptoms

Agoraphobia is often caused by panic attacks, which are triggered when someone has become overly sensitized to the prospect of experiencing a traumatic event. There are plenty of people who suffer from panic attacks that never develop agoraphobia, but for those who does, it can quickly become debilitating as they continually avoid potential triggers out of terror that these situations will make them experience another attack.

9 Ways to Deal with Agoraphobia

When you have agoraphobia, it can seem like the world is closing in on you. But remember, it's nothing to be ashamed of and there are ways to manage your anxiety in social situations. Try these tips next time you're out with friends or acquaintances:

1) Remind yourself that being nervous in this situation isn't a sign of weakness.

 2) Take deep breaths as often as possible to lower your heart rate.

 3) find one thing you can focus on (like a piece of art).

 4) Talk about something else instead of focusing on how anxious you feel.

5) Smile and make eye contact when appropriate (even if it feels unnatural).

6) Move around as much as possible.

7) Put things in perspective-you don't want to miss out on an opportunity for fun!

8) Remember that others may not know what you're feeling, so don't get caught up overthinking their actions.

9) Repeat positive thoughts like I'm doing great and I'll get through this.

 

How to Cope with Agoraphobia Naturally

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that can cause panic attacks, or even make you housebound. You may find yourself avoiding large crowds and public places because of your fear. It may also cause people to avoid going out at all, because they are scared to leave their comfort zone. It's a disorder with many misconceptions attached to it, including the belief that there's no treatment for it, which couldn't be further from the truth. With patience and determination, as well as practicing mindfulness meditation techniques, most people can recover from agoraphobia. One way is by breathing deeply when faced with uncomfortable situations, in order to gain some control over your body's reactions.